In this era of polarized politics, it turns out that most of the acrimony comes from the far wings of the parties, about a third of Americans. And that the other two-thirds are actually tired of yelling at each other. An organization is trying to find common ground, by encouraging communities around the country to hold workshops. There’s one coming up in Blacksburg February 3rd.
The group is called, Better Angels, a reference to President Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural speech reminding people that they share one country. The idea is not to try to change political beliefs, but rather to just help get reds and blues talking to each other again. Atlantic Magazine dubbed it, the bi-partisan group that’s not afraid of partisanship.
“The basic goals are to try and not minimize, but lessen, the political polarization, that at this point, is pretty close to where we were just before the Civil War," says Jamie McReynolds, is organizing the upcoming workshop.
“What they found when they did the first workshop after the 2016 election was--- they brought together 10 Trump voters and 10 Hillary voters---- and they found that they liked each other even though they had very different strategies for what’s best for the nation."
If you worry that talking politics will only lead to arguments and hurt feelings, trained moderators will be there to help people focus on the importance of relationships and community. It’s not a group political discussion – the kind that often elicit cheers and boos—this workshop is one on one conversations that provide people the chance to talk and listen. Partipants at this Sunday’s workshop will roll play, first speaking from a ‘red’ point of view and then a ‘blue.’
McReynolds says, “After a brief introduction about what can go wrong in political discussion,s participants can expect to learn; tone setting skills, listening skills, speaking skills and handling difficult moments.”
He adds, "Participants should have no expectation of changing other people's minds."
The idea to put yourself in the other party’s shoes, to look for 'common ground' and to practice ways to hold a civil and enjoyable conversation across party lines.
So far around 20 people have signed up and as many as 100 are welcome. Better Angels is looking for more towns and cities in southwestern Virginia that would like to hold workshops. There are two versions of the gatherings; the one on one discussions, and a group event that invites people of both parties to talk together.
Better Angels Skills Training Workshop (www.better-angels.org)
Sunday, Feb. 3, 1-4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation building at 1301 Gladewood Drive, Blacksburg.
