Civics

Informed citizens seek out reliable sources of information, critically  evaluate news and opinions, and strive to understand diverse perspectives on various topics.

They have a basic understanding of the political system and the processes through which decisions are made. (read more)

Dignity & Respect

Protecting human dignity involves valuing and upholding the inherent worth and rights of every individual. Here are ways to promote and protect human dignity: 

Respect and Empathy: Treat others with respect, empathy, and kindness, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. (read more)

Hardball Questions

Hardball questions are a crucial aspect of effective communication, often used in interviews, negotiations, debates, and discussions. These questions are designed to challenge the respondent's critical thinking, depth of knowledge, and ability to handle pressure. (read more)

Media

Accurate Information: Credible news sources strive to provide accurate and fact-checked information. They rely on verified sources and provide evidence to support their claims.  

Transparency and Attribution: Credible news outlets clearly attribute their sources of information.  (read more)

Politics

Some political issues that were contributing to tension in society. 

Polarization and Political Divides: Deep political polarization and divisions over issues such as immigration, healthcare, gun control, and climate change can lead to tense and adversarial interactions among people with differing viewpoints. (read more)

How to Engage in Productive Conversations

In an era of polarization, the ability to engage in productive conversations is essential for a healthy society. Here’s why embracing these conversations is crucial:

Understanding Complexity: Issues are rarely black and white. Engaging in open dialogue helps you comprehend the intricacies and nuances behind different perspectives.

Empathy and Connection: Listening to others’ views fosters empathy. It’s an opportunity to understand the fears, hopes, and concerns that shape people’s beliefs.

Building Consensus: Productive conversations lay the groundwork for finding common ground. By discussing tensions respectfully, solutions can emerge that benefit everyone.

Preserving Democracy: A thriving democracy relies on informed citizens discussing ideas and policies. Meaningful conversations are the bedrock of an active and engaged electorate.

Personal Growth: Engaging in tough discussions challenges your assumptions and expands your knowledge. It’s an avenue for intellectual growth and development.

Reducing Hostility: Talking about ideological tension in a respectful manner helps diffuse animosity. Constructive conversations replace hostility with understanding.

Influencing Change: When you discuss hardball issues, you’re contributing to the public discourse. Your voice, combined with others, has the power to shape policies and decisions.

How to talk to each other

Avoid interruptions: Allow the speaker to express themselves fully without interrupting. Avoid finishing their sentences or cutting them off.

Paraphrase and summarize: Occasionally rephrase what the speaker said to demonstrate that you understand and are processing the information. Summarizing key points can also reinforce your active listening.

Be non-judgmental: Avoid making judgments or jumping to conclusions about the speaker’s experiences or feelings.

Create a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of criticism.

Ask open-ended questions: Pose questions that encourage the speaker to elaborate and share more about their thoughts and feelings.

How you can Engage Politically

Voting: Participate in elections by researching candidates and issues and casting your vote for those you believe will best represent your values and interests.

Educating Yourself: Stay informed about local and national issues, policies, and candidates. Seek out reliable sources of information to make well-informed decisions.

Peaceful Protests: Join peaceful demonstrations, marches, or rallies to voice your concerns and advocate for change. Remember that maintaining a non-violent approach is crucial for the effectiveness of your message.

Letter Writing and Petitions: Write letters to your elected officials expressing your opinions on various matters. Sign and circulate petitions to gather support for causes you care about.

Community Involvement: Engage in community service and volunteer work to address local issues, build connections, and contribute positively to your neighborhood.

Civil Discourse: Engage in respectful discussions with others who have differing opinions. Focus on understanding their viewpoints and finding common ground rather than trying to win an argument. (read more)

Urban Rural Action’s ABC’s of Constructive Dialogue.