Certainly, there are some among us who are prepared to facilitate those larger conversations in which opposing views can come together with the intention of finding a fundamental value or truth upon which to agree. But, why would they want to? Because a school, an organization, a community or a country cannot, as Lincoln said, survive if divided against itself.  This doesn't mean disagreements are bad; in fact they can be good and they can promote forward movement but only if the common good is held in highest regard. There are educators who have developed a public voice and, simultaneously, treasure and demand the capacity for listening deeply and finding and revealing the places where all share a common bond and begin to step forward toward one another.  We count on those who can and are able to do that as they reach out to build the bridges and help us heal. Read more...