Polarization
How to lower the temperature, understand people who see things differently and find common ground. Facts come from nonpartisan research. We do not take sides.
The basics
Americans are more divided by party than at any time in recent decades, and many people now dislike and distrust the other side.
It is not just disagreement
Researchers call it affective polarization: people feel anger or contempt toward those in the other party, not just disagreement on issues.
We misjudge each other
Studies from More in Common find that Americans greatly overestimate how extreme the other side is. Most people are more reasonable than we think.
Conversation helps
Structured conversations where people listen first and speak for themselves consistently reduce contempt and build trust.
Pew Research Center
Nonpartisan surveys that track how Americans view politics and each other.
Where people disagree
Even bridge builders debate how best to heal divides.
Build relationships first
Some say trust and friendship across lines must come before any debate over policy.
Work on real problems
Others say people bond best by solving a shared local problem together, and that the rules and incentives of politics also need to change.
Who is working on it
Institute for Economics and Peace
Its research on Positive Peace shows that good relations with neighbors and acceptance of the rights of others are pillars of peaceful societies. Rotary members are trained in Positive Peace through the Rotary and IEP partnership. See Vision of Humanity.
Give Peace a Chance
A Rotary peace hub that carries the spirit of John Lennon’s 1969 call for peace into today, with the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace and real peacebuilding projects around the world.
Braver Angels
Red and blue workshops and debates that help Americans understand each other. Many Rotary clubs have hosted them.
Living Room Conversations
Free conversation guides for small groups on more than 100 topics.
Listen First Project
Leads a coalition of hundreds of bridge building organizations.
Bridge Alliance
A network of groups working to strengthen democracy and civil discourse.
BridgeUSA
Student chapters on campuses that promote open discussion across viewpoints.
Democracy In A Box
Ready to use Rotary programs for civil political conversations, voting and civic action.
Trusted sources
More in Common
Research on what divides and unites Americans.
Rotary Positive Peace
Rotary and the Institute for Economics and Peace teach the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace.
Global Peace Index
The Institute for Economics and Peace ranks the peacefulness of 163 countries each year, including the United States.
Understanding free and fair elections
Our own guide to talking across divides.
Bring it to your club
Use Rotary’s Four-Way Test to host a civil conversation. Try these questions at a club meeting or with Democracy In A Box.
Is it the truth?
When we describe the other side, are we describing most of them or only the loudest?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Did everyone at the table get a fair chance to speak and be heard?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
What shared local project could members of every political view work on together?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
What would make our community a better place for people of all views?
A program of the Rotary Club of Newport Beach. Rate your project with the 4-7-8-17 framework at 47817.org.
Keep exploring
Download the U.S. Constitution (PDF)
Our free large-print booklet: the full Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all 27 amendments, from the National Archives text. Presented with Democracy In A Box and the Rotary Club of Newport Beach.
Understanding free and fair elections
Our full nonpartisan guide: the life of a ballot, money, maps, reform history and talking across divides.
All topics
Money in politics, fair district maps, campaign finance and polarization.
