Rob Corcoran

It feels like we are on an emotional roller coaster these days. Wild swings of the market and a tense political campaign can easily allow us to be controlled by fear, blame and anger or swayed by false hopes and promises that appeal to our self- interest.

Whoever occupies the White House in January will be faced not just with daunting policy choices but the greater task of restoring trust in our institutions as well as creating trust between deeply polarized political and cultural groups.

The vision of Initiatives of Change of a just and inclusive American community, which encourages the best in everyone and which demonstrates that diversity is our greatest strength, has never been more relevant. Our mission is to inspire and equip individuals to build trust across divisions of race, class and religion, and to model diverse learning communities in our homes, workplaces and neighborhoods that offer hope, healing and transformation to America.

Over the years we have worked to engage people of all backgrounds in building new visions by linking personal change to social change and by promoting honest conversation and collaborative action in the U.S. and the world to address the root causes of human insecurity. As I wrote in the Christian Science Monitor earlier this year, “Productive conversation demands readiness by all stakeholders to hold themselves, their communities, and institutions accountable, and to be willing to change where change is needed.”

In many sectors of life, Americans are recognizing the vital factor of personal change. At a recent meeting I attended, a leader of one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to creating healthy environments for children stressed that a “change of heart” is an essential component in addressing the structural racism that impacts the lives of the most vulnerable children. “Unless you have the change of heart you do not have the staying power for the long haul.”

This change of heart includes acknowledgment of unjust history, rejection of old prejudices and a willingness to think beyond the needs of one’s own group. Our Hope in the Cities program is rooted in acceptance of personal responsibility, often leading to apologies, forgiveness, and risk-taking to build bridges across traditional divides.

What are the tools for a change of heart in time of crisis?

Frank Buchman, the founder of Initiatives of Change, spoke of the “panic-proof experience of the guidance of God.” For countless people of all faith traditions a daily quiet time has proved to be the greatest source of security and of creativity. It anchors us in the roughest seas and provides the bedrock for clear decision making. An hour of reflection and discernment at the start of the day can give a sense of peace, clarity of purpose, and courage to take the next step.

We all know of people who demonstrate in their everyday lives qualities of integrity and selflessness and who are making a positive difference. In the midst of financial and economic crisis, ethnic and religious tensions, and competition for scarce resources they are showing that the forces of fear and greed are no match for the still small voice of truth.