The cold-blooded murder of the young, conservative activist Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder of the state of our nation. We must awaken ourselves to the harsh truth that confronts us: While our politics are broken, something much deeper and more profound is happening in America. We face a cultural and human dilemma.

So, let’s tell the truth. We need more truth-tellers.

Too often these days, a commitment to decency is replaced with cruelty and capricious acts. People’s inherent dignity gets lip service while so many Americans suffer and lose hope. Rhetorical prayers and condolences take the place of real action, which we so desperately need today.

There is too much hatred, bigotry and demonization of one another in our land. Knee-jerk finger-pointing takes the place of actual leadership. Condescension and acrimony persist when we need empathy and compassion the most. Hubris and certitude dangerously crowd out humility.

Many of us are exhausted by all the noise and confusion. I know I am. We must awaken ourselves. We must not succumb to fear and feelings of powerlessness amid these challenges. Resistance alone is no substitute for an articulation of what we are for. We need to not only muster a shared will to face our challenges, but we must also find the courage to join with others and embrace the possibilities that we know in our hearts.

Indeed, we must remind ourselves of something else we already know: In all the distractions, we can lose sight of the inherent and innate goodness of people. But it exists. Routinely, I travel across the country from the most conservative to the most liberal strongholds and everywhere in between. Most of the time, I cannot tell who is a Republican, Democrat or independent. Instead, I see, hear and experience Americans. Every day people. Human beings who are yearning for better lives. Who says that we can do better and be better? Those who desire to put this country on a more hopeful trajectory moving forward.

Let us remember who we are and what we seek as human beings.

This requires that we face the real challenges before us. Our broken politics are but a symptom of a larger cultural and human dilemma we face in our communities and the country. Fragmentation. Loneliness. Negativity. Despair. A lack of belief in ourselves and one another.

People experience these challenges regardless of who they voted for in the last election. Indeed, they have been brewing for decades, even as recent years have accelerated and deepened our cultural plight.

I call on us—on all Americans, no matter your political persuasion—to reject more divisive politics and choose a new civic path instead. This is how we can address our cultural and human dilemma, not simply because I believe it. But because I see people every day forging this new and more hopeful path in the local communities where I’m working. Everywhere from Florida to Ohio to North Carolina to California to Alabama to Kentucky and beyond.

Indeed, this work must begin in our local communities. That’s where we can turn outward toward one another, see and hear each other, uphold each other’s dignity, and build anew together. That’s where we can begin to restore our belief in one another and our nation.

It is possible. It is doable. It is vital.

So here’s what I ask of you. Join me and thousands of others who have already embraced this new civic path for America. Let us not give up or give in to despair, hatred, toxic political battles, or violence. We must not surrender—not now, not ever.

Let us awaken ourselves. Let’s get to work. It’s time to build a more hopeful future. We are meant to go together.

We can do this. We must do this. Our communities and our very nation depend on it. Join me.

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Rich Harwood is the president and founder of The Harwood Institute.

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