Research by More in Common (“The Perception Gap,” 2019) found that Americans in both parties badly overestimate how many people on the other side hold extreme views. Local groups and libraries host structured conversations between people who vote differently, with ground rules that keep the focus on listening.
- Find a local forum, a library discussion series, or a community group that brings different views together.
- Ask what someone cares about and why, before you argue about a policy.
- Look for one point of agreement, even a small one, and start there.