In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “circle” has about nine different definitions. This illustrates how a circle can mean many things in various contexts. However, one particular definition stands out: “a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center.” This circle concept is essential when thinking about civic engagement, equity, and the power of community in the United States.

In 2024, amid the noise of technology and political division, knocking on a neighbor’s door may seem like an outdated or even anxiety-inducing act. The uncertainty of who will be on the other side, coupled with the increasingly polarized political landscape, can make this simple gesture feel overwhelming. Yet, during my recent experience canvassing in Akron, Ohio, I was reminded of the importance of these face-to-face interactions and their potential to spark meaningful conversations across differences.

As I went door-to-door, initiating conversations with people who, on the surface, appeared very different from me, I was nervous. As a Black man from the inner city of Dayton, Ohio, the prospect of speaking to people whose lived experiences and perspectives might be vastly different was intimidating. However, I quickly realized that this fear was no match for the shared humanity I found in these interactions.

Two gentlemen in particular stood out. Both were older white men; from an outside perspective, we might have seemed worlds apart. But when I introduced myself and explained that I wasn’t there to promote political talking points but to engage in a dialogue about their views on American leadership, something unexpected happened. We talked about topics that have become flashpoints in modern discourse—immigration, January 6th, education, and COVID—but instead of the usual division, we found common ground. Even when we disagreed, the conversations remained civil, and we left each other with mutual respect.

This experience reinforced a key lesson: equity in civic engagement doesn’t mean we have to love our neighbors, but we must at least see them. The gentlemen I spoke with didn’t share my background or my worldview, but we shared the same space, the same concerns about the direction of our country, and the same commitment to holding our leaders accountable. That common center—the desire for a better America—created a circle where civil dialogue could flourish.

It’s easy to feel discouraged by the spread of misinformation and the increasingly divisive rhetoric we hear every day. Yet, I left those conversations feeling optimistic. The fact that we could have these difficult conversations despite our differences gives me hope that healthy civic engagement is still possible. More importantly, it’s necessary if we are to build a more equitable and just society.

The strength of our democracy depends on our ability to engage in civil dialogue, to see each other not as enemies but as fellow citizens working toward a common good.

Our country’s founding principles—though flawed in their initial execution—were rooted in the idea of compromise and dialogue. The United States is a place where the power of the people, exercised through conversation and cooperation, can bring about lasting change. This notion of a civic circle, one where we share common interests and engage with one another, is central to the health of that vision. As George Washington warned us in his farewell address, we must beware of the evils of political parties and the divisiveness they can breed. In 2024, that message is more relevant than ever. We have the right to express our political beliefs, but we must not allow those beliefs to blind us to the humanity of our neighbors. We are all part of the same civic circle, and if we continue to see and engage with each other, we can create a stronger, more equitable society.

Ultimately, there is far more that unites us than divides us. The strength of our democracy depends on our ability to engage in civil dialogue, to see each other not as enemies but as fellow citizens working toward a common good. The healthier our civic circle becomes, the more resilient we will be as a nation.

If we’ve become too far removed from “loving thy neighbor,” I believe as a society, our first step should be committing to at least seeing each other as neighbors once again.