The Potluck Project Goes National

This past year, Paths to Understanding has spent a significant amount of time developing our Potluck Project. This program, PTU’s first nation-wide endeavor, reflects our growing national reach as an organization. We are committed to being locally rooted here in Western Washington and simultaneously being nationally engaged in collaboration and conversation with partners around the…

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Ripple Effects

Tom Friedman argues that humanity is currently facing two immense challenges: These forces are reshaping our world at an overwhelming pace, creating deep anxiety for many. However, I believe he overlooks a third critical challenge: the loneliness of individuals and the isolation of groups. Individual loneliness has become both a public health and mental health…

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Who Are We?

Who are we? Like many of you, I’m reflecting on the values that shape our actions and beliefs in the United States. There’s a lot of reflection happening right now about what our values are—and this conversation is deeply needed. It’s also crucial to remember how complex we all are, each of us carrying layers…

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Casting out Fear

Love casts out fear. But love is more than a slogan, a meme, or a scolding comment. True love is built in person-to-person and group-to-group relationships. Most of us feel lonely. Most groups don’t connect with others outside their circles. After centuries of layered dehumanization and constant negative news about each other, it’s no wonder…

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Repairing Our Foundations

When I was in 4th grade, we discovered a problem with our house’s foundation. There was a soft spot in the kitchen floor. During construction, they hadn’t removed enough dirt, leading to high humidity and poor air circulation. As a result, some of the posts and beams in the house were rotting. But there was…

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