Monday Musing:  If what you seek is what you’ll find, what would happen if, this week, you focused on what unites you with others instead of what divides you?

I’ve been reflecting on this concept a lot lately—whether we instinctively go in search of division or common ground. It was sparked, in part, by my recent conversation with Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history at the ASAE Annual Meeting, where the theme was “In Unity, We Thrive.” You might remember Amanda’s powerful poem, “The Hill We Climb,” which she delievered at President Joe Biden’s inauguration.

When I asked Amanda what unity looks like in action, she shared, “Unity does not mean being the same—it means in spite of our differences we find the same ground upon which to stand.”

Her words are a reminder: Strength comes from connection, not conformity.

New research from the University of Oxford  reinforces what many of us intuitively know: that shared humanity is a powerful connector. 

The study highlights two critical factors that can draw us closer together:

1. Shared ancestry—recognising that, at a fundamental level, we all come from the same biological roots. Crazy right? Every stranger in the world is a cousin of yours; the only question is how distant.

2. Shared transformative experiences—whether it’s parenthood, loss, or major life milestones. I’ve often found sport a powerful example of this idea in action. The shared highs, the heartbreaks, the camaraderie—they transcend differences and remind us of our common humanity.

As you head into the week, I encourage you to think about how you can cultivate unity in your own sphere of influence. How can you make connection the foundation of your conversations, your meetings, and your relationships?

How can I actively look for common ground in every interaction this week?

Take a step toward unity today—start a conversation, do a kind act, or reflect on what we all share.

Image: ‘Unity’ mural of Amanda Gorman by Mister Alek in Palm Springs, California.

What I’ve been up to over the week that was.

It was fantastic to be with leaders from across the community engagement spectrum this week to deliver a keynote presentation at the IAP2 Conference.

I’ve always marvelled at people who can draw… let alone interpret information and visually represent it in real-time, so it was amazing to get to work with the incredible Rachel Dight, who turned my keynote into this incredible visual storyboard!

What did you think of this week’s issue?

Is there a topic you’d like me to dive into next?

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