We are investing in three pillars to advance this work:
Developed in collaboration with Greater Good Science Center and Starts With Us Expert-in-Residence Peter T. Coleman, Ph.D.
We all need the skills and tools to overcome the defining crisis of our time: the culture wars polarizing our communities, turning us against each other, and tearing the fabric of our society apart. We are all innately curious, compassionate, and courageous, but we must cultivate these values — the 3Cs — as daily habits to foster the independent thinking, free expression, and constructive communication that will enable our society to reach its full potential.
Questioning one’s own assumptions and seeking new and different perspectives
Deeply empathizing with people, especially when they are struggling, and taking action to connect with and support them
Collaborating with people across our lines of difference — even when it’s uncomfortable
We are not trying to change your mind, shift your stance on an issue, or make you more liberal or conservative. Practicing the 3Cs does not mean blunting your strongly held convictions or beliefs.
The Starts With Us movement is rooted in the idea that not only can we co-exist with different beliefs, but that diversity of thought is a strength and that we can cooperate across our differences to solve our most pressing personal and social challenges through constructive dialogue and the practice of curiosity, compassion, and courage.
Our intention is simply to provide the tools to have constructive dialogue across lines of difference on the topics and issues that shape who we are, regardless of political preferences or background.
By practicing the 3Cs every day, we actively create the outcomes in our personal communities that stem the trends of polarization, blind tribal loyalty, and dehumanization.
To find a sense of belonging amidst the silent majority and to foster connections with your existing community (in-group).
Connect with others outside of your normal social settings across lines of difference with the intention of expanding your community.
Overcome past grievances and obstacles to heal a broken, harmed relationship.
3Cs
(Connect/Bridge/Repair)
Starts With Us’ vision is to leverage modern media and technology combined with leader and influencer activation to empower people with the inspiration and tools to develop new, positive daily habits — turning the 3Cs into action at scale.
It’s important to recognize that many specific skills and behaviors ladder into the values of curiosity, compassion, and courage and that practicing one skill can strengthen the muscle of one, two, or all three values at once. The skills listed to the right are the active ones we share with our community but are by no means a comprehensive list.
Also note that these skills might be framed differently depending on the context or community involved.
• Critical Thinking
• Empathy
• Forgiveness
• Generosity
• Grace
• Humility
• Non-Reactivity
• Non-Judgmental Thinking
• Nuanced Communication
• Resilience
• Self-Awareness
• Vulnerability
We don’t expect this learning journey to be perfect or easy. We all recognize that we’re humans and that this can get messy. That’s OK. In fact, that’s part of the process. What matters is how quickly we get back up, having the awareness to give ourselves grace, understanding how far to push yourself, and knowing the difference between being uncomfortable versus experiencing harm. We are all humans. And this work is recognizing our own and each other’s humanity in every conversation.