Drew University: The Science & Practice of Building Community Across Our Differences

The Science & Practice of Building Community Across Our Differences brought together community members for a highly interactive, one-hour program designed to build goodwill across differences. Participants learned and practiced tools proven to foster connection with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers—skills shown to reduce polarization and strengthen community bonds.

Co-produced by Drew University’s Center on Religion, Culture and Conflict and Courageous Leadership, the event united students, faculty, local partners, and leaders in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration. Attendees reported feeling more hopeful, inspired, and capable of engaging across differences, with a renewed sense of belonging and shared purpose—just in time for the holidays.