In a time where political divides seem to define the American landscape, efforts are being made to bridge the gap and promote understanding. Amidst the polarization fueled by social media and media outlets, initiatives are cropping up to encourage civil discourse and reduce political violence.
One such effort was a bipartisan town hall led by Democratic Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Republican John Curtis from Utah, which took place at Utah State University following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Their focus was on addressing political violence and fostering dialogue between differing viewpoints.
Likewise, in 2024, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and former Mesa Mayor John Giles spearheaded “Disagree Better Arizona,” a bipartisan initiative aimed at encouraging constructive conversations. This state-level effort complements a national initiative supported by the governors of Utah and Colorado, representing different political parties.
Jane Andersen, Arizona director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, discussed these efforts with The Show. Although her views do not represent the LDS Church, Andersen emphasized the importance of engaging with those who hold opposing views, noting, “It’s recognizing the power of listening.”
Faith and Bipartisanship
Andersen explained the role of faith in promoting understanding, stating that in her church, members meet based on geography, which means worshipping alongside individuals with whom they might disagree. This setup fosters an environment of mutual respect despite differing opinions.
“There’s something beautiful about worshipping together and serving together,” Andersen noted, highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships over political divides.
Building Bridges Beyond Faith
Beyond religious settings, Andersen has been involved in a statewide coalition in Arizona focused on reducing political violence. This group, composed of individuals from diverse political and cultural backgrounds, illustrates the potential for collaboration despite initial hesitations.
Andersen shared, “We all knew that we didn’t want political violence in Arizona, and because we had that in common, we built trust based on that.”
The Role of Online Communication
The conversation also touched on the influence of online interactions on societal division. Andersen cited church teachings that encourage integrity in both online and offline communications, urging individuals to consider whether their online behavior aligns with their personal values.
She remarked, “Too often in society, we make excuses for being able to behave one way in a certain space and another way in another space, and that doesn’t help us.”
Political Leaders and Personal Responsibility
Andersen highlighted the shared responsibility of both politicians and citizens in fostering a culture of respect and bipartisanship. While calling on leaders to demonstrate cooperation, she also urged individuals to demand better from their representatives and to model civil behavior themselves.
“We can’t just sit on our couches and blame someone in Washington or, or in Phoenix for our own behavior,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of personal example.
Impact of Bipartisan Initiatives
Reflecting on the potential impact of bipartisan events, Andersen expressed optimism about their ability to inspire broader participation and change. “If we can grow that movement, if we can get more people participating in those types of events or what we’re doing, it does make a difference,” she concluded.
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