Meet a stranger every day.

Someone different from you. A different age, color, race, gender identity, income bracket. Ask them how they’re doing. Learn their name. Tell them yours. Find something you have in common. Listen. Smile. Don’t judge. Even if you disagree with their beliefs. If we all talked to each other and showed just a sliver of compassion, we’d realize that we all have far more in common than media and social media lead us to believe. We might even take a small step toward solving many of the problems plaguing our divided country. Need help? Ideas? Tips for how to start up a conversation? Try this.

To learn the stories of any of the “strangers” below, click on the photo.