Civic Health Project is a proud co-creator of America Talks (June 12-13) and the 4th annual National Week of Conversation (June 14-20). Read below to learn about all the exciting momentum building towards this unprecedented week of
connection in the midst of deep division.
Read on, sign up, spread the word!

"While everyone acknowledges our division and the social and cultural isolation at its core, doing something about it takes effort. Be of good cheer. There are those dedicated to doing just that, including organizations such as Business for America, Crossing Party Lines, the National Institute for Civil Discourse, FixUS, Listen First Project and Unify America, to name a few. They and others are joining forces for an innovative project the weekend of June 12-13 called America Talks, which should be interesting."

"The simple fix to our polarization: Befriend someone you disagree with"
Gary Abernathy
Washington Post, 5/24/21

Sign up for America Talks

Read all about it!  America Talks

"America Talks, promoted by USA TODAY, will bring thousands of Americans together across differences to engage in 1:1 video conversations designed to increase warmth and decrease fear. We won’t heal America in one weekend, but it’s a great start and will be immediately followed by the National Week of Conversation showcasing many additional opportunities for conversations despite differences in bold and energizing ways...."

Want to learn more about America Talks and the National Week of Conversation? Read the USA TODAY article, USA TODAY OpEd, Gannett press release, or Washington Post Opinions article by Gary Abernathy to learn more about why America Talks is the hottest ticket in America on Saturday, June 12th.  Already convinced? Just sign up on the America Talks website. You'll meet your conversation partner at 1 pm ET on Saturday, June 12th. It's Match.com for politics! Read about America Talks in USA TODAYRead about America Talks in the Washington PostCatch the Wave - Schedule Your Own NWOC Event!
Promote "Courage Over Contempt" During June 14-20 Event Week

National Week of Conversation (NWOC) 2021, the fourth annual, is powered by the #ListenFirst Coalition of 300+ organizations and invites Americans of all stripes to listen, extend grace, and discover common interests. Another courageous step following America Talks, Civic Health Project hopes you’ll join this hopeful mission to defeat toxic polarization and heal America by transforming division and contempt into connection and understanding.Want to host and post an event during NWOC? Contact graham@listenfirstproject.org and check out the cool new Citizen Connect database, fueling access to conversation events across the country, around the year!See the NWOC Event CalendarExplore the Citizen Connect Event Database

Revealing Research

How can we loosen the grip of this toxic polarization and start working on our most pressing problems? The Way Out offers an escape from this morass. The social psychologist Peter T. Coleman explores how conflict resolution and complexity science provide guidance for dealing with seemingly intractable political differences. A vital and timely guide to breaking free from the cycle of mutual contempt in order to better our lives, relationships, and country. Hot off the presses!

Buy the Book

Engaging Events

Did you miss our engaging panel on youth and civil discourse, moderated by NPR's Economics Correspondent Paul Solman? It's not too late to catch the replay!  Check out Paul and our panelists from Better Arguments, American Exchange Project,  and Civic Health Project grantees BridgeUSA and OpenMind Platform. We guarantee you'll feel more hopeful about the future!

Watch the Youth and Civil Discourse ReplayInspiring Insights‍See what Civic Health Project's advisory council members are up to ...‍COMING UP!Kathy Cramer and Deb Roy talk about Local Voices Network at MIT Media Lab (May 27)Parisa Parsa writes about Politics over Pinball in MediumRobb Willer talks vax in Vox ... here and hereBen Rekhi describes his Reunited States film journey in The Week IndiaLaura Maristany makes a career move, to Bitwise Industries (congrats, Laura!)