Second annual MPU Fellowship class photo with SGM(R) Richard Rice, original member of Delta Force
The American story has always been written by everyday people stepping up to make their voices heard. Stories have the power to transform the way we see, empathize, interact and disagree with one another. They have the power to bring us together, but also pull us apart.
Today our airwaves are flooded with negative and demonizing stories that pit “us” versus “them.” This toxic narrative is impacting our families, friendships, schools, workplaces, faith communities, local communities, and legislative bodies at all levels. We need positive, powerful stories of hope that rise above the hostility and inspire unity over division.
Explore those stories shared by your fellow Americans, and contribute your own voice.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon (NE) wrote in the Wall Street Journal: “We live in the greatest country in the world. To maintain our greatness, we need more focus on consensus-building and less on hating our fellow Americans… Americans need to start demanding more from their elected officials.”
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CBS Eye on America’s Major Garrett joins a group of about 30 Americans with diverse political leanings as they embark on a rafting trip along a North Carolina river. The goal of the journey wasn't to change minds or persuade anyone to any point of view, but simply to forge connections across a seemingly widening divide.
U.S. high school seniors who participate in the American Exchange Project (or AEP) are sent on a free, week-long trip to a hometown very different from their own. CBS News correspondent Lee Cowan talks with AEP's co-founder, David McCullough III, and with students who have crossed the boundaries of blue states and red states to find the grey areas of common ground.
A 2023 poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe the country is more divided than ever, and Jake Harriman believes he has the answer to bridging the divide: Veterans. The Iraq War veteran founded A More Perfect Union, a group that equips veterans to become leaders in their community to bring people from opposite ends of the political spectrum together through community service. Harriman joins Chris Cuomo on News Nation’s “CUOMO” to talk about the organization and what he hopes to achieve.
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At a local brewery in Winchester, KY, people from across the region showed up for a conversation about how to rebuild trust and strength in their local community, as well as the country. “Sick and tired of our divisive politics, these folks showed up because they yearned for a new path forward… Americans today want something deeper and more meaningful than just a new president in the Oval Office.”
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The Minnesota Council of Churches recently launched a new iteration of its Respectful Conversations initiative, and is now bringing facilitated discussions on the election across the state. They hope it will cultivate more empathy and curiosity in Minnesota communities, rather than division.
One Small Step brings strangers with different political views together to record a 50-minute conversation—not to debate politics, but to learn who we are as people.
The Aspen Institute’s Weave Project showcases community-driven efforts across the U.S. to rebuild trust and strengthen social bonds through local actions, inspiring others to join in and foster meaningful connections.
If you have a story you'd like to share, please complete the form below. Our team will then be in touch to discuss next steps. We look forward to hearing your story of hope!
