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IMP. IMBO <br /> d"fr,,{yn,r,fw VhP. <br /> w Mashpee lncCusion and'Diversity Committee <br /> 16 Great Neck Road -Vort(- <br /> MasGtpee, M-A 02649 <br /> A man who identified as Muslim had agreed to visit the place of worship of another gentleman, <br /> not for conversion, but for understanding. The two also went on the road for Braver Angels, to <br /> talk about how the process of learning to listen with curiosity and respect overcomes all <br /> barriers we set. The video can be viewed on YouTube: Braver Angels Reuniting America. <br /> Ms. Burt has seen this work, and to watch it unfold from beginning to end is remarkable. The <br /> goal is to create and support courageous citizens, engage with curiosity, respect, and a shared <br /> passion, and ultimately work together to heal our democracy. Polarization is not about differing <br /> positions; we have to be able to disagree. With polarization, we are concerned about the <br /> demonization and lack of trust. <br /> They host workshops to build skills for disagreeing better and practice those hard 1:1 <br /> conversations. The goal is not to change the other person's mind, but to build a bridge, by <br /> listening to them and acknowledging their humanity, and finding something to agree on. <br /> They have different dynamics, for example, cross generational, where one volunteer was a <br /> college student, the other an elderly person. Each person has a list of questions and a timer; <br /> they discuss what is important to their generation and what the other might need to know. They <br /> have other sessions that involve race, age, political identity, or gender. They do outreach to <br /> schools, churches, politicians, places of work, and it enables bonds to form and allow one <br /> another to work better together. There is a whole spectrum of being able to talk to someone in <br /> a safe way, one on one. She also noted they are not the only organization out there doing this, <br /> others exist, this concept is growing. <br /> Due to how Cape Cod leans politically, Republicans typically do not attend the workshops. <br /> They are committed to being nonpartisan and engaging with everyone. Personally, she <br /> believes that `reds' don't feel safe engaging in conversations because they won't be heard. <br /> Humans are essentially good, and we are not defined by our affiliated party or who we vote for, <br /> there is a lot more complexity to us. <br /> In 2024, Ms. Burt went to Wisconsin to the National Convention. There were 300 blues, 300 <br /> reds, and 100 yellows. The lanyards they wore for the week were colored red, blue, or yellow, <br /> representing the party you vote for. On the opening day there are welcome parties. On June <br /> 27t", the debate between Biden and Trump happened. Each side was worried the other was <br /> going to misbehave. As they were all watching, she was aware that she was with a group that <br /> supported the other guy. The mood in the room got lower and people's heads started shaking. <br /> It was like going to a funeral. Everyone was grieving, mourning, and worried about democracy. <br /> 4 <br />