In late 2023, the budget discussion for a nursing home project in Strafford, New Hampshire turned into a heated and contentious debate, leading to its collapse the following spring. Allan Howland, a Democrat representative, described it as one of the worst meetings he had ever attended. In response to growing political polarization, Howland and over 90 fellow state legislators participated in a workshop led by Braver Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging political divides.
The workshop focused on practical tools to help lawmakers navigate disagreements and foster bipartisanship. Participants were encouraged to focus on connecting first and empathizing with opposing viewpoints. Through exercises and discussions, legislators found common ground on issues like crime and law enforcement, despite their different political affiliations.
The workshop, requested by New Hampshire’s Republican Speaker of the House Sherman Packard, aimed to promote understanding, respect, and collaboration across party lines. By the end of the session, legislators expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with one another in a more constructive and empathetic way.
House Speaker Packard praised the workshop for opening minds and providing valuable lessons on how to move forward together. Douglass Teschner, Braver Angels’ New England regional leader, emphasized the importance of treating each other with respect and understanding, regardless of political differences.
Overall, the workshop highlighted the necessity of finding common ground and fostering relationships in order to address the growing political divide in America. Braver Angels’ efforts to depolarize politics and promote bipartisan collaboration have the potential to create a more harmonious and effective political environment at all levels of government.
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