Here’s a three-part assignment for you. (Relax. All three parts are easy).

Part one: Take a look at The Boston Globe’s coverage of a new Boston Police Department outreach program Operation Hoodsie Cup, being sure to pay attention to where the idea came from.

Part two: Consider what this program is doing. Specifically, think of how much of the problems that exist between city police departments and the people they’re paid to protect originate from the fact that the two sides don’t really know or understand each other. And think about how this simple, inexpensive program can lay the groundwork for change. Not change everything, mind you. But help change perception, which is the first step to changing reality.

Part three: Think about how much easier it can be to accomplish your goals – as an organization or as a business – when you get face-to-face with the people you need to communicate with and you do it with some style and fun. And consider the fact that there are people out there whose job is to help you find ways to put you in close contact with the groups you need to talk to.

That’s it. Or, OK … Part four: Get yourself a Hoodsie Cup. You know you want one.