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Expand Empathy

democracy requires the capacity to maintain civil dialogue.
we cannot permit ourselves to live in digital echo chambers that fail to challenge our worldview.
meeting in physical communities of nuance and compassion can transform america.

"we must expand our capacity to maintain complexity."
-Chela Sandoval
"


• Beyond the filter bubble •
In order to build bridges, we first need to recognize the chasm.
we are digitally divided.
this initiative may spread online, but it will only thrive in physical communities.
now is the time for non-partisan commons that challenge and unite us.

• the Pro-voice model •
the "Pro-voice" model is a powerful alternative to divisive, black and white political rhetoric.
it originated around the heated pro-life/ pro-choice debate.
rather than creating a space dedicated to one side of the issue, the organizers set out to build spaces where women simply shared their firsthand experiences.
This Pro-voice model can be applied to ever major issue our communities face.

The Danger of Online "Filter Bubbles"

This TED talk pinpoints one of the primary reasons our politics have gotten so divisive.
We are living in "filter bubbles" that only show us things that reinforce our worldview.
Even when we do talk to people we disagree with online, it can be draining and unproductive.
What if we created vibrant public commons that broadened our understanding?

THE EMPATHIC CIVILIZATION

Empathy can be developed.
In order to rise with the challenges of our time...we must urgently dedicate ourselves to its development.

In an era of mass globalization, it is no longer simply a matter of kindness to develop a more profound understanding of each other. It is a matter of basic survival.
Walls and fences will not suffice to keep us safe.


The good news is that it can be a joyful process.
We all have our blind spots. If we can summon the humility and courage to seek them out and listen more deeply to each others' stories, we can find a way to coexist.

"To Empathize is to Civilize. To Civilize is to Empathize."
-Jeremy Rifkin

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  • Home
  • About
  • OUR WORK
    • Overview
    • Create Abundance
    • Expand Empathy
    • Defend Democracy
  • Contact