Many of our leaders—past and present—have called for unity, only to abandon the idea when it becomes inconvenient or politically risky.
Yet we often vote against the very thing we most need: strong leadership that helps us come together.
In moments of political unrest and division, the challenge becomes clear: How do we help people unify? And what does unity even mean? At first glance, unity can feel impossible. Everywhere we look, people seem polarized, defensive and divided. But unity does not require uniformity. It does not demand that we agree on every question or see the world through identical lenses.
Unity means something deeper. It means coming together as a community, a region, and a state to grow, to question old assumptions, and to break habits that no longer serve us. Unity is standing up for one another even when we disagree. It is creating a shared plan and choosing to participate in the hard work of reaching those goals. Unity happens around dinner tables and in community halls where we share food, tears, laughter and the challenge that shape us.
True unity requires courage. It asks us to tackle difficult topics and hold conversations that feel uncomfortable. These moments of strain and uncertainty can become the foundation of something stronger, if we choose to lead. And leadership, in this context, does not belong only to those with titles. It belongs to each of us.
It is up to us to lead by example; to engage in hard conversations rather than avoid them; to show up, stay present and model the kind of openness we hope to see in our communities. When we commit to this, we create spaces where people feel safe to speak, question and grow. These spaces become the training ground for a healthier future—one shaped by our willingness to engage, to listen and to extend grace.
The next generation deserves the benefits of that commitment. They deserve communities that value connection over conflict and leaders who show that unity is not a slogan, but a practice. And this commitment matters most when it is hard, when tensions are high, when the conversations are tough, when division feels easier than dialogue.
As we begin this new year, let us commit to leadership that brings people together. Let us work to create safe places where honest discussion can thrive—places where we can share, learn and grow side by side. Our communities deserve strong leadership, built not on uniformity but on the shared dedication to a future that includes all of us.
Let us lead toward unity. Let us choose it, practice it, and protect it, especially now.
