Finding 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 More

Relationships Are Foundational

In a time of growing division and isolation, it’s easy to forget that human societies have always depended on relationships—especially between groups. From ancient trade routes to cross cultural discussions, history shows us that thriving communities aren’t just built on individual connections but on how whole groups interact, collaborate, and find common ground. The Rippel…

Read More

Responding 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…

Read More

PTU a Community Fellow with Seattle University’s CEIE

We are excited that Paths to Understanding is the first Community Fellow with the Seattle University’s Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement for 2024-2025 school year. At PTU’s December Board meeting the Board approved with great excitement this partnership. The Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE) at Seattle University is committed to working alongside…

Read More

Meeting This Moment: Part One

(This is the first of three articles in a series.) To function well for its citizens, our society needs three major assets, according to Jonathan Haidt and other experts: About 75% of Americans are worried about the state of our democracy. Robert Putnam says our social capital is at a one-hundred-year low. At the same…

Read More

A Look Ahead

I remember how I felt at this time last year—filled with hope and anticipation for our Let’s Go Together process in Skagit County. We had a plan, a new coordinator, and some courageous leaders and organizations willing to take a chance with us. At that point, about 10 people had signed up to participate. In…

Read More