This post [1] was adapted from a post at the Islamic Networks Group (ING) website.

As residents of this great nation, we have a civic obligation to engage with other Americans and to get to know one another in all our diversity. We need to look for commonalities and explore differences. We often don’t take the time to learn our neighbors’ stories — what makes them who they are, what brought them to this great nation, or what the United States means to them.

That’s why, in this time of divisiveness facing our nation, NIOT and ING challenge you to share your own story and listen to those of your neighbors. For it is only in getting to know one another that we can build empathy and compassion, develop awareness and understanding, offer or receive support, and maybe, just maybe begin solving the conflicts facing our nation and the world by working towards the common good.

During this week celebrating the fourth of July, we invite you to join ING's Know Your Neighbor: Share Your American Story Campaign [1] by sharing your unique American story — whether of recent arrival or spanning many generations in this country — through social media or in-person events.

We invite you to reflect on your family history and traditions, as well as larger questions such as: What does the fourth of July mean to you? If your family was banned from immigrating to America, what would have happened to them? How do we discuss our various immigration stories while remaining aware of the huge difference between being an immigrant and being a descendant of slaves or of indigenous people?

Participate

Start sharing on social media between Monday, July 2 and Friday, July 6. Help us inspire others to explore what being an American means to them. Come with us and #KnowYourNeighbor.

Join the #KnowYourNeighbor [2]: Share Your American Story Campaign July 2nd-6th: https://t.co/mIkzaK1sSz [3] We kick off tomorrow morning. Tell us your unique American story! pic.twitter.com/wKb27DLcuX [4]

— ING (@ING_org) July 1, 2018 [5]

You can find out more at www.ing.org/kyn-american-story [6]!