We're About Opening Minds, Not Changing Them
We come together in small-group conversations where people with different views talk like neighbors, not opponents. ALL views are welcome and all participants are treated with civility and respect.
What it Means to "Cross Party Lines"
It doesn’t mean
- Adopting another ideology
- Agreeing with viewpoints you don’t hold
- Being pressured to change
It does mean
- Stepping outside your bubble
- Hearing someone’s lived experience
- Sharing your own honesty
- Discovering you can disagree respectfully and still connect
This Might Be for You If…
- You want conversations to feel less tense or draining
- You care about relationships as much as your beliefs
- You are curious about how others think, even when you disagree
- You want structure and support in difficult conversations
- You prefer listening and learning over debate
What You'll Experience
Crossing Party Lines hosts structured conversations and community events where people with different viewpoints talk as neighbors — not opponents.
Participants often say they:
- Feel more confident speaking honestly
- Listen with less defensiveness
- Stay connected even when they disagree
- Leave feeling calmer, not angrier
These aren’t abstract ideals. They’re practical skills you can use with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
This is Different from Most Political Conversations
- Nonpartisan
- Facilitated conversations, not open mics
- Focused on understanding, not persuasion
- Focus on understanding, not winning
- Participation is always optional
- Respect is actively supported
A Space Designed for Real People
Our trained moderators guide conversations in a way that prioritizes curiosity over certainty, humility over ego, and connection over consensus.
That means:
- You won’t be told what to think
- You won’t be pressured to change your beliefs
- You won’t be asked to defend your values
- You won’t be shamed for where you get your news
You will be invited to listen — and to be listened to.
More Than an Event
Crossing Party Lines is an ongoing community. Many members return week after week to practice listening, build trust, and form relationships that cross political and cultural lines.
Along the way, people often find:
- A sense of belonging
- New perspectives
- Unexpected common ground
Ways to Participate
- Conversations – Weekly facilitated discussions on issues people care about
- Clubs – Book clubs and small groups for deeper exploration
- Workshops – Low-stress classes teaching practical skills for navigating difficult conversations
Who We Are
Crossing Party Lines is a nonpartisan, member-supported nonprofit. We’re volunteer-run and national in reach, offering both local and virtual events.
People from across the country — and across the political spectrum — participate.
Behind every opinion is a person with a story. Our work begins there.
