Business and politics are intertwined in many ways. As people, it isn’t easy to separate the policies from the people and the people from the parties they often represent. We’re seeing that on a local, state, and national scale.

Misconceptions about “the other side” are driving political polarization. Recent research found that Republicans and Democrats expressed support for hallmark democratic practices, but that support declines significantly when voters on one side believe their opponents are hostile to those values.

Those misconceptions will likely grow in the run-up to the Nov. 6 election, which will contain two ballot issues that have drawn significant media coverage in the past few months – not to mention many big races across the state.

But there’s reason for great hope in Chillicothe, regardless of how the November election goes. It is found in our history of consensus building, which should be our primary goal.

Consensus strikes for a unity of opinion rather than complete agreement on every decision. We reach it when voices are heard, views are spoken, and facts are vetted. Those steps mold the discussion and create a consensus. We may not get a unanimous opinion, but we arrive at one where everyone can agree with the essence of the decision or support it because it’s good for our community.

How do we accomplish this?

1. Focus on common goals. There are a significant number of issues that divide us, but what brings us together? What do all the people in Ross County want to achieve? Whether improving the schools, creating jobs, or making the town more beautiful, we must find common goals that everyone can rally around.

2. Encourage civic engagement. Get people involved. This effort could mean volunteering for local organizations, attending public meetings, or running for office. When people feel they have a say in their community, they’re more likely to be invested in its success.

3. Celebrate diversity. Small towns are often known for their tight-knit communities, which can also lead to insularity. Try to celebrate Chillicothe’s diversity, whether in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status. People will begin to see beyond their differences and come together as a community.

4. Promote understanding. One of the best ways to overcome political divides is to promote awareness. By talking to people with different viewpoints and trying to see things from their perspective, we become open to new ideas and experiences.

5. Avoid divisive language. When we use divisive speech, we alienate people who don’t share our views. Instead, focus on using inclusive and welcoming language to help create a more positive and productive environment for dialogue.

6. Be patient. It takes time to build unity. Don’t expect to see results overnight. Just keep working at it; eventually, you will see a difference.

Here are a few ways we can help unify our community:

• Build a coalition to focus on a common goal of improving the schools. They could do this by raising money for new equipment, volunteering their time to tutor students, or advocating for better funding from the state.

• A group could boost civic engagement by hosting a town hall meeting to discuss critical local issues.

• Boosting volunteerism by actively participating in volunteer drives that help specific groups. Imagine the power of a tiny group of people dedicating themselves for one year to helping feed the hungry, tutoring struggling students, or finding solutions to homelessness.

• A small town could promote understanding by offering workshops on cultural awareness. They could also create a dialogue group to discuss their differences in a safe and respectful environment.

Building unity in a small town like Chillicothe takes time and effort, but it is possible. We can create a more positive, inclusive community for everyone.

Mike Throne is president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and the co-host of the Feels Like Home podcast, which can be found wherever you get your podcasts. He can be reached at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com