On July 6, the Thriving Together Washington Civic Innovation Forum gathered faith leaders, community organizers, and civic innovators from across the state on Zoom. Paths to Understanding convenes this forum in partnership with Renew to Thrive and the InterMovement Impact Project — because this is exactly the civic engagement work we believe our moment requires: not one more argument, but the patient rebuilding of trust between groups. Setting this table is part of our commitment to strengthening the civic fabric of Washington State.
A theme ran through every conversation: our differences are not the problem — our distance is. And closing that distance takes intention.
Honest conversation across real divides. Jason Levine described work within Washington’s Jewish community, deeply divided since October 7th, to expand civil discourse — including partnerships with Paths to Understanding and Seattle University. The goal is not consensus. It is honest, sustained conversation that names the elephants in the room and builds mutual respect anyway. Scott Rasmussen and Gen Heywood named something many communities share right now: a feeling of isolation, even abandonment. The answer they pointed to is the same one we keep finding — intentional gatherings, patient outreach, and sensitivity to what communities have been through.
Rural belonging, rebuilt one conversation at a time. Conny Crow shared how Oaksdale — a town of 380 people — is using the Community Heart and Soul process to rebuild trust. Over 265 residents have been personally interviewed, with no political or religious agenda, just an invitation to share their stories. The result: growing civic pride, deeper participation, and a renewed sense that showing up matters.
Measuring what matters. Bobby Milstein and partners from Thriving Together NCW showed how simple tools — a two-question thriving scale, a belonging barometer — help communities see who feels excluded and act on it. The lesson from Oaksdale held here too: when people see their input lead to real change, trust and participation grow together.
Caring for whole families. Yuni Medlin described Pierce County’s Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, where early learning, housing stability, and crisis support are woven together across generations — meeting people in the trusted spaces of childcare centers, churches, and food banks.
Strengthening our democracy. Faith leaders have a role in free, fair, and honored elections. A recent gathering at Seattle University drew 50 faith leaders into study and dialogue about our civic responsibilities, and Joan Blades from Living Room Conversations introduced Trust for Elections, which builds confidence in local election processes through storytelling and cross-partisan conversation. As Joan put it, trust in elections starts with trust between people.
None of this is quick work. It is civic muscle — a practice of curiosity, empathy, and interdependence, built through repeated contact and shared purpose. It grows every time someone makes the first call, sets the table, and listens without rushing to fix.
That is the work Paths to Understanding is committed to, community by community. If you’re ready to make a first call of your own, we’d love to help.