Press and Media
Across the country, political and social polarization is straining relationships, weakening community trust, and discouraging civic participation. Research shows that disagreement increasingly feels personal and threatening, leading many people to withdraw from conversation altogether.
CPL addresses this challenge at the local, human level — focusing not on changing beliefs, but on improving how people relate to one another across differences. Our work demonstrates that respectful engagement can be learned, practiced, and sustained when it is intentionally supported.
Press Materials
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Crossing Party Lines is a national non-profit that equips Americans with the skills to engage in civil, respectful conversations across political differences. Through workshops and moderated discussions, we use the latest research in cognitive science to foster curiosity and reduce toxic polarization.
Organizational Snapshot
- Founded: 2016
- To unite Americans through warm and engaging conversations.
- Status: Nonprofit organization
- Scope: National, with locally based chapters
- 10,000+ members, 100% donation-supported.
- Approach: Facilitated dialogue, community building, and leadership development
- Political Orientation: Nonpartisan
- Key Partners: Listen First Coalition, MIT Center for Constructive Communication, Disagree Better initiative.
Leadership
Lisa Swallow
Co-Founder & Director of Vision and Impact
Lisa Swallow supports CPL’s program development, partnerships, and long-term strategy. Her work focuses on dialogue across differences, community building, and translating research into practice.
In the News
Story Angles
- The Missing Half of Depolarization
- Why One Conversation Is Not Enough
- The “Cheers” of Politics
- Political Conversation Is a Learnable Skill
Press Releases
- The Conversation Podcast Returns (August 2026)
- Crossing Party Lines Developing New AI Platform to Help Public Leaders Listen Across Political Divides (September 2026)
- Crossing Party Lines Marks Its 10th Anniversary (October 2026)
– For National press opportunities, please email press@crossingpartylines.com
– For local press opportunities, please click on the chapter nearest you.
