Bridging Divides: The Journey of US United Towards National Unity

From Yelling at the TV to Building Bridges: Adam Mizel’s Quest for Unity

Denver, CO — In a world increasingly defined by division, Adam Mizel, a Denver-based finance professional, found himself at a breaking point in 2020. Frustrated by the relentless negativity on television, he often found himself screaming at the screen. But a pivotal conversation with his wife shifted his perspective. “No one is going to hear you yelling at the television. What are you going to do about it?” she asked.

Determined to make a difference, Mizel embarked on a journey that would lead to the creation of US United—a non-partisan organization aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding among Americans from all walks of life. Mizel believed that the anger and divisiveness portrayed in the media did not reflect the true spirit of the nation.

US United is not alone in its mission; it joins the ranks of organizations like Living Room Conversations and Braver Angels, which also strive to bridge divides. However, Mizel emphasizes that US United aims to create a “cool” and culturally relevant brand for unity, offering practical tools to de-escalate conflicts and foster connections.

One of the organization’s key initiatives is the Unity Pledge, an online commitment where signers vow to prioritize unity over division. Additionally, US United hosts monthly “30 For US” calls, where participants engage in discussions on various topics with people from across the country.

A unique aspect of US United is its collaboration with law enforcement, particularly sheriffs from both red and blue states. Co-founder Sheriff Chris Swanson of Genesee County, Michigan, is a driving force behind this initiative. Swanson gained national attention during the George Floyd protests when he famously removed his riot gear and joined demonstrators, declaring, “We go out there to help people, not do that nonsense.”

Swanson believes that US United is well-positioned to foster personal connections not just between law enforcement and communities, but among individuals who may feel they have nothing in common. His advice? “Ask questions.” He emphasizes that understanding different perspectives can open new pathways to dialogue.

Mizel and Swanson’s partnership was born out of a serendipitous meeting on a podcast in Flint, Michigan, in November 2020. Mizel was struck by the motto on Swanson’s squad cars: “To protect, to serve, and to unify.” This resonated deeply with Mizel, who saw it as a call to action.

This summer, Mizel embarked on an 8,000-mile road trip across the country, engaging in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. One memorable encounter was with a woman in Montana selling MAGA t-shirts. Their discussion about unity and immigration led to a shift in her perspective, illustrating the power of storytelling in bridging divides.

While Mizel and Swanson acknowledge that these conversations alone won’t transform the nation overnight, they believe they are a crucial first step. “If you hear those stories, even if you change only 5%, at least it’s understanding the world’s a little more gray than we sometimes think,” Mizel said.

To further promote unity, US United is calling for a National Unity Day on December 13, encouraging people to wear purple—a blend of red and blue—and to reach out to friends or family members with whom they disagree. Mizel also envisions “unity seats” at professional sporting events, where families from different backgrounds can sit together, fostering friendships in unexpected places.

Mizel admits that building this movement requires significant fundraising and effort, but he remains optimistic. He points to the success of grassroots movements like Livestrong and Black Lives Matter as evidence that change is possible.

Sheriff Swanson echoes this sentiment, recalling the peaceful protests in Flint. “Nobody got arrested, nobody got hurt, no businesses ransacked or burned. It’s possible,” he said.

As US United continues to grow, Mizel and Swanson remain committed to their mission of fostering understanding and connection in a divided world. Their journey is a testament to the belief that even small conversations can spark significant change.