Be a Part of Waymakers' 2026 Plans
An update on what’s ahead—and consider supporting the work
Hi friends,
Every day, we hear from people who feel overwhelmed by conflict—within their families, congregations, workplaces, and communities. People are looking for ways to navigate these divides with courage, clarity, and compassion. And when they find Waymakers, they tell us:
“This is the work we’ve been waiting for.”
Since launching Waymakers as a pilot this summer, we’ve been deeply moved by how many people have engaged with this work—online, at our inaugural REPAIR event, and through our growing community. The idea that conflict can become a space for courage and connection is resonating widely. The need is real, and it’s growing.
As we look toward 2026, we’re excited to share what’s on our vision board:
Interfaith REPAIR - March 6, Salt Lake City (Note date change; tickets available Jan 2026)
A one-day gathering where participants from across faith traditions will explore how to build communities of peace and repair in an increasingly fractured world, together with:
Dr. Ravi Gupta (Utah State University) - “How to Find Focus in an Age of Distraction using the Hindu Kirtan”
Rabbi Samuel Spector (Congregation Kol Ami) - “How to Argue Like a Rabbi”
Pastor Jamie White (First Presbyterian Church) - “A Jesus focused Response to Loneliness, Depression and Anxiety”
More workshops to be announced from Buddhist, Catholic, and LDS faith leaders/peacemakers
REPAIR: D.C. Gathering - September, Washington D.C. (More info to come)
A gathering focused on bridging divides in our families, congregations, and communities, with a special emphasis on developing practical tools for navigating political polarization with integrity and courage. Patrick Mason and Judge Thomas Griffith (ret.) will keynote the event, and Chad Ford and other leading conflict resolution experts will run skills-building workshops.
Traveling REPAIR Workshops
In 2026, we hope to offer smaller, portable REPAIR workshops that can be hosted by communities across the continent (we hear you Canada!)—bringing skill-building and relational repair directly to congregations, campuses, workplaces, and civic groups.
Bridge Building across Faith Transitions and Differences
We intend to expand work around faith transitions, family strain, and shifting spiritual identities—an area where people consistently tell us they feel isolated, misunderstood, or unsure how to move forward. Our aim with this work is to help families and communities stay connected through these shifts by fostering empathy, deep listening, and compassionate dialogue.
These are the kinds of offerings your support makes possible: spaces where people learn to see each other, understand each other, and repair what is broken.
As we step into this next chapter, we’re asking our community to help sustain and grow this work. Our initial seed money has been used for our 2025 efforts and we are reaching out for our community to catalyze our work forward. If Waymakers has offered you insight, courage, or companionship in your own work of repair—or if you simply believe the world needs more people trained in peacemaking—we invite you to give generously.
Every gift, of any size, directly fuels this work.
Click here to contribute.
Your support doesn’t just sustain a program—it empowers a community and it builds a future where ordinary people have the tools to transform conflict into connection.
Thank you for standing with us in this work.
With gratitude,
The Waymakers Team
Chad Ford
Patrick Mason Katie Searle
Exciting things on the horizon! Keeping my fingers crossed the abundant financing and opportunity can open for y’all and this work.
Susan from Oakland, CA. I just said this recently to a religious leader after spending more time in a temple. I was so trained in skills in the workplace and I train them as well. I was thinking of temples and then expanded to all interested religious sites.