Happy New Year's from AllSides! Every year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions, all of which are set with the very best of intentions. Many resolutions are focused on the self. There are people looking to lose weight or quit smoking, travel more or work less. Some people last untilJanuary 31st, some people last a few months, and the very disciplined among us might actually last the whole year. This year however, AllSides is challenging you to try something different. We want to challenge you to seek out and talk to the "other". Maybe you are a Democrat who surrounds themselves with other like-minded Democrats. Go out and find a Republican to chat with! A great first step is to sign the Listen First pledge to "listen to understand and consider other views".
Below we list 3 organizations/projects who are working to connect people with the "other" in their lives. If you are interested in more organizations, check out the Bridge Alliance.
Other news from AllSides:
- Check out some other big stories this week: White House Sets 2018 Legislative Agenda, Trump Lawyers Seek to Halt Book Release and Trump Disbands Voter Fraud Commission.
Snippets from the Listen First Project
"Listen First Project encourages conversations towards increased respect and understanding—driving the Listen First movement to restore relationships, bridge divides, and mend the frayed fabric of society."
Take the Listen First pledge as a first step towards connecting with your "other".
Snippets from the Living Room Conversations
"Living Room Conversations are a conversational bridge across issues that divide and separate us. They provide an easy structure for engaging in friendly yet meaningful conversation with those with whom we may not agree. These conversations increase understanding, reveal common ground, and sometimes even allow us to discuss possible solutions. No fancy event or skilled facilitator is needed."
Snippets from Mismatch.org
"Part of AllSides For Schools, this program for students from middle school to college provides social and emotional learning through communication and collaboration across differences. In the future, Mismatch will be available for anyone interested in civil discussions with someone who thinks differently."
Mismatch provides conversation guides, ground rules and connections with schools across the country.