In 2017, Big Tent Nation sponsored an online contest to celebrate Americans coming together – at work, home, and in their communities – despite political differences. Check out some of the most moving and funny submissions below!

“Beyond Our Differences” collected video entries from around the country highlighting relationships that thrive even with profound differences. Submissions included neighbors discovering what they had in common despite sitting on different sides of the political aisle, colleagues working together every day and overcoming opposing views, and old friends maintaining a deep lifetime bond despite disagreeing on almost everything. The event gathered winning examples of how citizens can break the gridlock mentality that’s so pervasive in Washington.

After all, our politicians may not be willing to work together, but ordinary citizens do - every single day. We can't afford to let our differences stop us from getting the job done at home, at work, and in our communities. Thanks to all who participated in Beyond Our Differences and helped show our politicians how it’s done - and helped heal America in the process. 

Check out some of the submissions!

Looking for more inspiration? These historical friendships give us all something to aspire to: