The Potluck Project
A ‘Whole of Society’ Response
We’ve all felt it. It’s not just in our heads—researcher Robert Putnam has been tracking this disconnection for decades. His work shows what many of us already know: since the 1960s, Americans have become more isolated, less trusting, and less engaged in community life. This loss of connection makes everything harder—raising kids, solving local problems,…
Read MoreWalking and Chewing Gum at the Same Time
We’re living in a time of deep urgency. We see real threats to democracy, rising violence, and growing division. People are tired, angry, and worried about what’s coming next. It’s tempting to focus only on the most urgent crises. And to be honest, sometimes we have to. When there’s a fire, you put it out.…
Read MoreFinding Each Other
Last week, we gathered people around tables to discover their shared power. On Thursday, we teamed up with Seattle University’s Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland for a Potluck Project event. We brought together about twenty-two leaders to experience what the Potluck Project is all about. It’s not…
Read MoreCertain Inalienable Rights
I have the cane that Rabbi Levine carved for Father Treacy. It sits beside me now. On it, he carved these words: The road to God is paved with love Unity in diversity These two men dedicated their lives to bringing people together. By unity, they didn’t mean sameness. They meant that we can bring…
Read MoreCultivate Deep Joy
These are heavy times for many people. In nearly every meeting I attend, I hear stories of fear, pain, and the erosion of love for our neighbors. People see communities retreating inward, turning away from the shared responsibility to care for one another. I have heard: This list came easily. We all could add to…
Read MoreResponding to this Moment: Part 2
Last week I spoke about some of the inner resources and strategic approaches we need to sustain long-term work on the big challenge of social isolation. I want to wrap up this reflection on responses by talking about the central tactics of Paths to Understanding’s work. We are aiming to create a cohesive set of…
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