Last weekend, I attended the Great American Think-Off in New York Mills, Minnesota, where contestants debated the prompt, “Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?” Allen Taylor won this year’s event. This Think-Off marks the beginning of a two-year project to explore various reflections on American identity and progress. Continue reading Happiness
A Peace of My Mind’s Nick Theisen expresses pride in Minnesota’s resilience and its efforts to bridge various divides, such as religious and political tensions. He highlights the inaugural Minnesota Bridgebuilding Network Summit, which fosters community storytelling. This initiative emphasizes shared values and encourages understanding among diverse groups, showcasing a commitment to collaboration and unity. Continue reading Minnesota Bridgebuilding Summit
When we do our interviews, or lead our programming, or share our stories, I always have three audiences in mind. Not to be self-serving, but the first audience is me. When I sit with people who have experienced things in life that are different from what I have experienced, I always come away having learned something new. No surprise there. When you start from a … Continue reading Montana public health
Last week, at the Innovia Community Leadership Summit, 350 individuals united in a shared commitment to building community amidst division. They engaged in honest conversations about challenges and victories, emphasizing relationships, active listening, and curiosity. This collective effort reflects a quieter, yet powerful form of leadership focused on human connection and empathy. Continue reading Building Community
In Manorhamilton, Republic of Ireland, Carmel Loughlin and Lauri McCusker share their experiences with the impact of conflict on mental health and community development. Loughlin reflects on lost family connections during the Troubles, while McCusker emphasizes the importance of collaboration beyond divisions for positive change and community building. Continue reading Carmel Loughlin and Lauri McCusker
Gerry Creamer is the youngest of five children. He grew up in a traditional, devoutly Catholic family in the Republic of Ireland, close to the border with the North.
Elaine O’Hara has spent most of her life in Manorhamilton with short stays in Cork and Belfast, just after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Continue reading Gerry Creamer and Elaine O’Hara
Lewis Lyttle is an ex-Loyalist prisoner. He was sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder during The Troubles and was released early, with the signing of The Good Friday Agreement. Now Lewis works to facilitate cross-community groups with Black Mountain Shared Space. Continue reading Lewis Lyttle and Roxy Lyttle
Aoife Moore, an independent journalist from Derry, discusses the effects of British colonialism in Ireland, particularly on personal trauma and society. She emphasizes the importance of human connection and dialogue in healing divisions in Northern Ireland, advocating for empathy and understanding to transcend socio-political boundaries and foster reconciliation. Continue reading Bronagh McAtasney
Aoife Moore, an independent journalist from Derry, discusses the effects of British colonialism in Ireland, particularly on personal trauma and society. She emphasizes the importance of human connection and dialogue in healing divisions in Northern Ireland, advocating for empathy and understanding to transcend socio-political boundaries and foster reconciliation. Continue reading Aoife Moore
Public Theologian, Belfast Jonny Clark is the program manager for Public Theology at Corrymeela, sometimes called Ireland’s oldest peace center. Born in New Zealand and married to an American, Jonny has lived in Northern Ireland for 40 years. When he was growing up, his family moved to Belfast at the heights of The Troubles. As he says, “During a time when most people were not … Continue reading Jonny Clark
