Conflict resolution + this summer’s top issues
Conflict resolution + this summer’s top issues
The next decade of politics could be settled soon
Hi friends!
I have been thinking a lot about conflict resolution this week and have flipped this newsletter to share some of what I am reading, before highlighting what we will be focusing on this summer.
While you will hear a little less from me during the warmer months, I encourage us all to stay informed, rest up, and be ready to recommit ourselves to the work come September. We are going to need everyone’s energy through November 2022!
What We are Reading
Back in 2018, my old friend Amanda Ripley wrote one of the most thought-provoking pieces on how journalists should cover conflict:
“As politicians have become more polarized, we have increasingly allowed ourselves to be used by demagogues on both sides of the aisle, amplifying their insults instead of exposing their motivations. “
In a more recent interview, she said:
“Listening allows people to coexist…If you are going to live in a pluralistic society, particularly a democracy like the United States, people need to feel heard or else everything goes to hell, one way or another, because people pull to extremes – they stop listening, they demonize each other, they can't see any shared humanity.”
Please reply and share what ideas of Amanda’s resonate the most with you and which you would challenge.
In Focus
Here is what we are keeping our eyes on this summer:
Redistricting will determine the most competitive races for the next decade. The Brennan Center has a good overview on what to look out for.
Voting rights will continue to be challenged. Follow Democracy Docket’s work to fight voter suppression.
Young candidates will step up to run for office, shaping the next generation of political leadership. If you know anyone 45-years-old and under running in swing districts, please let The Next 50 know.
If you have feedback on our new newsletter or are interested in hearing more about The Next 50’s goals this year, reply to this email or give me a call (207) 370-5487.
Talk soon,
Zak