Opposing Political Viewpoints: Building Bridges by Breaking Bread | Tim Hartley | TEDxPasadena

3,009 views · Published 1 November 2018 · 14:35 · Indexed 26 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

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After the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Tim Hartley became disheartened with the contentious temperament he saw growing in America. But he realized that it was futile to express his political opinions on social media. With the polarizing climate, friends were unfriending friends, and he was essentially operating in a vacuum. In response, he made a heartfelt Facebook post, but instead of venting his frustrations (again), he tried something new. What resulted was a social experiment with an outcome that will completely surprise you. After all, “it might be easy to love someone because of your similarities, but try loving them because of your differences.”
 To Tim Hartley, community is everything. When he’s not working as a residential real estate agent in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area or raising his two sons with husband, Jason of 19 years, he is actively engaged in helping many others throughout the community.

Tim’s enthusiasm and commitment are an inspiration to everyone he meets. He serves on the board of Monte Cedro, a senior living community in Altadena; coaches for Pasadena’s Special Olympics swim and soccer teams; and serves on the steering committee of All Saints Foster Care Project. In his free time, Tim works as a hospice volunteer. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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