Paths to Understanding

Bridging Bias & Building unity

through Multi-Faith Peacemaking

OUR VISION: A world where people of all Wisdom Traditions recognize their shared values, appreciate their differences as gifts for a pluralistic democracy, and work together for justice, equity, and the common good.

OUR ROLE: Paths to Understanding prepares faith leaders and communities to build positive relationships across differences of culture, faith, and identity. Our courses, events, partnerships, podcast, and TV show tell inspiring stories, nurture face-to-face relationships, and get people acting together for the common
good.

THE CHALLENGE

How do we interrupt bias and hate in our communities? 

70% of US citizens are anxious about the divisiveness in our country. Many of us feel lonely and isolated. Many identity groups never interact with other groups in their community. Some public leaders are using language that dehumanizes people. Increasing numbers of Americans are willing to support political violence.

Many of us want to do something about this - but we don’t know where to start.

OUR STRATEGY: Social change begins with local leadership. Paths to Understanding (PTU) equips community leaders to create public multi-cultural partnerships. When neighbors of diverse cultures, traditions, and identities gather together in public, the larger community begins to have hope. Hope that we can see each other as human beings, recognize our shared values, and build the trust we need to transform our communities and our democracy, together. 

Wisdom communities like churches, mosques, and temples, and other community groups have the power to make a difference. By leveraging their influence and their group's values and wisdom, they can bring diverse neighbors together to share a meal, do a service project, and get to know each other face-to-face. PTU guides local leaders to follow the leadership of those most impacted by systems of oppression. When compassion and understanding begin to grow, communities can create social change.