Like most people, I’d love world peace in 2024. Also, cures for all diseases, ample food and clean water for everyone, to eradicate crime, end pollution and do away with natural disasters. But let’s face it, we live in an imperfect world – and while we need to keep working towards at those goals, I believe that once we reach them, we will be in another place altogether.

There is one thing that I believe we can achieve- if we truly want to. Something that will have a huge impact on making our country a better place for everyone.

It’s pretty simple. We need to listen to each other. Truly listen with the goal of understanding. We need to learn to talk to each other with respect and kindness. Because, the acrimony, the name calling and the bullying aren’t cutting it. If we want a better future, we have to learn to get along.

Our nation has become increasingly mired in divisive politics over the past several years. We’ve destroyed friendships and family relationships over difference of opinion. It’s become way too easy to lash out and insult someone without any real consequences. Where has civility gone?

Can we ever just agree to disagree?

And not just the casual agreeing to disagree when it’s an issue we don’t care much about, but especially when it is a hot-button issue. I’ve heard people say, “I would normally agree to disagree, but not in this case.” Really?

We don’t have to change our minds, but getting to know people whose opinions differ from our own plays a big part in moving away from the discord that’s tearing our country apart. Listening to why people have deeply held beliefs may open our minds to new ideas. It fosters empathy and it sure beats slinging insults at each other.

I’d love to see more of us make an effort to find common ground – because I know it’s there.

We all want safer communities. We all want a better economy. We want to be able to afford housing, groceries and gas. Access to quality healthcare. Schools where kids learn and achieve their highest potential. Those are the issues most of us can agree on. How do we get there? That’s where our opinions vary. And there is always more than one solution to a problem.

There will always be things we don’t agree on.

How our taxes are best spent. How our country handles the border crisis. Our role in the wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. The environment.

Does anyone have a quick fix for those issues? We need diversity of opinion to solve these complicated problems. Translation, we need all of our elected officials to work together. What we don’t need is more silos.

In the midst of these complicated, messy and serious issues, a contentious presidential election is playing out. An election in which many people would like better choices. But there are there’s always a contingent that thrive on extreme views and disruption. Does politics have to be this way?

Is it even possible to dial it down a few notches? Can reasonable elected officials on both sides, and perhaps independents or third parties, make any head-way? Unfortunately, the loudest, most argumentative voices get the lion’s share of news coverage in many outlets.

Fortunately, there are independent journalists, newsletters and podcasts springing up with the explicit goal of delivering breaking news, information and interviews that are better balanced and non-partisan. They offer diverse opinion pieces. They make you think outside the box.

There are also organizations working to bring people with differing viewpoints together to listen, learn and have respectful dialog. The goal is not to coerce or change minds, but to learn how to work together and ultimately get things done. After all, it’s possible to stick to your principals and still be civil.

Here are some podcasts, newsletters and organizations that I’ve find to be informative, innovative and non-partisan.

Braver Angels: www.braverangels.org. “Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the political divide. Through community gatherings, real debates and grassroots leaders working together, we’re offering American what it needs to overcome the bitterness of our partisan divide. A non-partisan organization with chapters nationwide. Braver Angels encourages members to learn to learn to listen, debate and respect those with differing opinions.” – from the Braver Angels website. There is a local chapter and members can attend online trainings and discussions.

Starts With Us: “Starts With Us” empowers the 87% of Americans frustrated with extreme political and cultural divisions with the skills to engage across our differences and move our country forward.” – from www.startswith.us Visit the website and take a “polarization” assessment. Set daily reminders for exercise to break the polarization cycle and more.

Sharon Says So: “Sharon McMahon is a former high school government and law teacher on a mission to combat political misinformation by sharing non-partisan facts about the US government, democracy and history.” – from www.sharonmcmahon.com. Instagram: @SharonSaysSo. “Here’s where it gets interesting” is her award-winning podcast. Look her up on Instagram and you’ll be hooked by her straightforward explanations and midwestern down-to-earth personality.

The Free Press: Founded by Bari Weiss, a former New York Times editor. I’ve been a big fan of Bari since her early “post-NYT” days. She is incredibly intelligent and articulate. Her website, newsletter and podcast (Honestly with Bari Weiss) features writers and speakers who are subject matter experts and unafraid of speaking out on issues. http://www.thefp.com

Maybe 2024 will be the year that we learn to work together in spite of our differences. There are good people everywhere, including many of our elected officials. It takes collaboration and cooperation to make decisions that are in the best interest for our community, our state, our country, our world. But first, we need to start listening to each other.

We can show support for those who are committed to working together for the good of our country regardless of party affiliation. Anyone can make a difference at a grass roots level. The way we treat and interact with people regardless of our differences sets examples for others.

Listening instead of arguing. Discussing instead of name calling. It all adds up and incremental changes eventually lead to big changes. Good behavior is contagious and we need more of it.

Thank you for indulging my thoughts on what I believe to be an extremely important issue. I’ve always enjoyed a productive discussion or spirited debate on current events. I appreciate those who offer a different way of looking at things – and I’m always listening.

I hope that 2024 brings you happiness, health and good fortune.