Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide

What can be done to lessen political polarization in the U.S.? A few nonprofit organizations are trying to amplify their methods to tone down the temperature

Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Share
Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide
Copy

Is it possible to bridge America’s stark political divisions?

In the wake of a presidential election that many feared could tear the U.S. apart, this question is on many people’s minds.

A record-high 80% of Americans believe the U.S. is greatly divided on “the most important values”. Ahead of the election, a similar percentage of Americans said they feared violence and threats to democracy. Almost half the country believes people on the other side of the political divide are “downright evil.”

Some say that the vitriolic rhetoric of political leaders and social media influencers is partly to blame for the country’s state of toxic polarization. Others cite social media platforms that amplify misinformation and polarization.

There is, however, reason for hope.

Read the full article on The Conversation.

From seaside mysteries to speculative memoirs, this season’s new releases by New England-connected authors offer something for every kind of reader — whether you’re chasing chills, laughs, romance, or revolution
Nearly 50 years after the first Providence march, cities and towns across the state, from Newport to Woonsocket, are hosting grassroots Pride events that offer opportunities for connection, visibility, and support within the LGBTQ+ community
Rhode Island overdose deaths dropped nearly 19% in 2024 — the second straight year of decline — as state officials credit harm reduction efforts and expanded treatment access, though disparities and polysubstance use remain urgent concerns
Under newly passed legislation, the state’s minimum wage will rise by $2 over two years, as Democrats tout a “measured approach” amid pushback from business groups and Republican lawmakers