Mending governmental leadership and communities through bolstering effective communication, (re)building relationships and promoting shared visions of unity.
Dialogue over Debate
Dialogue: (noun) 1. A discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution 2. An exchange of ideas or opinions.
Debate: (noun) A contention by words or arguments.
The Mission:
To teach government leaders and communities more effective frameworks for engaging in healthy discussion and to moderate dialogues that acknowledge differences while enhancing awareness of commonalities.
The why:
Finding US was developed in response to the rise of polarization, acrimony and intolerance perpetuated by current political norms and media messaging. While formalized debates have been engaged in since the 1700s, the ethos of modern debate culture has largely lost its greatest strength—the spirit of contributing to broader understanding and increasing multidimensional awareness of the issue or topic. Debate remains a valuable format for exploring well-researched data to determine an appropriate decision or course of action. However, many critical conversations occurring in communities, society and among our political leaders would benefit from a model of dialogue that emphasizes curiosity, compassion and coming together.
The media has largely embraced an approach to debate that overemphasizes win-lose power dynamics and focus on dismissing the perspective of the opposition. Opinion and slivers of uncontextualized data are portrayed as facts and used to discredit the opposing positions, often in demeaning manner. We are no longer communicating, we are fighting tot he death of ideas and dignity. As a result, we are witnessing a growing divide within the nation, communities and families with an increased emergence of “other” as valueless or the enemy. This growing perception of otherness catalyzes vulnerability and fear and becomes the justification for dehumanizing one another. This growing chasm is a breeding ground for hate.
Finding US is dedicated to repairing and fostering connections rooted in honoring the humanity in all of us.