We begin with what we’re learning from the science of being human.
Science
Minds react to attacks on our beliefs the same way as threats to our physical well-being.
We’ve learned a great deal about what it means to be human in the last three decades. Disciplines like cognitive science, neurobiology, and evolutionary psychology have shed important new light on how our minds work — especially in the social environment.
Understanding the partisan brain is central to the work of Crossing Party Lines. We work to establish trust among participants and avoid “triggers” that get in the way. We offer in-depth courses for members and train our moderators in the very best science. Our conversations are conducted with the latest research in hand, using proven techniques to encourage curiosity rather than defensiveness, aimed at keeping conversations on an even keel. They are safe yet courageous spaces where all voices are heard.
Regular Opportunities to Talk
Participatory politics begins with talking to our fellow citizens.
One of the keys to our success is the regularity of our meetings. Mastering the skills that make civil, respectful conversations possible takes practice. Our members know that at least once a week they can practice with real people talking about the issues they care about without being judged, criticized, or attacked for not saying things in exactly the right way.
Our regular meetings have an added benefit. Intergroup contact theory suggests we can reduce the animosity and distrust between groups simply by spending time together. In a political climate that discourages talking to anyone whose views do not match our own, Crossing Party Lines offers weekly opportunities to do just that.
The Community
The issues we face as a country are far to complex for any one person to fully understand. They are “wicked problems,” and solving them requires that we come together as Americans to look at them from as many angles as possible.
Crossing Party Lines is more than a nonprofit. We’re a community of people sharing the desire to hear what others think–especially when they don’t see the world as we do–and understand why their views make sense to them. We connect through love of country, commitment to a common cause, and exploring issues together.
Meeting as a fellow community members broadens our worldview, deepens our connections, and fills us with hope. We stop judging people based on their party affiliations or who they voted for and come to see them for the complex individuals they are. We grow together, not apart.
The Training
Crossing Party Lines provides a variety of FREE classes teaching the skills we use to talk across differences.
Why? Because We’ve discovered that behind our success lies a set of new skills and a deeper understanding of why/when conversations go wrong.
