The real reason we’re so divided?
We don’t talk to each other.
Our differences aren’t going away. But there is something we can do with them. By stepping outside our echo chambers and toward each other.
What is a Gathering?
Gatherings are a space for people from all walks of life to listen, learn, and grow in relationships. Through small-group-style meetups, we seek to create friendship opportunities between people whose lives would not normally overlap, for the purpose of growing in empathy, understanding, and peace. Each new gathering is part of our work to create the most diverse community of peacemakers on the planet and end the next war before it even begins.
Already connecting with those who are different than you? Go deeper and start a Gathering today.
We’ll help you grow with people outside your usual circles, build relationships with those who are different—and start writing a new story for your community.
You don’t need to have all the answers or be an expert in peacemaking. You just need to show up. Are you ready to start healing what’s tearing us apart?
What you’ll get
- Step-by-step guide to starting your own Gathering
- Discussion prompts and activities to boost understanding within your conversations
- Personal support and encouragement along the way from Preemptive Love staff
- Access to a wide variety of workshops, trainings, guest speakers and in-person and virtual events hosted by the Preemptive Love Community team
- Access to an ever-growing network/family of peacemakers who host Gatherings around the world
Hi, we’re Anna and Saadia.
We met outside a Zumba class after the 2016 election. (Remember how divided we all felt?)
We couldn’t be more different, but we knew we couldn’t let that come between us. So we started gathering each month with a few of our friends. Not to argue. Not to convert. But to listen and learn. To grow our capacity for care and welcome.
Soon, gatherings like ours were happening all over. Christians and Muslims sharing meals together. Liberals and conservatives listening to each other, instead of shouting at each other. Black moms and police officers having real conversations about racism and justice.
More importantly, relationships were coming to life that couldn’t exist any other way.
It can happen for you. We’d love to show you how.
FAQ
Why should I gather with those who are different?
Peacemaking doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s easy to sit among people who look like us, believe like us, and act like us. But that’s not where change occurs. That’s not where our hearts transform, or where we bridge divides.
How does a Love Anyway Gathering work?
Our gatherings are a space for people from all walks of life to listen, learn, and grow in relationships. Through monthly small-group-style meetups, we seek to create friendship opportunities between people whose lives would not normally overlap, for the purpose of growing in empathy, understanding, and peace. Each new gathering is part of a dream to create the most diverse community of peacemakers on the planet and end the next war before it even begins.
What’s required to lead a Gathering?
Each gathering is led by two people pursuing friendship and deeper understanding with one another, across some kind of cultural, political, ethnic, or religious difference that might normally be a source of division.
You and your friend will host at least one gathering per month and cultivate relationships with your gathering members. Between gatherings, you should encourage members to meet up, grow in one-on-one friendship, and reach out in their own neighborhoods.
Gathering leaders are committed to proactively welcoming people of ALL backgrounds, ethnicities, and political and religious beliefs.
I don’t have any friends who are different. Where do I even start?
Take one step. Talk with us. Sometimes it takes one small step towards the unknown. Let us step with you. We will coach you and give you tips on how to reach out, even in the smallest of ways.
What am I supposed to do for each Gathering?
Your main job is to invite people into a comfortable space for meaningful conversation over food. How do you plan for this? After completing our one-hour online training, we’ll send you a Co-Host Resource Guide to help you plan your monthly gathering. You can also join our exclusive Love Anyway Facebook group and ask fellow co-hosts around the world for tips and guidance.
