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A Call For Unity

SpeakerS:

Ana Rold, Founder & CEO, Diplomatic Courier
Gen. (Ret.) Wesley Clark, Founder, Renew America Together
Hagar Hajjar Chemali, YouTube Host & Creator, Oh My World!
John Gable, Founder, AllSides
Jon Clifton, CEO, Gallup

“Once you get people that understand, 'Well, they're not so different from me,' they reject the extremes.” Gen. (Ret.) Wesley Clark
“Curiosity is a wonderful trait to have.” John Gable
“When there's a deficit in leadership or when other nations don't feel like they can count on you, they look for alternatives.” Ana Rold
“There was a majority of Americans that said the most extreme answer, which was, 'Yeah, I think there's a lot of bias that exists in the media.'” Jon Clifton
“We know that unity is the response and the solution, and the only way for our citizens and our leaders to get the solutions we need for the problems we face on a daily basis.” Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Key takeaways:

  • Reestablishing public service and unity: There is a pressing need to restore a sense of public service in the United States to counteract division and polarization. Emphasizing public service can foster a greater sense of national commitment and unity.
  • Superficial nature of divisions: Divisions within the society are superficial compared to the commonalities that bind citizens together. Initiatives that bring together people from diverse backgrounds reveal shared values and strengthen social cohesion.
  • Media’s role in political divides: The media has significantly contributed to deepening political divides due to perceived bias and loss of trust. Confidence in media institutions has plummeted, highlighting the need for trustworthy journalism.
  • Responsibility of readers: A majority of respondents believe that it’s the readers’ responsibility to critically evaluate the information they consume and discern trustworthy sources amidst rampant misinformation.
  • International perception and leadership: International allies are concerned about the political divides in the U.S., leading them to seek alternative partnerships. This shift could diminish U.S. leadership on the global stage.
  • Effective civil discourse: Bridging divides requires engaging in civil discourse by genuinely listening to understand others. Practicing curiosity and active listening fosters mutual respect and understanding.
  • Shift in economic policies: There’s a movement away from trickle-down economics towards building the economy from the bottom up and middle out, indicating a shift in political and economic strategies.

Action items:

  • Promote cross-partisan engagement: Implement initiatives that bring together individuals from different political, cultural, and social backgrounds to engage in meaningful conversations and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Rebuild trust in media: Develop strategies to restore confidence in journalism, including promoting unbiased reporting, transparency, and accountability within media organizations.
  • Enhance media literacy education: Establish educational programs that equip citizens with skills to critically assess media sources and identify misinformation and disinformation.
  • Encourage public service advocacy: Political leaders and institutions should actively promote the virtues of public service and civic responsibility to strengthen national unity.
  • Address international concerns: Tackle domestic political divides to prevent erosion of U.S. leadership globally, reassuring allies through consistent and stable foreign policies.
  • Foster civil communication skills: Provide training and resources that emphasize active listening, empathy, and respectful dialogue to improve civil discourse across differing viewpoints.

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