Strange as it may seem, the story begins with two groups named “Crossing Party Lines” starting independently of one another, only a few months apart in 2016, in two cities on opposite ends of the country.
Lisa Swallow
Lisa Swallow, a retired training developer and technical communicator living in Portland Oregon, wanted to see if her knowledge of communication styles and Nonviolent Communication could help others create civil, respectful discourse around the politics of the day.
Kareem Abdelsadek
Kareem Abdelsadek, a Federal Management Consultant in DC and New York with experience supporting the government in building diverse teams to rally around shared missions, was driven by civic duty to apply his experience with the goal of rebuilding a shared American vision of community through political conversation.
Together With A Shared Passion
Kareem and Lisa came together to create a national grassroots American conversation with people of varying political perspectives and from all walks of life. They stand together now, alongside their energetic team and over 2,000 Crossing Party Lines members, more certain in their belief that open, civil, respectful political discussions across America has the potential to heal the divides in our nation.
OUR VISION
A country that cultivates the power in diversity of thought for public betterment.
OUR MISSION
Create open dialogue among Americans with dissimilar ideologies to increase tolerance, build communities, and encourage civic engagement.
OUR APPROACH
Civil Dialogue In Action
Talk So Others Will Listen…
We talk about the issues that divide us and that are critical to the future of this country we love.
Listen So Others Will Talk…
We allow ourselves to see issues from other perspectives.
For A Better America
And A Better You.
We use civility to reach understanding that pushes American values forward. The techniques we use in Crossing Party Lines can have the potential to bridge divisions not only in our communities, but in our personal and professional lives.
UNITED
FOR ALL
Crossing Party Lines is led by a group of individuals who are passionate about exploring our unique and shared values as a national community.
CITIZENS IN CONVERSATION.
DARING TO DIALOGUE.
Crossing Party Lines is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible.
Crossing Party Lines is registered in New York, NY and currently hosts meetups in New York, NY;
Portland, OR; Chicago, IL; and Washington, DC.
The Official Site of Crossing Party Lines.
© 2020 Crossing Party Lines. All Rights Reserved.