Discussing differences with someone whose views may run counter to your own is the theme of a celebration of hospitality by the community group Imagine Bermuda.

A variety of political and social figures from diverse backgrounds have committed to the spirit of the campaign, according to the group’s Glenn Fubler.

“We’re calling for people across the community to link up with one another in a hospitable way, and reach outside their normal boxes,” he said.

This includes a pledge from Maynard Dill and Lynne Woolridge, chairmen of the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance respectively, to join each other for lunch.

The concept was inspired by Elizabeth Lesser, a speaker on educational and creative topics who in 2010 delivered a TED talk on the need to cultivate dialogue by “going to lunch with someone you don’t agree with”.

The initiative is part of Imagine Bermuda’s recognition of April as Hospitality Month.

That theme, Mr Fubler said, goes beyond tourism.

“It is evident that hospitality is something essential for human civilisation, a glue holding communities together,” he said.

“Growing up in North Village in the Fifties, I experienced a sense of connection, when neighbours who didn’t have much readily shared with each other, borrowing cups of sugar even when no one was home.

“That spirit of hospitality obviously empowered neighbourhood entrepreneur Olive Trott, whose small wooden restaurant, over the years, hosted a number of noted international personalities, including Muhammad Ali.

“We are concluding Hospitality Month by celebrating this interconnection, including family, neighbours, fellow employees, international business and visitors.

“This observance addresses the universal context that hospitality has in society, nurturing connections, strengthening our community’s fabric. In light of this we are encouraging residents to reach out during this week and mindfully connect with at least one other person.”

Options include reaching out to family members, having a brown-bag meal in the park with a co-worker, inviting neighbours for supper, or planning a meal with someone of a different background.

“While these opportunities could be taken anytime this coming week, we have stakeholders collaborating by providing free soft drinks with the meal for you and your guest on ‘Thoughtful Thursday’, the 28th, between noon and 2pm,” Mr Fubler said.

“These include the restaurants Chopsticks, Flanagan’s Irish Pub, L’Oriental, Outback Sports Bar, Port O Call, Robin Hood Pub, Rosa’s and the Spot.

The Chewstick Foundation is also collaborating by offering their new location at 81 Front Street to you and your guest, for space and a free soft beverage, for that same period on Thursday.”

Others who have signed on include Tina Duke, the principal of Dellwood, who will be having lunch with Ted Staunton, principal of Saltus; Hamilton mayor Charles Gosling hosting a student from the Adult Education School; Stephen Coddington, president of North Village Community Club sharing a meal with Miguel Pereira, president of Vasco Club, and Minister of Education Wayne Scott lunching with Shannon James, president of the Bermuda Union of Teachers.