Facebook is an accurate model of what it looks like when conversation occurs without respect, curiosity, and kindness.  Comments following the posting of a political or religious opinion are too often judgmental, even vulgar.

A rule of discussion often heard today is, “never discuss religion or politics.”  However, there is a problem with that rule.  It ends all possibility of progress.  Without discussion, people cannot reach solutions to challenges and problems.  Nor can they learn to understand one another.

Three friends in Peoria, Illinois have allowed their friendship to become the centerpiece of a movement designed to model practices that embrace, rather than avoid, huge ideological differences.  Differences that, in some places, have caused wars or social estrangement.

The Great Valley Chapter of American Leadership Forum is committed to sharing the Three Practices with the Central Valley, beginning in Merced.  We’d love for you to join us in this project.

To learn more about No Joke, you can watch a TEDx Talk about the Three Practices, and you can watch a 30-minute short about the Peoria Three who started this all.  Let us hear from you.