Toolkit for Individuals to Spark Connection and Positive Impact
Share Our America Toolkit
A free guide to help you bring people together in your community. Learn how to start conversations that build understanding and respect between people who are different from each other.
What Is Share Our America?
Share Our America is a program that helps people talk to each other, even when they don't agree. It started at 92NY, a place in New York City that has been bringing people together for 150 years.
Right now, many Americans feel divided. We live in different neighborhoods, go to different schools, and sometimes only talk to people who think like us. This makes it hard to understand people who are different.
Share Our America helps fix this problem. It gives you tools to bring people together in your community for real conversations. These aren't arguments or debates. They're chances to listen, learn, and find common ground.
The program works in communities all across America. It helps reduce polarization (when people split into opposite groups) one conversation at a time.
What You Get in the Toolkit
The Share Our America toolkit gives you everything you need to host conversations in your community. Here's what's included:
Conversation Guides
Step-by-step instructions for leading discussions on important topics like immigration, race, and local issues.
Question Lists
Carefully designed questions that help people share their stories and listen to others without judging.
Planning Tools
Checklists and templates to help you plan your event, invite people, and set up your space.
Ground Rules
Simple guidelines that create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Facilitator Tips
Advice for keeping conversations on track, handling disagreements, and making sure everyone gets heard.
Follow-Up Ideas
Ways to keep connections going after your conversation event ends.
How Does It Work?
Share Our America uses a special way of having conversations called "facilitated dialogue." This means a trained leader (called a facilitator) helps guide the discussion. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Small Groups
People sit in small groups (usually 6-10 people). Small groups make it easier for everyone to talk and be heard.
Step 2: Personal Stories
People share their own experiences and family stories. This helps everyone see each other as real people, not just opinions.
Step 3: Thoughtful Questions
The facilitator asks questions that make people think deeply. Questions like "How does your family history shape how you see this issue?"
Step 4: Judgment-Free Zone
Everyone agrees to listen without judging. The goal isn't to change minds or win arguments. It's to understand each other better.
Most Share Our America events last about 2 hours. That gives people enough time to get comfortable and have meaningful conversations.
Who Can Use This Toolkit?
Anyone can use the Share Our America toolkit! You don't need to be an expert or have special training. The toolkit is designed for regular community members who want to bring people together.
This toolkit is perfect for:
- Community leaders who want to strengthen their neighborhoods
- Teachers who want to help students understand different viewpoints
- Faith leaders bringing their congregations together
- Library staff hosting community conversations
- Neighborhood groups tackling local issues
- Anyone who wants to reduce division in their community
The toolkit works in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. It works with groups of all sizes, from 10 people to 100 people. You can adapt it to fit your community's needs.
Why Conversations Matter
Right now, America feels very divided. We see it on the news, on social media, and sometimes in our own families. People live in "bubbles" where everyone thinks the same way they do.
But here's what research shows: When people have real conversations face-to-face, something changes. They start to see each other as human beings, not enemies. They might not agree on everything, but they can respect each other.
Share Our America creates spaces where these conversations can happen safely. It helps people:
- Build empathy (understanding how others feel)
- Find common ground (things they agree on)
- Form real connections across differences
- Work together on local problems
- Reduce stereotypes and misunderstandings
- Build trust in their communities
These changes happen one conversation at a time, one community at a time. That's how we rebuild trust and understanding in America.
How to Get Started
Ready to bring Share Our America to your community? Here's how to begin:
- Download the toolkit from the 92NY website (it's free!)
- Read through the guides to understand the process
- Find a co-leader who can help you plan and facilitate
- Pick your topic — choose something your community cares about
- Find a space — libraries, community centers, and places of worship work great
- Invite people — try to get a mix of different viewpoints and backgrounds
- Host your conversation using the toolkit guides
- Follow up — help people stay connected and plan next steps
92NY also offers training sessions and support for community leaders who want extra help. You don't have to do this alone!
Remember: Every big change starts with small steps. Your first conversation might feel awkward or small. That's okay! You're building skills and building trust. Keep going, and you'll see the impact grow.
