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February 07, 2012 |
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Why RedBlue? “Democracy requires space for compromise, and compromise is best won through acknowledging the legitimate concerns of the other.”
- Daniel Yankelovich, Christian Science Monitor, 2004 95 percent agree with the statement: “Our country is strongest when it is united and together and therefore we need to find common solutions to our problems that both Democrats and Republicans agree with.” - Aspen Institute Survey, July 6, 2006 |
About Constructive DialogueWe use the term "dialogue" to describe any conversation in which the participants' primary purpose is learning and understanding. In dialogues like RedBlue, participants frequently have very different core values, worldviews, and identities. Successful dialogues dispel stereotypes and explore unstated assumptions, as they also help build trust, relationship, and connection. This can lead to a shift in relationships and open up new possibilities that were previously unimaginable. Dialogue is not debate, mediation, negotiation, conflict resolution, or problem solving. Participants agree to set aside attempts to persuade, convince, compromise, or discover solutions. In so doing, they often gain greater mutual understanding, which may stimulate new ideas for learning and action. They also learn communication skills that can be carried over to many other conversations about divisive issues |