What Civil Society Can Do to Lessen Division – by Vincent Marzullo

by Vincent Marzullo, commentary – contributing writer

America’s divisions did not appear overnight, and they will not disappear with the next election cycle. They are rooted in mistrust, economic anxiety, cultural change, and a sense among many people that institutions no longer see or hear them. While government and politics often dominate the headlines, the most durable progress over the next three years will come not from Washington, but from civil society—our schools, faith communities, nonprofits, employers, neighborhood groups, and civic organizations.

Civil society’s first responsibility is to rebuild the habit of human connection. Division thrives in abstraction. It is easy to demonize “the other side” when the other side is a caricature on a screen. Community organizations can counter this by intentionally creating spaces where people with different views work together on shared, tangible goals: mentoring children, end homelessness, supporting veterans, better care for our older adults, or responding to disasters. Cooperation around practical needs does not require ideological agreement, but it does build trust, which is the foundation of any healthy democracy.

Second, civil society must model a culture of respectful disagreement. Many Americans have absorbed the false idea that disagreement itself is a form of harm. Schools, universities, and civic groups should teach and practice civil discourse as a skill—one that can be learned, improved, and rewarded. This means setting clear norms: listening without interrupting, arguing ideas rather than attacking people, and acknowledging uncertainty. Over the next three years, organizations that host forums, debates, and dialogues should measure success not by consensus, but by whether participants leave with greater understanding and less contempt.

Third, local institutions can help counter the economic and social isolation that fuels polarization. Libraries, community colleges, labor organizations, and small business associations can play a larger role in connecting people to opportunity and to one another. Job training programs, apprenticeships, and service initiatives that bring together people across class, race, and ideology help restore a sense of shared stake in the future. When people feel economically secure and socially connected, they are less susceptible to fear-based narratives.

Fourth, civil society must take responsibility for information integrity. While social media platforms bear significant blame for amplifying outrage, community leaders, educators, and journalists can help citizens develop better habits of media consumption. Teaching media literacy, supporting local journalism, and encouraging people to slow down before sharing inflammatory content are practical steps that reduce the temperature of public debate. Truth alone is not enough; trust in how information is produced and shared is equally essential.

Finally, civil society should reclaim moral leadership. Faith communities, service organizations, and civic groups are uniquely positioned to remind Americans of shared values: dignity, fairness, responsibility, and care for one another. These values transcend party labels and offer a language that can unite rather than divide. Over the next three years, leaders who speak to these principles—without demonizing opponents—can help reorient public life away from constant conflict.

A less divided society will not emerge from a single reform or moment of unity. It will be built patiently, locally, and relationally. Civil society’s quiet, consistent work may never trend online, but it remains our best hope for restoring a sense of common purpose—and proving that disagreement need not mean disconnection.

Vincent Marzullo served for 31 years as a federal civil rights/social justice director in Rhode Island with the Corporation for National & Community Service. Vin is a previous Chair of the RI Federal Executive Council which facilitated intergovernmental coordination and a former President of AARP RI. He has served three Rhode Island Governors, five Presidents, and is the Founder of USA Compassion Corps.