A few weeks ago, more than 70 people gathered for the public celebration of Let’s Go Together in Skagit County.
Over the previous months, they had participated in conversations, shared meals, visited one another’s communities, and asked human questions. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Indigenous, people of many cultures and backgrounds, people of many ecoinomic situations, longtime residents and newcomers, conservatives and progressives—all making time to meet people they might never have met otherwise.
In a time when many Americans hear about one another through social media, cable news, and political campaigns, there is something powerful about simply being in the same room.
The goal is not agreement.
The goal is relationship.
At Paths to Understanding, we often say that trust grows at the speed of relationship. That may sound simple, but it turns out to be deeply important.
The social sciences tell us that social distance matters. The less contact we have with people from other groups, the easier it becomes to fear them, misunderstand them, or believe the worst stories about them.
But the opposite is also true.
When people meet face-to-face, when they share meals, tell stories, and discover common hopes and concerns, something begins to change.
Not everything changes.
People do not suddenly agree about politics, religion, or public policy.
But they begin to see one another as human beings.
And that changes what becomes possible.
That is why we are so excited about our next step.
This summer, we are launching a new youth initiative in Skagit County built on the relationships and lessons of Let’s Go Together.
Young people today are growing up in a world shaped by social media, polarization, loneliness, and anxiety. Many are hungry for places where they can belong, be heard, and learn how to navigate differences with courage and respect.
- We believe those skills can be practiced.
- We believe belonging can be cultivated.
- We believe young people can become leaders who know how to build bridges rather than walls.
The youth program will create opportunities for young people from different communities and backgrounds to learn together, build relationships, and discover what it means to contribute to the common good.
This is not simply an investment in youth.
It is an investment in the future of our communities.
At the same time, we continue to support Potluck Project gatherings across the country. More than 250 organizations and communities have downloaded the Potluck Project toolkit, helping neighbors create first experiences with one another and strengthen the trust that communities need.
- Every conversation matters.
- Every relationship matters.
- Every young person who learns how to engage difference with curiosity instead of fear matters.
This work is possible because people like you believe a healthier society is worth building.
Would you consider making a gift to support this work?
Your contribution helps us expand youth engagement, strengthen community relationships, and create opportunities for neighbors to meet, learn, and work together.
The challenges facing our society are real. But every day we see people choosing connection over suspicion and relationship over division.
Thank you for helping make that possible.
With gratitude,
Rev. Terry Kyllo
Executive Director
Paths to Understanding