On November 6th, Newsweek and AllSides presented the National Roundtable on Political Violence! Around 1,400 people registered from across the country and across the political spectrum.
A Roundtable is more than an event. It’s actually a tool, and when you sharpen this tool, you can lead everyday conversations with curiosity instead of debate. You’ll reinforce human connection and rewire the neural pathways of those who have been primed by biased media and polarized social media algorithms to treat every disagreement like a fight. You may not be able to change someone’s opinion, but how you handle disagreement can literally change their mind.
We are still going through the comments and feedback, but wanted to share some highlights and some commitments made by participants.
6 Things You Committed To + How You Can Take Action Today
Here are some of the actions you committed to take during the event:
1. Create Space for Dialogue
Host a group conversation with family, friends, or your community using guides anyone can follow from Living Room Conversations.
Commitment: “Talk more to others with differing viewpoints with a real intent to understand their beliefs.” Lean Right bias, UT
2. Seek Out Different Perspectives
Intentionally explore opinions and ideas that are different from your own.
Commitment: “Learning to be curious, to treat those I talk to with full humanity, emphasizing learning and listening more.” Left bias, VA
3. Foster Healthy Debates
Attend an event or support the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
Commitment: “Attend more events like this to expand my horizons and become more comfortable discussing hot button issues with people who have very different views than my own.” – Lean Right bias, OH
4. Hold “My Side” Accountable for Harmful Patterns
When emotions run hot, you can help deescalate the situation. It can be difficult to call out harmful behavior, especially among friends, but having the courage to do so will help further your shared goal.
Commitment: “Ensure those involved with protesting are pledged to non-violence, including derogatory speech. I will also speak up when I hear inflammatory language and personal verbal attacks.” – Left bias, WA
5. Empower the Next Generation
With everyday issues being politicized and polarized, students need depolarized information, and teachers need tools to help them have safe and constructive conversations in the classroom without imposing their own bias on students. The following groups and tools empower students with the skills they need to have difficult conversations.
AllSides for Schools
Offering free resources, professional services and tools for educators to teach media and digital literacy.
BridgeUSA
Students can join BridgeUSA, a grassroots organization promoting mutual understanding.
Connecting students across divides to engage in meaningful, real-world conversations.
6. Support Organizations Dedicated to Bridging Divides
Your interest in the National Roundtable on Political Violence makes it clear you are committed to change. You’re not alone! These organizations have already laid the foundation for change, and you can support them with your time, money or attention.
Commitment: “I am committed to connecting with people who are engaged with their community, learning about their concerns, and equipping them with the tools to facilitate reconciliation and collaboration.” – Center bias, WI
- Living Room Conversations, Creating carefully crafted “conversation guides” that foster connection and understanding
- Braver Angels, A volunteer-led movement to bridge partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
- Listen First Project, Connecting the efforts of 500 partners to maximize their collective impact
- National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation, A network bringing people together across divides to take action together effectively
- National Institute of Civil Discourse Promote respectful conversations and collaboration across political divides
- Solution Citizen, Helping donors, companies, causes, and campaigns advance pragmatic solutions to polarized issues
- Unify America, Bursting filter bubbles and replacing political fighting with collaborative problem solving.
- US United, A movement for unity aiming to build bridges and break down barriers in a divisive world.
Talking across differences is essential in all walks of life, not just in politics. Community organizations, elected officials, government institutions, and businesses small and large can use AllSides Roundtables to facilitate conversation, whenever good decisions matter.
“I loved the experience. The fact that 6 strangers from coast to coast in the US could have a conversation about political violence and how to reduce it together--AND all have a positive experience in the conversation--is a miracle. But the cooler thing is, that with [Living Room Conversation] guides, it feels like I could recreate the miracle at any time! Thank you!” - Brittany, Lean Left Bias
“It was amazing and we are going to try to keep in touch. It was obvious to all of us how special it is to have an opportunity [to] come together to have discussion while respecting of our differences. I realize that I don't want to change opinions, I want to know their story. Everyone [was]we so kind. Glad to know they’retheir making a difference, too. Thank you for this. I'm truly touched.” - Alicia, Lean Right Bias
“These kinds of forums are great for demystifying "the other.". As storytelling creatures, we tend to fill in the blanks when it comes to people that we know very little about. When we connect with others and hear their stories directly from them, it fosters the relational and intellectual humility required to build communities that work better for more people.” - Pedro, Center Bias
