Progressives and conservatives are failing to find common ground in communities across the globe. People appear to have lost the shared sense of purpose and values necessary to debate matters of the public good without disparaging their neighbours. In places like Alberta, the divisions are palpable. But how much of this polarization is a figment of our imagination? In this timely and highly relevant public lecture, Jared Wesley explores the gap between who Albertans actually are and who they see themselves to be as a community. Based on engaging thousands of Albertans, his insights provide a toolkit for citizens eager to tamp down the factionalism that has gripped our communities over the past decade. Following the lecture, Jennifer Crosby, Director of Media Strategy, University of Alberta will facilitate a spirited panel discussion with Dr. Wesley, Hon. Sandra Jansen, former Alberta Cabinet Minister, MLA and journalist, and Puneeta McBryan, CEO Edmonton Downtown Business Association.