Episode 317- Unity Through Service. With Chip Webster

America doesn’t feel like it’s debating anymore. It feels like it’s detonating. We sit down with Chip Webster, founder of Unity in Service Incorporated, to talk about what he saw after five long RV loops around the United States and why it convinced him the country isn’t just politically split, it’s socially disconnected. From conversations in RV parks to the simple heartbreak of seeing “No Littering” signs surrounded by trash, Chip argues we’ve started acting like we’re renting the country instead of owning it. That mindset shows up everywhere: how we talk, how we vote, and whether we feel any duty to people outside our own bubble. Then we get practical. Chip lays out a clear framework for responsible citizenship, from voting and respect for law and order to steady volunteerism that puts you shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbors who see the world differently. The biggest idea is universal national service: a one-year commitment after high school, with options that could include the military or civilian programs inspired by the Civilian Conservation Corps. We weigh the promise against today’s obstacles, including low participation in AmeriCorps, Vietnam-era lessons about exemptions, and the steep collapse in trust in government. We close with Chip’s poem “Microvalidations,” a reminder that big civic repair can start with small human moves: say hello, hold the door, look someone in the eye, and rebuild trust one interaction at a time. If you care about bridging divides, civic engagement, and national service as a path to unity, hit subscribe, share this conversation, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!