Citizen Project

Bridging Divides is our 20-minute presentation about political polarization and how we can come together to solve tough political problems.

This presentation is often offered to civic minded and involved organizations and groups. Together, we consider the current state of political polarization and how it creates policy gridlock and undermines democratic institutions. We then ask what individuals and organizations can do to work across differences so communities can move forward in a productive way and solve problems.

This 20-minute presentation can easily be paired with a 30-minute discussion.

This event is facilitated by SAGE. Materials provided.

There’s plenty in the news about what divides us, but let’s talk about what unites us. Turns out, that despite the rancor in the news and on social media, many of us share common values that unite us in service of a greater good.

In this conversation, we discuss common values as a foundation for working across divides. We also practice listening to each other so we can better understand our concerns and how each of us can make a difference.

This event is facilitated by SAGE. The format can be adapted for a 1 to 2-hour program. Materials provided.

Every American is affected by the divisions and outrage that prevent us from making progress on urgent problems. We are finding it harder and harder to even talk with one another, and it is damaging in many ways. During this event, we help participants deliberate together about how we should approach this long-term challenge.
 
We recognize there are no easy answers to the problem. Should we require more accurate, respectful discussion in the media and online, or would that stifle free speech? Should we reform politics and government to encourage compromise, or will that mean giving up on the changes we really need and want? Should local communities set policies in areas like health care and the environment, or would that risk the progress we’ve made and make further progress nearly impossible? Should we crack down on money in politics, or will people just find new ways to evade the rules?
 
SAGE's part of the solution to these divisions is to bring people together from diverse backgrounds to listen and learn from one another. During this event, we present three options for deliberation about difficult problems. Each option offers advantages as well as risks. And each refects different ways of understanding what is at stake, forcing us to think about what matters most to us.
 
At the close of the event, you can expect to have learned more about the pros and cons of the options from different viewpoints. We also hope that you will make personal connections with other participants and that some participants will use practices from the event to host similar conversations.

To support this event, we rely on a facilitation guide produced by the National Issues Forum called A House Divided.

This event is facilitated by SAGE. The format can be adapted for a 1.5 to 2-hour program. Materials provided.

Many young people think the United States is on the wrong track and fear that decisions by today’s leaders are robbing them, and those who come after them, of a better future. Distrust in political parties combined with concerns about racial inequality and the lack of fundamental fairness in our society are inspiring protests—many led by children and young adults—and fueling grassroots efforts to challenge the status quo.

During this event, you will have a chance to discuss and deliberate three options for creating a better future and stable economy for all young Americans. Option one is to equip people to succeed. Option two is to give everyone a fair chance. And Option three is to focus on our economic security.

All these options are important, but there are tradeoffs in how we implement them, and participants will discuss the key ideas and consider how we act on specific proposals that could bring about changes that will affect Americans of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic background.

Succeeding generations should inherit a society that is fairer and fiscally sound. Guests who join us share their views and ideas for how we create a brighter future.

To support this event, we rely on a facilitation guide produced by the National Issues Forum called Youth & Opportunity.

This event is facilitated by SAGE. The format can be adapted for a 1.5 to 2-hour program. Materials provided.