The Case for Confidence in America
A hopeful conversation with Adam Mizel — and a simple way you can help unite America on December 13th
By now, the story feels familiar: we’re a nation locked in a constant brawl. Outrage wins attention. Conflict sells. You could be forgiven for believing Americans want the division.
But what if that story is wrong?
That’s the question Adam Mizel — co-founder and CEO of US United — set out to test. He spent the summer driving across the country in a purple pickup truck, stopping in small towns and big cities to talk with as many people as possible. What he heard was not anger. It was longing.
People want dignity.
People want to feel heard.
People want to do things together again.
They used the same words over and over: respect, listening, trust, teamwork.
Left, right, rural, urban, young, old — the fundamentals of unity aren’t up for debate. We agree on what it looks like. We just don’t see enough of it reflected back to us.
That gap between who we are and what we see?
That’s where the outrage takes hold.
And that’s why this conversation with Adam is one we really need right now.
Introducing National Unity Day — December 13th
Small actions can change our culture — especially when we do them together.
National Unity Day, officially recognized on the National Day Calendar, happens every year on the second Saturday of December. It’s meant to be a reset button — a moment to remember what unites us and to act on it.
This year, we’re inviting you to join a simple and meaningful activity…
🥾 The Unity Walk & Photo Project
Walk anytime on December 13th
A Unity Walk asks just one thing:
Notice what’s good.
Not what’s broken. Not what divides us.
But the everyday signals of connection we usually overlook.
How to Participate
1️⃣ Walk
Pick any route — a nearby park, your downtown, your own block. Walk for 30–60 minutes.
2️⃣ Observe
Look for examples of unity in action. That might be:
A cross-cultural restaurant where neighbors gather
A community garden shared by strangers
A local library or park where everyone belongs
Small acts of kindness — a door held open, a smile exchanged
3️⃣ Capture
Take photos of the signs of unity. (You don’t need to photograph people directly.)
4️⃣ Share (optional)
Post one favorite image with the hashtag #NationalUnityDay to help inspire others.
It’s simple. It’s grounding. And it’s something anyone can do — regardless of political views, social circle, or comfort with “activism.”
You’re just taking a walk.
And choosing to look for the best in us.
Learn more and find more observation prompts.
Other Simple Ways to Join National Unity Day
Maybe walking isn’t your thing. There are countless other ways to build unity where you live:
✨ Donate to a local food bank
✨ Visit a neighbor you haven’t spoken with in a while
✨ Write a thank-you note to a teacher, first responder, or local volunteer
✨ Volunteer an hour at a community organization
✨ Wear purple — a reminder that red + blue = us
Unity doesn’t have to be complicated. We don’t have to solve all the problems all at once.
We can start by doing something that strengthens the fabric right around us.
A Question Worth Asking
During his trip, Adam asked thousands of people:
“If you were President for a week, what would you do to bring Americans together?”
People didn’t answer with complex policy plans.
They talked about kindness. Respect. Reaching out. Sitting down and figuring things out.
We don’t have to wait for a president to do those things.
We can start today — within five miles of where we live.
A Final Thought on Unity
We don’t fix division by wishing it away.
We fix it by noticing when we’re already united — and choosing to create more of that.
So take a walk with us on December 13th.
Look for the good.
Be part of the proof that Americans still know how to care about one another.
And if you want to hear the stories that sparked this movement…
Unity should be more than a slogan.
It’s us — together — choosing to take the next step.
Upcoming Guests in December
Upcoming for the Outrage Overload podcast in December we have:
Adam Mizel on National Unity Day
Petter Törnberg on why fixing the algorithm won’t fix polarization—and why AI could make it worse.
Brad Porteus on Bridge Grades, a tool to rank members of Congress
New Bookshop
If you enjoyed some of the books we brought you this year, then buying the books through the Outrage Overload Bookshop helps me, the author, and independent bookshops across the US.