Our society, and our community, are at a crossroads. Do we decry our country’s deep divisions and bemoan our personal differences? Do we seek common ground, pool our resources and play to people’s strengths? (Details at 11!)

Culture wars separate and denigrate. Let me be clear. I’m not a pacifist. I’m a pragmatist. Which brings me back to left brainers, right brainers and no-brainers. Politics of left and right aside, the crux of IQ is a linguistic and logical aptitude largely centered in the left hemisphere of the brain.

These are the faculties of cognition that have a strong correlation with high GPAs. They’re also why academic assessments focus on “How smart are you?” rather than “How are you smart?” My left brain leanings fueled my Ivy League learnings, and led to my graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pennsylvania.

Unlike the curriculum paths of high-profile Penn alums like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the Dr. of Oz, I took the career track less traveled — an individualized major in African American studies. An unconventional choice that made me the white sheep in the Black Studies Department (and got me the nickname Chlorox!)

Politically correct? Probably not. Comical in a way that created connection? Right on! And an early no-brainer that shared laughter deepens friendships, and digs wells of goodwill. It also showed me how Eq (Emotional Intelligence) helps diminish the plagues of polarization and persecution.

Where left brain “book smarts” differentiate, right brain “people smarts” ease divisiveness. Eq helps us take the fifth (of Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”) “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

The ensuing empathy encourages us to reconsider the seemingly benign reciprocity of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and recognize the risk for narcissism and projection.

These two concerns motivated authors Tony Allesandra and Michael J. O’Connor to craft The Platinum Rule: “Do unto others as they prefer that it be done.” (Sure, you love the Sox. But if her thing is ballet, orchestra seats beat a box at Fenway.)

Knowing what someone values in a way that they feel understood strengthens communication. It creates the kind of caring and trust where people feel heard, seen, and validated (the trifecta of close ties).

But to confront the widening economic inequality, climate chaos and nuclear crises, we need a third intelligence. A synthesis of IQ/Eq I call WeQ. An interpersonal awareness that taps into the collective wisdom of the group. A big-picture perspective that illuminates the social fabric and inspires us to be impactful team players.

The fact that our economical and environmental ills are interconnected is a no-brainer. Inequality, injustice and infighting are so interwoven, addressing any requires a broad view of all. So in service to the group’s higher needs, how do we put aside our self-interest and boost our WeQ?

Enter RG, Resilient Greenfield, a local initiative that seeks to turn hurt, hate and fear into help, hope and faith. Kindfully co-creating a mutual aid network that shifts mindsets from power over, to power with. By partnering with community pillars and key organizations, RG is a hub for volunteering that offers a leg up, not a handout.

Resilient Greenfield uses the power of collaboration to integrate IQ with Eq, and tap into the WeQ of established communities. Pooling our resources and playing to people’s strengths, volunteers get to choose from among a wide array of partnering organizations seeking assistance, and pick the opportunities they feel are the best fit via greenfield.givepulse.com.

If this shared vision of progressive teamwork and social networking appeals to you, and being part of it would be a welcome change, plus a meaningful way to meet new people and grow, please learn more online at https://community.resilientgreenfield.org/home.

Bottom line, whether you’re more of a left brainer or a right brainer, with all the local, national, and global perils we are facing, it’s a no-brainer that mutual aid is pivotal to our survival. We’re in this together, and the more we stick together, the more resilient and resourceful we show up for our neighbors.

Genuine reciprocity helps us take a generous stance and work together to build wells of goodwill. Trust me, I know it’s hardly gonna rival Einstein’s famous formula E=mc2, but here’s hopin’ when it comes to bringing out our best: IQ + Eq = WeQ.

Rob Peck of Greenfield grew up in New Jersey and has been a featured presenter at Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institute. He is a motivational speaker, author, humorist, (and recovering perfectionist!) True to his book, “It’s A Juggle Out There,” Rob’s outside the briefcase ideas combine a sense of purpose with a spirit of fun and lead to less stress and more zest. He can be reached atzestworks.com and/or via Robpeck@zestworks.com.