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			Resources for Constructive Conversations across Political Divides This resource page includes practical materials designed to encourage new thinking and personal connections across deep and lasting differences. It includes tips and background for making hard conversations work; complete dialogue guides; and an FAQ for dialogue bridge-builders, including practical, printable materials from sample invitations to clear communication agreements. For additional downloadable resources, visit PCP's toolbox. For hands-on learning opportunities, join us for one of our trainings. Practical Tips and Background Eleven ideas for making hard conversations work These tips can help "rescue" a conversation when things get heated at home, in the office or almost anywhere else. Distinguishing debate from dialogue If you hope to have a "different" kind of conversation, it is more likely to happen if you are clear about what dialogue does (and doesn't) look like. Moving Beyond Polarization This thought-provoking resource is designed to help people reflect on how they can help end divisiveness over almost any issue. It includes personal reflection, options for working with "allies" and for reaching out to "others." The Six C's of Convening Constructive Conversations This useful resource is a clear, direct presentation of the qualities to keep in mind when convening and participating in dialogue. FAQ for Dialogue Bridge-Builders The materials below provide support for important aspects of dialogue. They were designed in response to frequently asked questions about organizing and facilitating constructive conversations. Q: Is there a simple way to show what I do and don't mean by "dialogue"? A: One place to start is PCP's one-page chart on Dialogue and Debate: Telling the Difference. Q: How can I invite people in a way that they will find attractive? A: It can be helpful to start by imagining what kind of purposes or invitation specific potential participants in a given dialogue might find attractive. You may want to refer to PCP's sample written invitations for ideas about how you might invite people to participate in a dialogue. Q: How can I involve all the participants in planning for the conversation? A: You can share a copy of the sample agreements and possible questions with your conversation partner(s) and jointly decide what will work for you. You also might want to take advantage of PCP's facilitator worksheet (Word PDF), which can help you develop an agenda and questions that will work for your group. Another helpful resource is the Six C's of Convening Constructive Conversations . Q: How can I help make sure the conversation doesn't go off track? A: PCP's facilitation tips can help you navigate common pitfalls so your conversation is more likely to meet the highest hopes of everyone present. You may also want to read PCP's FAQ for facilitators. Dialogue Guides PCP's one-page guide to good one-on-one conversations This handy how-to guide contains the essentials for engaging in one-on-one conversations that help bridge divides and strengthen relationships. Constructive Conversations about Challenging Times: A Guide to Dialogue that Bridges US Political Divides We updated PCP's popular community dialogue guide to help small groups engage in meaningful conversations across political differences. This 40+ page resource is a detailed, step-by-step how-to that has been used by experienced facilitators as well as people who had never tried this before. Let's Talk America We also recommend the clear, useful dialogue guides produced by Let's Talk America, which specializes in helping Americans from all points on the political spectrum come together for lively, open-hearted discussions. National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation There are dozens of other guides and resources available through the members of the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation, an umbrella group for the field. We encourage you to visit their site to learn more. Questions for Use with Any Dialogue Guide These questions were written to stimulate new thinking about old political divides. Some questions may be best suited to personal reflection, others for one-to-one conversation, still others for a small group or classroom. They can be used in almost any conversation and with most dialogue guides including PCP's Guide to Political Dialogue Return to Bridging US Political Divides page. For additional downloadable resources, visit PCP's toolbox. For hands-on learning opportunities, join us for one of our trainings.
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