On May 8, around 130 people gathered at the Lincoln Theater in Mount Vernon, WA, for the third Let’s Go Together event of this year. It was a truly inspiring evening.
Eight speakers from diverse traditions, cultures, economic backgrounds, ages, and identities answered one central question:
What were you taught by your tradition(s), culture(s), or family about honoring our common humanity, respecting each other, and living in community together?
Their responses were powerful. We will share a video from the event soon.
This third gathering was different from the first two. The first two events were invitation-only, bringing together 110 people from 35 diverse groups to share stories and engage in service. The third event was open to the public — but it was also something more.
The purpose of this public gathering was to help the diverse groups in Skagit County truly see each other.
We heard from a Muslim, a person who was formerly unhoused, a queer Christian pastor, a Jewish cantor, a Hispanic community leader, a Catholic layperson, a member of the Bahá’í community, and an Indigenous elder — all speaking to our shared humanity. We enjoyed a traditional dance from the Oaxaca region of Mexico and clapped together in unison to an Irish song.
But most of all, the people of Skagit County got to see one another as the beautiful, richly diverse community we truly are. Those who attended will share these stories.
We made a call to action to rebuild the relational foundation of our nation:
Individuals
- Share a story about coming together
- Get to know your neighbors
- Lend a hand when you see a need
- Host a neighborhood potluck
- Greet folks around your community
Groups
- Tell a story about us all coming together
- Speak well of other groups
- Invite partnership
- Support another organization’s initiatives
- Participate in Let’s Go Together next year
- Host a Potluck Project event in your community
Even if you weren’t able to attend this powerful gathering in Mount Vernon, these actions are possible right where you are.
The good news is this: People are already doing this work all across the nation. That frees us up to do what we can in our own neighborhoods – no more, and no less. When we do, we make us visible to us. And we will like what we see.