MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – America’s political divide has reached a level where it feels nearly impossible to engage in meaningful conversations across ideological lines.
The flow of divisive rhetoric on social media and polarized viewpoints has left many feeling disconnected from one another.
However, there’s a growing movement focused on healing this divide by fostering understanding and encouraging healthier discourse through civic wellness.
Plus, there’s data that says Americans aren’t as divided as we think.
Dr. June Klees of Bay College’s Social and Behavioral Science Division joined Elizabeth Peterson and Tia Trudgeon on Upper Michigan Today to share five tips for practicing civic wellness and cultivating a curious mindset.
Tip number one: educate yourself about the U.S. Wellness Movement.
Dr. Klees says at the heart of this movement are local organizations looking to lead a healthier community through dialogue.
Consider taking the Listen First pledge.
Dr. June Klees of Bay College joins Elizabeth and Tia on UMT to talk about resources and practices to engage in civic wellness.
Tip number two: recognize that civic wellness starts as an inward journey first.
Dr. Klees encourages you to take the perception gap quiz to test your assumptions about American beliefs.
She says to be realistic about your biases and check your “blind spots”. Be humble, open-minded to new ideas, respectful, curious, try to empathize and use perspective taking/imagination to understand others’ views, avoid assuming the motivations of others, consider their context, and use good critical thinking skills.
Get involved in your community. Be intentional about meeting people of different backgrounds and viewpoints while doing something good for your community.
Dr. June Klees of Bay College joins Elizabeth and Tia on UMT to talk about resources and practices to engage in civic wellness.
Tip number three: read, research, and practice.
Civic wellness is an ongoing process. Take part in challenges like the Unify America Challenge.
Explore case studies like the Strengthening Democracy Challenge.
Read books like Dr. Tania Israel’s “Beyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide, Skills and Strategies for Conversations that Work” and “Facing the Fracture: How to Nivate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation”, or practice exercises in Mitch Del Monico’s Politically Divided: A How-To Healing Workbook for Families, Friends, and Couples.
Check out this Thanksgiving placemat that can help guide your conversations around the dinner table!
Dr. June Klees of Bay College joins Elizabeth and Tia on UMT to talk about resources and practices to engage in civic wellness.
Tip number four: go on a negative media diet.
Be mindful of the media you consume.
Negative news fuels polarization, making it harder to engage in productive conversations. Start by balancing your media diet with local, state, and national sources.
Platforms like AllSides and Real Clear Politics help you view different perspectives.
Limit your overall intake, and practice digital well-being by setting boundaries with notifications and screen time.
Dr. June Klees of Bay College joins Elizabeth and Tia on UMT to talk about resources and practices to engage in civic wellness.
Tip number five: heal and prevent damage.
Toxic political discussions are harmful to relationships and health. Stress, loneliness, and emotional problems can arise from political divisions. Prioritize good health practices like meditation, exercise, and open conversation with friends of different viewpoints.
Dr. June Klees of Bay College joins Elizabeth and Tia on UMT to talk about resources and practices to engage in civic wellness.
Ready to take the next step?
Take the Listen First pledge, check out this Living Room Conversations guide, and join Delta Chats in its monthly informal meetups.
Dr. Klees is hosting a brown bag lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Bay College for health and wellness providers.
Braver Angels is hosting an online workshop called “Surviving the 2024 Election” on Sept. 17.
Also, there’s a monthly forum for Braver Angel Mental Health Professionals on the third Friday of each month.
Mental health professionals from across the political spectrum gather online to connect, provide information, and support to one another for working with clients who have diverse views on political/social issues.
Dr. June Klees of Bay College joins Elizabeth and Tia on UMT to talk about resources and practices to engage in civic wellness.
More resources from today’s episode:
Waging Dialogue – Talking Across Divides
America’s Caravan Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts
braverangels.org/what-we-do/take-an-ecourse/
braverangels.org/abraverway/
You can watch Upper Michigan Today on weekdays at 9:00 a.m. on FOX UP or stream the show on your smart device.
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Publish date : 2024-09-12 09:18:00
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