Welcome and Introductions
- Warmly welcome participants and express gratitude for their attendance.
- Briefly introduce the concept of political polarization and its impact on democracy.
- Introduce the discussion facilitators (neutral moderators) and any guest speakers.
The Functioning of Democracy
- Democratic Institutions
- Role of the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
- Importance of independent media and civil society.
- Electoral Processes
- How elections work in democratic systems.
- Importance of transparency and accountability.
- Citizen Participation
- Ways citizens can engage in the democratic process.
- Importance of voting, civic activism, and public discourse.
Ground Rules and Expectations
- Establish clear ground rules for respectful communication:
- Active listening and avoiding interruptions.
- Focusing on understanding, not necessarily achieving agreement.
- Using respectful language and avoiding personal attacks.
- Sticking to the topic of political polarization.
- Set expectations for active participation and open-mindedness.
Opening Activity
- Use an ice-breaker activity to create a lighter mood and encourage interaction. Here are two options:
- Shared Values Survey: Briefly present a survey with statements about shared democratic values (e.g., importance of free speech, access to education). Participants anonymously vote on their level of agreement. Discuss the results, highlighting common ground.
- “Would You Rather?” Prompt: Pose a scenario with two hypothetical political situations requiring compromise. Participants discuss in small groups which option they would choose and why, revealing underlying values and priorities.
Panel Discussion
- Invite a diverse panel of three to four speakers with contrasting political viewpoints. Consider including:
- Political scientist or sociologist specializing in polarization.
- Community leader with experience bridging divides.
- Representatives from opposing political parties (if comfortable engaging in respectful dialogue).
- Each panelist presents their perspective on a specific aspect of political polarization, such as:
- Causes and consequences of political polarization.
- Role of media and social media in shaping political discourse.
- Strategies for fostering civil conversation across divides.
- Moderators guide a focused discussion, encouraging panelists to engage with each other’s viewpoints and answer audience questions.
Small Group Discussions
- Purpose and Goals
- Explain the objectives of the small group discussions.
- Emphasize the importance of active participation and respectful dialogue.
- Instructions
- Outline the format and timing for discussions.
- Provide any necessary materials or guidelines.
- Divide participants into smaller, diverse groups for focused dialogue.
- Provide questions to spark conversation, such as:
- What are the most pressing consequences of polarization in your community?
- How can we overcome the “us vs. them” mentality in political discussions?
- What practical steps can individuals take to engage constructively with opposing viewpoints?
- Each group appoints a facilitator who ensures everyone gets a chance to share their perspective.pen_spark
Large Group Report-Back
Group Presentations
- Group Spokesperson Reports
- Each small group selects a spokesperson to present their discussion summary.
- Presentations should be concise (3-5 minutes per group) and cover:
- Key discussion points.
- Major challenges identified.
- Proposed solutions or action items.
- Notable insights or unique perspectives.
Closing Remarks and Action Steps
- Summarize the key points from the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of continued communication and building bridges.
- Offer concrete action steps that participants can take to bridge divides in their own communities, such as:
- Joining local civic engagement groups.
- Volunteering with organizations that promote civil discourse.
- Hosting respectful conversations with friends and family who hold different viewpoints.
- Provide resources for further learning about healthy political discourse, civic engagement, and active citizenship
Additional Considerations:
- Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere throughout the event.
- Acknowledge the complexity of political polarization without shying away from difficult conversations.
- Ensure equal airtime and respect for all viewpoints, even those you disagree with.
By fostering a thoughtful and facilitated dialogue, this “Bridging the Divide” event can empower individuals to bridge political divides, promote civil discourse, and contribute to a stronger democracy.
