Even if you’re not a member of a faith that believes in the principle of Solidarity, for all of us it’s an important part of getting along in this huge world of ours. And it simply begins with getting to know other cultures. One way to do this fits in with what we do anyway. Go ahead and watch TV, surf the net, browse through the library, help the kids with homework. Before starting, though, choose a third-world or impoverished area you know little about (from Africa to Appalachia) and plan to learn all you can about its history and its people, including the hardships they face. Compare your own family’s beliefs and values with theirs. Make a habit of watching for newspaper articles and TV programs about that area and listening for news stories about it. But don’t be surprised when you start feeling a kinship with those previously unfamiliar people. That’s the idea; that’s SOLIDARITY!
