BOISE, Idaho — In an increasingly divided world, there's no doubt we all have our differences. But those differences shouldn't divide us.
One group at Boise State University is showing that you don't have to agree with someone in order to understand them.
BSU's Institute for Advancing American Values has a statewide initiative to bring people with different viewpoints together, to help better understand on another.
Andrew Finstuen, the institute's executive director, says the goal of Idaho Listens is mutual understanding.
"We're having conversations in the midst of all the polarization we've experienced over the last several years," Finstuen said. "We're thinking about what we can do to help promote open inquiry, dialogue, and constructive disagreement."
The conversations bring together people with different viewpoints to share their personal stories - as well as what they value and why.
"Today, you know, everyone is quick to jump in on Facebook," Idaho Listens speaker and Warhawk Air Museum Executive Director Carson Spear said. "But getting people together to actually listen and have a nice meal together and break bread - I think that's the true value add with Idaho Listens."
A roomful of audience members in Caldwell watched Wednesday afternoon as a series of speakers shared their views, not to debate or argue - but to simply listen.
"There's something that we can connect with if we take the time to listen," event speaker and Idaho Hispanic Foundation Executive Director Mari Ramos said. "That's the beauty of this, focusing on the listening."
Idaho Listens has previously held events in Boise, Idaho Falls and Coeur d'Alene.
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