PBS News Hour Classroom hosted a live Educator Chat on July 24, featuring Paul Solman, PBS News Hour’s business and economics correspondent and co-founder of the American Exchange Project.
The conversation explored how human connection, fostered through contact and meaningful dialogue, can help bridge political and social divides.
In the conversation, Solman also discussed the program, the American Exchange Project, highlighting the unique role it plays in broadening young people’s perspectives by exposing them to ways of life different from their own. Throughout the chat, Solman emphasized that empathy and shared experiences are essential for building strong, cohesive communities.
“We all have way more in common than divides us,” said Solman. “We’re Americans, we’re human beings...just meet each other, just spend time together,” he continued. “Make the contact...because you can’t hate the other guy or woman if you’re friends.”
This discussion was a reminder that even in divided times, a willingness to engage with the humanity of "the other" may just be enough to repair the fractures and to help set us on a path to healing.
Watch the whole Educator Chat above or a few of the highlights here:
Teacher Liz Ramos on the importance of students connecting across community lines
Paul Solman on how face-to-face conversations can help mend political divides
Teacher Kory Loyola on the importance of learning how to navigate difficult conversations
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
To learn more about the American Exchange Project, explore the program's website here.
Lesson plan: A look inside community groups working to build trust to bridge divides
Lesson Plan: A Brief But Spectacular take on the power of intergenerational communities
America at a Crossroads lesson series via PBS News Hour Classroom
Written by Brooke Ingemi, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern and senior at Amherst College, and News Hour's Vic Pasquantonio.
If you would like to pitch an Educator Voice article or Educator Chat Zoom show idea to News Hour Classroom, contact education@newshour.org.
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