SXSW 2025

The Antidote to a Divided America

Description:

Some polls tell us America is divided, others find that we agree on more than we think. Regardless of which polls you believe, the pervasive narrative of political polarization has had a deep impact on civic and social life and work. Let’s break the hold this narrative has on us with insights from leaders who prioritize connection as a radical path to social change and culture shifts. Hear fresh perspectives on making meaningful connections across lines of difference and the role each of us can play in healing America’s divides from a storyteller, a movement-builder, and a social entrepreneur.


Other Resources / Information

Panel Pitch video - https://youtu.be/qF8dzf6voTs
Baratunde Thurston - https://bit.ly/3Yb0YhC
Shannon Watts - https://bit.ly/3SjyUox
Tulaine Montgomery - https://bit.ly/3SkhisO
Susan McPherson - https://bit.ly/4cSqhJS


Takeaways

  1. How the narrative of political polarization impacts us on individual and collective levels, and the role of narrative in social and systems change
  2. Why connecting with people who are different from us is inherently challenging, beyond the context of political polarization
  3. How leaders with different goals and communication styles approach making meaningful connections to support change efforts

Speakers


Organizer

Ellie Rogalinski, Account Executive, McPherson Strategies


Meta Information:

  • Event: SXSW
  • Format: Panel
  • Track: Government & Civic Engagement
  • Track 2
  • Level: Beginner


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