My journey to our recent Let’s Go Together event began over ten years ago. In my work to counter anti-Muslim bigotry, I witnessed the deepening social distance between us. This distance left us vulnerable to dehumanizing narratives, slander, and growing fear.
Through this work, I found companionship with people of many traditions and cultures who, like me, saw the danger we were walking into by walking away from each other. Along the way, I learned from thousands of people. With our staff, board of directors, and more recently, the Let’s Go Together Council, we have now embarked on the second round of Let’s Go Together – a public partnership of several dozen community organizations in Skagit County.
Since May 2024, we have been connecting with new people over coffee, networking, and preparing for our second year. Viveka, our Let’s Go Together coordinator, and I have met several times in recent weeks, managing countless details. Our staff has engaged in thoughtful discussions, ensuring everything was in place.
As Thursday arrived, I found myself filled with many emotions. The social distance that has shaped our society has also changed me. Before the event at the Mount Vernon Public Library, I visited the Mount Vernon Riverwalk. I began at the Story Pole. Its eagle wings are spread wide in welcome—one wing for the Indigenous people and one for the newcomers. I stood before it for a while, reflecting. Then, I walked along the river, feeling the remarkable warmth of the sun. I thought about the Upper Skagit Tribe, their canoes navigating the river to fish, to transport, to gather with family and neighboring tribes. They held meals together, strengthening their connections.
This rooted me for the evening ahead.
As I walked, I noticed a Buddhist meditating in the sun. I waited until he concluded his meditation and then struck up a conversation. I shared that we would love for Buddhists to join Let’s Go Together. We agreed to continue our conversation in the future.
When Upper Skagit Elder skʔalx̌ax̌aličəʔ and I arrived at the event, Viveka and the team were already setting up. We joined in, enjoying the unfolding evening.
Upper Skagit musician Swil Kanim began the event with drumming and violin. He helped our hearts to beat together. He reminded us of the power of what we were doing and gave us a deep breath to begin that work together.
That night, eighty-six people participated. We sat around tables, listening deeply to each other’s responses to meaningful human questions. I could see people leaning in, rediscovering something we have all been missing: each other.
This year, we saw an even greater diversity of experiences, cultures, and faith traditions in those who attended. Since the beginning of humanity, we have gathered in this way. It is in our bones.
Each table was guided by a facilitator who had experienced Let’s Go Together last year, ensuring that conversations remained respectful and meaningful.
Something felt different at the start of this second year. This work feels more essential now than ever. My heart sensed something like roots growing within the people present—roots intertwining in the soil of Skagit County.
As we concluded, I honored the courage that it took people to come. They each had their own journey – emotional, spiritual, and physical. Each walked the narrow path of hope to arrive. That is worth honoring!
Along the river, the eagle’s outstretched wings welcomed us and welcomed us to each other.
