Start A Chapter In Your Area
Why Chapters Matter
Meaningful change happens locally. While national politics can feel distant or overwhelming, individuals can make a far greater impact by fostering connection and trust within their own communities.
When people connect locally, the effects are tangible. Chapters help communities:
- Reduce mistrust and social isolation
- Build relationships across lines of difference
- Strengthen civic culture and cooperation
- Create spaces where disagreement does not undermine belonging
These efforts make communities more resilient — not by changing what people believe, but by changing how they engage with one another.
What Chapters Do
CPL chapters do more than host conversations. They create opportunities for people to connect as neighbors and collaborators.
Chapter activities may include:
- Facilitated conversations across differences
- Game nights and social gatherings
- Movie nights and discussion events
- Civic or community-based projects
- Collaboration with local libraries, schools, and civic organizations
Each chapter shapes its activities to reflect local interests, needs, and opportunities.
Chapter Roles: Organizers and Moderators
Each CPL chapter is supported by two complementary roles: Organizers and Moderators. One person may serve in both roles, though CPL recommends having at least two people share responsibility when possible.
Organizers focus on coordination and community connection. This role typically includes:
- Scheduling and promoting chapter activities
- Coordinating logistics and partnerships
- Serving as a point of contact for CPL and local collaborators
Moderators focus on facilitating conversations. This role includes:
- Guiding structured CPL conversations
- Supporting respectful and inclusive dialogue
- Applying CPL facilitation practices during events
Both roles are essential to a healthy, sustainable chapter.
Support and Compensation
CPL provides:
- Training and resources for moderators and chapter leaders
- Conversation templates and topic guidance
- Ongoing coaching and peer support
- Help with logistics, outreach, and best practices
- A national network of people doing this work alongside you
- A lending library of books and games.
We’ve learned a lot over the years — and we share what works.
Beginning in 2026, CPL plans to provide stipends for both Organizers and Moderators. These stipends are intended to recognize the time, care, and responsibility involved in these roles, and to support long-term recruitment and retention of chapter leadership.
Details about stipend amounts and eligibility will be shared as the program is finalized.
To Schedule A Liason Meeting, click HERE
