Many interest groups are representing many causes, while creating movements, protests, and demonstrations. Some of these are well organized and well-funded. They provide voices to communities that have not been heard enough, and offer support in their pursuit of acceptance, fairness, and freedom.

Very often, their success depends on their singular focus. However, this necessary focus can create a barrier to understanding other groups.

As we help specific disenfranchised communities, sometimes we inadvertently allow more divisions to be created, or to continue. Each group can vie for limited or fickle media and political attention. As they struggle to maintain their hard-won influence and sustainable funding, it can be difficult not to see other groups as competition.

As my neighbour Ellen wondered, "How do we get all these groups to talk to each other?"

The answer is all around us. We are all in this together and, at our core, we all want and need the same things. When we look deeply, we can see how many goals we share.