In a country built on the ideals of unity and collaboration, it is disheartening to witness the growing divisiveness that is paralyzing American politics.

More than ever, we need common sense — not as a partisan tool, but as a guiding principle — to navigate the challenges we face as a nation and in our hometowns.

From our largest cities to our most rural communities, the consequences of gridlock are painfully evident. Nobody wins when lawmakers and leaders create intentional roadblocks in legislation instead of coming together for the good of the American people. Our most vulnerable populations are the ones who end up feeling the pain the most.

The Founding Fathers designed a system that thrives on dialogue and compromise, working together for the common good. Too often, intense partisanship overshadows progress.

Common sense, defined as “the ability to use good judgment in making decisions,” dictates that no one ideology has a monopoly on solutions. Legislators must prioritize problem-solving over scoring political capital, putting the needs of all their constituents (not just the ones who voted for them) above party loyalty.

Bipartisanship is not a lofty ideal. It is necessary to ensure all citizens are represented. Issues like access to health care, infrastructure, agriculture, education and economic development are not political party problems. They are American problems. Solving these complicated issues requires collaborative effort, mutual respect and a willingness to find a middle ground. A common sense approach acknowledges that while we may not agree on everything, we can and must agree on the need to move forward together.

History offers numerous examples of what can be achieved when leaders set aside partisan differences. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended segregation and prohibited employment discrimination, became law with significant bipartisan support despite intense political and social pressures. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 also relied on bipartisan support to pass into law. More recently, the bipartisan infrastructure deal of 2021 demonstrated that progress is still possible when leaders work together to address critical national needs.

As president of the National Grange, I have seen — and participated in — the power of cooperation in rural communities. Farmers, community leaders, small-business owners, educators and health-care providers regularly come together to tackle challenges unique to rural life. These communities often exemplify the spirit of neighbor-helping-neighbor, setting aside differences to achieve shared goals.

The Grange believes in and demonstrates the transformative and collaborative power of community service. Projects like food and clothing drives, disaster relief efforts, community meals, and youth mentorship and resiliency programs illustrate the impact of collective action. These initiatives transcend ideological differences, reminding us that our shared humanity is far more significant than what divides us.

Legislators could learn much from these grassroots efforts. Imagine what we could achieve if Congress — and leaders at all levels — approached work with the same sense of purpose and unity that drives volunteers in rural communities. Focusing on shared objectives and taking practical, deliberate steps to achieve them could transform political stalemates into opportunities for progress.

Rural America faces critical issues: declining population, lack of trustworthy broadband, underfunded schools, and limited access to health care to name a few. To adequately address these problems, unity among local, state and federal leaders is a necessity. It requires listening to those on the ground to craft solutions that reflect lived realities. In rural communities, common sense solutions often mean pooling resources, leveraging partnerships, and looking past differences for the common good.

To deliver results for all Americans, we must demand common sense from our leaders. We call on our legislators to take part in the following.

Listening: True leadership begins with listening to diverse perspectives, including those in rural communities, which are too often overlooked.

Collaborating: Policymakers must seek partnerships beyond party lines, focusing on shared goals rather than political differences.

Acting With Purpose: Solutions should be rooted in reality, not politics. Leaders must act decisively and inclusively to address the pressing issues of our time.

Engaging Communities: Citizens, too, have a role to play. By engaging in community service and advocacy, we can build a stronger, more united nation.

In this pivotal moment, let us reject the cynicism and gridlock of blind partisanship and embrace the power of collaboration and building strong relationships. The challenges we face are significant, but so too is our capacity to overcome them — if we work together.

As Grangers, as Americans, and as neighbors, let us lead the way in restoring common sense to our politics and unity to our nation