Hate does not start with violence, it starts with silence, misunderstanding, and fear. But during our recent “No Hate in the United States” online discussion, something powerful happened: people showed up to talk, to listen, and to share lived experience with honesty and courage.

This roundtable reflects a deeper truth about the U.S. currently: despite rising polarization, many Americans still want dialogue. They want solutions. And they want peace, not as an abstract concept, but as something that shapes their families, workplaces, and futures.

Discussion "No Hate in the US": And Why Your Voice Still Matters

One of the most impactful voices in the discussion was Viri, a social worker who moved from Mexico to the U.S. at age 7. Her work supporting children with mental health disorders gives her a frontline view of how national division affects families.

She described the rising fear among Hispanic communities in fear of detention, discrimination, deportation, and hate speech. Global conflicts, she explained, do not stay abroad. They filter into American homes, schools, and workplaces.

Children absorb that fear.
Parents internalize that anxiety.
Communities carry that weight silently.

And yet, what Viri emphasized most was not fear, but dignity.
She reminded us that every human being deserves due process, safety, and respect, regardless of immigration status.

This message resonates deeply with Pledge4Peace’s core mission: peace begins with human rights.

Mental Health: A Hidden Cost of a Divided Nation

Viri shared that the children she serves are experiencing increased anxiety linked to national and global tensions. Their families often live in a state of hypervigilance, uncertain of their safety or future.

This mirrors national trends. The CDC reports that 1 in 3 children in immigrant households experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, while Pew Research shows that more than 60% of Americans believe division has worsened dramatically.

When hate rises, mental health declines, especially for the vulnerable.

Listening as a Form of Peacebuilding

One of the roundtable’s strongest themes was the importance of listening.
Not listening to debate, but listening to understand.

Viri stressed that to prevent hate, we must be open-minded, willing to hear views that differ from our own, and careful not to dehumanize those we disagree with.

We agreed, real peace requires more than public statements. It requires daily practice, listening, empathy, and engagement with people whose stories may challenge our assumptions.

This is the model Pledge4Peace brings to every roundtable: a space where everyone is welcomed and heard, regardless of background or belief.

No Hate in the U.S.: A Citizen-Powered Peace Initiative

Some of the highlights behind this campaign:
• Collect solutions from everyday people
• Build a community-driven blueprint for ending hate
• Present these solutions to institutions once we reach enough pledges
• Encourage coexistence through dialogue, fairness, and human dignity

This is not a political campaign.
It is a civic one, driven by citizens, not parties.

Anyone can contribute. All voices matter.

Join Upcoming Peace Discussions

Our work doesn’t stop here.
Every week, we host open online roundtables where anyone, regardless of background or perspective, can join discussions on the global conflicts listed on our website.

We invite you to take part, share your story, offer solutions, and listen to others.

See upcoming events:
https://www.pledge4peace.org/events

Peace grows through participation, and these spaces exist so everyone can contribute to shaping actionable, people-powered solutions.

Your Voice Can Help End Hate

Hate grows in silence.
Peace grows when people choose courage over comfort.

If you believe in dignity, fairness, and coexistence, add your vote to our campaign:

Vote for solutions to end hate in America:
https://www.pledge4peace.org/campaigns/no-hate-in-the-united-states

Peace begins when people choose to act, and today, that person can be you.