Toward Oneness: Community Dialogues at University of La Verne
Toward Oneness is a student-led dialogue series designed to bring people together for rich conversations about building a better society. Hosted by University of La Verne Honors students in association with Toward Oneness, the Bahá’ís of the United States, and People for Peace & Prosperity, these events create safe, welcoming spaces to explore themes of unity, justice, and shared humanity.
Together, we examine biases, break down barriers, and learn how to move toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.
The challenge
Exploring how we can unlearn and overcome prejudice as it pertains to religion.
At Toward Oneness, we believe that honest dialogue is the first step to building unity. This session invited students and community members to reflect on the roots of religious prejudice and how it shows up in daily life. Through open conversation, participants shared experiences, challenged assumptions, and explored practical steps for fostering respect across different faith traditions.
The goal was not only to raise awareness but also to equip participants with tools to practice empathy, recognize bias, and strengthen bonds of fellowship. Together, we are learning how to transform our differences into opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.
The solution
Creating spaces for dialogue, empathy, and shared learning.
The solution lies in building environments where people feel safe to listen, speak, and connect across differences. Through the Toward Oneness dialogue series, students and community members come together to unlearn prejudice by practicing respect, compassion, and critical reflection.
Each conversation is designed to spark empathy, deepen understanding, and inspire collaborative action. By sharing meals, personal stories, and fresh perspectives, participants discover common ground and imagine new ways to build a more inclusive society.
