Starts with Us: Overcoming extreme divisions in the US

I tripped over an organization that focuses on bridging the political and cultural crevasses in our country. I’m impressed with the reasoned, researched-based steps proposed by this organization. And I’m astounded that its website doesn’t request donations.

Here are some steps Starts with Us recommends:

“The 3Cs Framework: Habituating Curiosity, Compassion, and Courage to foster independent thinking and constructive communication across our differences.

“Media: Bringing our values to life through digital exercises, games, mini documentaries, and more.

“Technology: Leveraging technology to help people form and maintain positive relational habits.

“Community: Sparking change at the grassroots level by giving people the inspiration and tools to live these values.”

As a sample of this group’s offerings, view this 4:55 minute video, “Shot by Police: Leon Ford’s Journey to Radical Courage”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E5VI0lea5M

This video features Leon Ford, one of the 100+ founders of Starts with Us.

If you are intrigued by these ideas, check out a more cerebral description in this 4:14 minute video, “How to Overcome Toxic Polarization:”

https://www.startswith.us/findingthewayout

Starts with Us offers daily exercises to reinforce their 5 practices. Check these out below the video on their website.

I feel frustrated as I cope with these divisions. I need to change my behavior to be more receptive to people with different world views. This is one possible means to that end.

Submitted by Teresa Wilmot