December Resources

President Obama delivers a keynote address at the third annual Democracy Forum about the role of pluralism in uniting Americans across lines of difference against the rise in division and polarization in our country. He encourages leaders to build unlikely relationships and coalitions, look for common ground, and collaborate with people who hold different identities and beliefs to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Check out the latest episode of the Why We Matter podcast with our Executive Director Jennifer Hoos Rothberg on the importance of service and social connection in bridging societal divides. Jenn shares how these values drive Einhorn Collaborative’s mission, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and trust as the keys to building relationships across lines of difference.

Our partners at Reach Out and Read were awarded the 2024 Kristof Holiday Impact Prize and featured in The New York Times Holiday Giving Guide! By “prescribing” books during well-child visits, Reach Out and Read empowers families to make reading a daily habit. This simple yet profound practice strengthens early relational health, fostering connection between parents and children while nurturing a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Every day, Americans across the country are showing up for their neighbors, and the Team Up Project – led by Catholic Charities USA, Habitat for Humanity International, Interfaith America, and the YMCA of the USA – is a leading example of how people are reweaving the social fabric of their communities through shared service.

What might happen when we get to know a stranger’s story before we get to know their politics? Take One Small Step with StoryCorps to be paired with someone who holds a different political view for a 50-minute conversation. Science tells us we can combat the polarizing effects of news and social media just by talking to each other one-on-one again.

How do we strengthen democracy in the face of division? The Greater Good Science Center brings together insights from leading voices in the bridge-building field, each sharing grounded steps for rebuilding trust and strengthening civic dialogue.

At seven years old, Molly Wright is one of the youngest TED speakers ever. In her talk, she emphasizes the importance of connection and play in the first five years of a child’s life. Assisted by baby Ari and his father, she shows how emotional connection during the early developmental stages can make a positive difference throughout a child’s life.

The Big Ideas Education Week 2024 report by EdWeek offers research and insights to help educators prepare their students for difficult conversations, listen to opposing viewpoints, and deepen their civic engagement.