There is more that we have in common than what separates us.
We can find common ground by learning how to express popular ideas in the most universal and understandable language. We can activate it by using that language to advocate.
We hear the screaming at the “other side” across a bottomless abyss. Words are used to cause division and the pit of frustration widens and deepens with suspicion. When you look a little deeper it becomes clear that it is caused by the stalled agenda that most people have in common. Recognition of those popular desires has been derailed by semantic and perceptual traps and triggers to divide us.
There is far more that we have in common than we realize. Listening and learning each other's ways of expressing things can reveal it. I began exploring how to be effective bridging cultural gaps. I found that it starts with creating the kind of "relatedness" that opens a conversation. It begins with listening. But, it ends fast with snark and derision.
As we find ways loosen the grip of "us" versus "them" thinking, the strength of our good faith cooperation will emerge. In order to release the unstoppable power of a united people, a greater respect and engagement must occur. By finding the best common language to express shared values we can transform our ability to build a more united consensus. Listening is everything.
Explore The Common Agenda to empower A Politics of Possibility.
You are invited to create an account here where you can help. Collaborators are needed for three primary missions:
- Writers to cover, and seek out evidence of, where agreement exists. along with the most widely agreeable proposal and the best way to explain it. These articles will be open to review and suggestions by moderated comments in order to give more feedback into the best wording to reach the widest amount of people.
- Comment writers to offer possible refinements that get rated for agreement and clarity, that are included in revisions of the proposal by everyone
- Activists to organize local neighborhood and online canvassing and organizing events that offer teaching and learning tools to grow people's awareness and understanding of how to organize and support specific policy proposals as a long term mission.
As you register here you will be able to offer an example of what you want to offer. Each account request will be evaluated to filter out trolling and to build a wider group of creators and moderators to help grow this effort.