Reflecting on our Ecosystem at a Time of Upheaval: Notes from the Pluralism in Action Convening

In late January, more than 175 leading researchers, practitioners, communicators, and funders from across the pluralism ecosystem met in Atlanta, GA, for Pluralism in Action, a multi-day convening of thought-provoking discussions, fireside chats, and interactive sessions that explored pluralism in our society and in our daily lives.

We gathered at a time of significant transition for our country. Some of the attendees were asking: Can pluralism truly flourish in the challenging times we face today?

I came into the event thinking a lot about this. Can we still do this work in the midst of such upheaval? The short answer is yes. We are not working in anticipation of a moment of calm or an idealized future but for the here and now. The broader context of this work is rupture, and we work within, through, because of, and despite this.

At the opening dinner, Micah Hendler, Founder & Artistic Director of the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, a choral and dialogue program for Palestinian and Israeli youth in Jerusalem, led us in an exercise that demonstrated the potential of what becomes possible when we lean into that rupture. He asked us to raise our voices in song and allow space for others to join in, even if they aren’t saying the same words or singing at the same tempo. I do not sing, not even in the shower! But I felt compelled to join the chorus, despite feeling self-conscious about singing off-key. Together our disparate, even broken, phrases created a rendition of America the Beautiful that was absolutely more powerful than the sum of its parts.

A collaboration among ecosystem partners

Hosted alongside More in Common, Project Over Zero, Greater Good Science Center, and Center for the Science of Moral Understanding, Pluralism in Action featured sessions on research insights, case examples of evidence-based practice, opportunities for shared sense-making on the future of pluralism in the U.S., and the need to address barriers facing our shared ability to create national-level culture change.

Attendees engaged across a broad range of topics, like fostering pluralism through science, stories, and practice. They shared real-life examples of how faith-based institutions are addressing polarization and strengthening inclusive communities; how community-centered journalism is bridging divides, enhancing trust, and strengthening democratic resilience; and how higher education is fostering dialogue and resilience.

Pluralism in the room

With different kinds of specialists representing diverse fields and disciplines, each with its own theory of change, the gathering reminded me that the work of building a pluralistic culture needs all of us.

Shared principles can make our work stronger, especially in these rapidly changing and often destabilizing times. Perhaps my biggest takeaway, and a source of continuing strength, was the palpable enthusiasm attendees had for connection, learning, and the hard work ahead. 

We are grateful to our partners at peer organizations who came together to execute such an ambitious, experimental vision. There will be more insights available soon, and we’ll add them here as they become available.