We live in a darkening time of worsening divisions, distrust and anxiety about the future. Increasingly, we live in isolated bubbles. We don’t talk much with our neighbors. A major root cause of our division is polarized political views.

On Memorial Day, two Hawaiian Beaches ladies shifted the energy by throwing a picnic at Kahakai Park. The park became a refreshing oasis in the dry desert of divisions.

Neighbors showed up with chairs, games, pupus and positive energy. For some it was a time to catch up; others met new people and exchanged contact information.

Sharing food and eating together at the picnic exemplify a simple, yet powerful way to bring people closer together. That along with playing corn hole and dancing to live music, fostered bonding and cooperation. The buzz of chit chat and laughter were the evidence. Clearly, a fun way to bridge divisions is an old-fashioned picnic.

I bet after the picnic attendees, like me, felt better about societal concerns and fears brought on by divisions. People enjoyed just being human and connecting with other humans! As we look forward this Thursday to celebrating Independence Day, I wanted to share my thoughts on the importance of community and ways to strengthen it. 

It’s time we seriously considered directing more energy toward building community by bridging our divisions, individually and in groups. Inviting folks over for a potluck meal is an age-old way to bring people together.

Another way individuals can create bonding is stepping up to care for a neighbor’s property and their pet when they go out of town. Bringing food to neighbors in need can go a long way to strengthening a bond.

When making a Costco run, ask others what you can get for them. Community exercise groups, sports, gardening and work activities are out there. Earlier this month, volunteers cleared trails to the historic village sites at Kahakai Park in Hawaiian Beaches on the Big Island.

Working with others is a rewarding bonding experience. An upcoming opportunity is the Civil Beat Community Workday at Kauluakalana on July 13.

Across the U.S. groups are forming that are devoted to bridging the divisions, according to Jonathan Weisman’s June 16 New York Times article, “Is the Partisan Divide Too Big to be Bridged?” Twenty groups were chosen to receive $10 million from the “Trust for Civic Life” to continue efforts to strengthen community bonds and reinforce democratic values like equality, diversity, justice and freedom.

These groups bring people together for respectful dialogue with others of different beliefs and views. One, Braver Angels, exists to “address the challenge of growing partisan animosity among Americans,” bringing together groups who increasingly do not know, or interact with, groups of differing opinions.

Civic Renewal

The goal is to repair citizen relations through dialogue, listening and understanding. Braver Angels promotes a “Civic Renewal Movement.” Their nonpolitical podcast, “A Braver Way,” provides “tools, insights and messy real-life stories” about how to disagree honestly and talk about it without losing heart.

In “Uniting Divided Communities” Zach Zegras warns our cohesive society is crumbling from increased fragmentation. We need cohesiveness to resolve problems like hunger, climate change, safety, security and health issues. Cohesiveness brings shared identity and purpose, understanding and empathy across differing viewpoints.

Open minds, active listening and willingness to see the perspective of others is required. The goal is a sense of belonging, support and sticking together. When unified and connected, each uses their strengths for the sake of the community. We build a foundation of collective resilience. We help and support each other. We make the world a better place.

Some strategies Zegras discusses include:

• promoting inclusive dialogue and understanding;
• strengthening local networks through community projects;
• implementing mentoring and volunteer programs;
• encouraging local engagement and participation ;
• promoting inclusive spaces and activities;
• leveraging technology for community building by creating online forums, social media groups and virtual meetups focused on local community;
• supporting local businesses and economies; and
• implementing mentorship and educational programs. 

For the sake of greater unity, continued peace and freedom, we must do what we can now to bridge our divisions. On this Independence Day think about what your part might be toward building community.

Share some of these ideas with a neighbor. Start a respectful, agreed-upon dialogue with someone of different beliefs. Explore Braver Angels and their podcast. Consider starting a local dialogue group to share thoughts, listen to other beliefs and find understanding and common ground.

Think about it and do something! Mahalo!