(Medium) — At a time when our national narrative often is dominated by negativity and division, especially in the midst of an election cycle, how can our diverse democracy live up to the ideals of e pluribus unum — out of many, one? Though these stories may not make the headlines, many Americans are already showing us, every day.
As the CEOs of four major civic institutions — Catholic Charities USA, Habitat for Humanity International, Interfaith America, and the YMCA of the USA — we are inspired by the countless community leaders across the country who uphold these core tenets of diverse democracy: namely, that what unites us is greater than what divides us; that we are stronger together when we do not minimize, but embrace and celebrate our differences; and that we must commit every day to uplifting the dignity and humanity of all people. These leaders are living out the founding principles of our nation, with many drawing on the deep well of diverse religious traditions.
Two years ago, galvanized by our shared commitment to these ideals and our belief that civic institutions are uniquely positioned to bring communities together, we launched the Team Up Project. Team Up’s mission is simple — to empower people to build connections across differences through shared service within their local communities. We knew that each of our institutions already provided meaningful opportunities for individuals to connect in this way. We also knew that by being more intentional about these opportunities and by incorporating research-backed techniques, we could achieve greater results. We got to work.
In May 2023, we convened more than 100 leaders from our organizations for “bridgebuilding” training led by the team at Interfaith America. Bridgebuilding prioritizes cultivating communities defined by respect for diverse identities, relationship-building across lines of difference, and collaborative action based on shared values. The vibrant and growing field of bridgebuilding is a valuable resource to any leader looking to re-weave our social fabric. Leaders in the Team Up network were empowered by Interfaith America’s curriculum, which focuses on the concept of pluralism, the skills of listening and storytelling, tactics to defuse conflicts, and leveraging community assets for the common good.
We asked these leaders to identify the most challenging divides in their communities and map pathways for service to bring people together. We provided resources, training, and support — and then let them lead. Since that first training, our leaders have activated Team Up bridgebuilding initiatives in 32 communities. This month we welcome another 32 communities to Team Up.
We are absolutely inspired by the work that is unfolding.
In North Carolina, a Habitat for Humanity affiliate hosted a home build day, bringing together members of the local LGBTQ community with more theologically conservative church members to build understanding without diminishing difference. Volunteers worked together on three homes, breaking for a picnic lunch before returning to the build. Catholic Charities of Louisville, Kentucky is hosting shared work days on community gardens that help connect diverse neighbors and provide healthy food for those in need. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin Habitat for Humanity chapter hosted a “Faith Blitz” day that engaged a variety of religiously diverse communities in a home build, with meals and conversation. The YMCA and the Catholic Charities agency in Austin, Texas, partnered with a community organization supporting unhoused community members. Members of all three communities shared a meal before building outreach packets together to be shared with additional unhoused people in the community.
These stories — snapshots of the Team Up projects developing throughout the United States — shine a light on the path toward a more united nation. While we see these acts of cooperation and service every day, we want to share these stories of civic strength with others. Team Up is proud to partner with “Belonging Begins With Us,” an Ad Council and American Immigration Council campaign, on the “Shared Table” PSA. From the dinner table to service opportunities, book clubs, games, and local youth sports, we have opportunities every day to come together across lines of difference and cultivate stronger, more connected communities — a pursuit at the heart of Team Up.
As was the case at the start of Team Up, we are deeply committed to using the infrastructure of our national networks to expand these practices across the country. We are building the financial resources to make this vision a reality, and we are deeply grateful to our early funders that joined us in this endeavor, including AmeriCorps, Einhorn Collaborative, Solidarity Giving, Starbucks Foundation, and Webber Family Foundation. These collaborations are early proof that our hunch — that we should bet on the power of civic institutions to unite communities — was correct.
Of course, that’s not to say that this has been easy work. National collaborations are challenging and multifaceted, but Team Up is showing that they are also possible. We are tackling big questions together, including how to do this on a larger scale, how to finance it, and how to navigate the competing demands that participants face. Local leaders have shared their own difficulties, conveying concerns about divisions that are deepening rather than closing, jeopardizing staff or community safety, or even endangering the local trust that their institutions hold, as a result. But despite these risks, leaders across the country continue to raise their hands.
“It’s part of our values to do hard things,” says Rheanne Suszek, Executive Director of the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit.
We couldn’t agree more. We show up when our communities need us, we are showing up together now, and we are ready for the hard work. Join us, or invite us to join you, because in every corner of the U.S., our communities need us to Team Up.
Jonathan Reckford is President of Habitat for Humanity International. Suzanne McCormick is CEO and President of YMCA of the USA. Kerry Alys Robinson is CEO and President of Catholic Charities USA. Eboo Patel is Founder and President of Interfaith America.
This article was originally posted on Medium.
