Navigating our diversity through healthy conflict is a design feature of our democracy.
However, rapid demographic shifts, divisive political rhetoric, and increasing ideological isolation mean we no longer see our differences as our strength.
In our increasingly multi-faith, multi-racial society, learning how to move forward together across our vast differences is essential to getting anything else done.
This is where pluralism comes in.
The five guiding principles of pluralism enable us to build a society where we’re able to live among, work with, and care about people who are different from us, including by race and ethnicity, faith, geography, generation, and political beliefs.
Pluralism gives us the tools to strengthen our democracy and create communities where everyone can thrive.
The five principles are:
Honor Human Dignity
We listen from a place of mutual respect and uphold the individual dignity, worth, and potential of every person.
Take Responsibility for Repair
We confront our past and reckon with our present in order to heal and strengthen our communities.
Widen the Circle
We expand our sense of who belongs and embrace our common humanity.
Find Strength in Difference
We design better solutions through our differences, not in spite of them.
Strive for Greater Sum
We challenge the zero-sum view that one group’s gain is another’s loss, and instead look to create win-win situations through curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
These principles come to life through the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the stories we tell.