Saving America's Family

As I wrapped up our recent webinar, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the rich tapestry of voices and experiences shared. Our goal was simple yet profound: to explore how we can build peace in our communities.

What unfolded was a beautiful illustration of the very connections we seek to foster.The evening began with Mama Joy's (ACLC-WIM Chicago) powerful declaration: "We are now family. All the children are our children, and we, as adults, are the mothers and fathers."

Her words set the tone for our discussion, reminding us that community extends beyond blood relations.I was particularly moved by Pauline's insights. As a social worker with 13 years in child protective services, she shed light on the real issues facing families today. "A lot of calls we get coming in... it's coming from the neighborhood, coming from the neighbor, the school," she explained.

Pauline's solution resonated deeply with me: community involvement. As she put it, "I think that the problem can be more solved if we as a community say, 'Hey, what is it I can do right now, right here, as your neighbor, as your teacher, as your pastor, as your friend?'"

This echoes what I've always believed - that true change starts with how we show up for each other.

James, from the Natural Family Foundation, brought a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of traditional family structures. While his views sparked some debate, I appreciated his call for finding common ground, especially given the current national climate. James's words about collaboration particularly stood out to me: "Pauline, you. And I, and John and everybody on this call need to look for that thing in common." His emphasis on focusing on our shared humanity rather than our differences was a powerful reminder of how we can bridge divides. John's contribution about the impact of childhood experiences on adult decision-making was particularly insightful. It reinforced my belief in the power of meaningful conversations around the dinner table. As I often say, "When families connect at the kitchen table, it is about that time at the kitchen table, but really it's about what happens when they leave that table and how it is that they show up in the world." I was fascinated by David and his son's story of traveling the country in a camper, immersing themselves in various communities. Their experience was a vivid example of how stepping out of our comfort zones can foster deep connections and resilience.Venita, a retired educator, offered practical advice on finding opportunities for dialogue in everyday moments. Her suggestions reminded me that peace-building doesn't always require grand gestures - sometimes it's as simple as a conversation during a car ride or while grocery shopping.Sean's analogy of community engagement to personal hygiene struck a chord with me. "I don't think of it as a destination," he said, and I couldn't agree more.

Building peace and fostering community is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. As we concluded our discussion, Mama Joy read from the Election Peace Pledge, reminding us all of the broader impact of our individual actions: "This is not just about the outcome of an election. It's about the values we instill in the next generation."

Reflecting on our conversation, I'm filled with hope. We had multiple generations, diverse backgrounds, and varying perspectives, yet we came together in a spirit of understanding and shared purpose. This is what I've always envisioned for our Kitchen Table Conversations - a space where we can discuss, disagree, and ultimately find common ground. As we move forward, I'm reminded that peace isn't just an absence of conflict. It's an active process of building connections, fostering understanding, and showing up for one another. It starts at our kitchen tables and extends into our communities. Together, we can weave a tapestry of peace, one conversation at a time.

-Cheryl