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Engaging Across the Political Divide...
Greetings! Our current political reality is incredibly complex. Given that VISIONS has been teaching people to "recognize, understand, appreciate, and utilize difference," some of us wanted to explore ways we might engage authentically across the current political and ideological divide. This issue is based on the resulting conversations we've had among ourselves and others as we struggled with this difficult topic. Be sure to look at the "Check These Out" links! And please let us know your experience in engaging in political discussions...what you've found useful and where you get stuck. We'd like to follow up this newsletter with some of your thoughts. EMAIL US! |
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| Avoiding Avoidance
Four strategies to promote engagement.
From a conversation with VISIONS consultants Jim Turner, Sarah Stearns, Felipe Garcia and Jane Ariel, and writer/board member, Carlene Larsson.
"Liberal," "Progressive," "Conservative," or "Libertarian" now seems to describe who
we are, rather than what we think. It's about how we should be and who's right. As Sarah Stearns admitted, "Two of the hardest things for me in this political divide is to observe the VISIONS' Try on each other's ideas guideline, and the principle of I'm okay, you're okay." ( Read on...)
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The Political "Other"
A Conservative's experience in liberal non-profits.
By Anonymous (a VISIONS Four-Day participant)
The question, "How do we share across political difference," is a bit off-putting. My experience of "diversity conversations" in the non-profit sector is that everyone's actually on the same page, they just differ in degree. In my organization, I have never been in a conversation where a true "other" voice is present or welcomed. My experience of politically liberal organizations is that the voice of significant difference has been silenced. Friends suggest that I should share my opinions, but that would alter my employment prospects. That's why I'm writing this anonymously. (Read on...)
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Staying Open and Staying True
A Liberal's response...
By Greg Gale, VISIONS Associate Director of Programs
This whole issue is a real "both/and" for me. Yes, I want to be open to ideas that might change my viewpoint and engage with those who see things differently than I do--AND, from my perspective, the stakes are high and getting higher in this country as I see increased radicalism and unwillingness to compromise from the Right. Conservatives' fear of losing a certain type of "America" seems to be fueling an anger and fear that, in my view, leads to inhumane responses to social policy. (Read on...)
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"In My Opinion..."
When difference means wrong...
 | | Dr. Valerie Batts |
At the cultural level, I would argue that the U.S. still encourages all of us to ascribe to a melting pot philosophy. Being alike, assimilation, and sameness are the aspirational goals of this worldview. To the extent that we have accepted this notion of what it means to be "an American", it is difficult to hold major differences in philosophy and perspective and stay engaged with others who may fundamentally see things differently than we do. It feels at a psychological level that we (or they) are doing something wrong. It also may be experienced as a violation of sacredly held values. (Read on...)
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We hope our reflections will encourage you to engage with those who may not share your political or ideological beliefs. This is a difficult time...your voice is needed. Let us know what you think...email us!
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Sincerely,
Valerie Batts Executive Director VISIONS, INC www.visions-inc.org |
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