Bridging Differences at the PSW Annual Conference: A Look Inside the UNDIVIDE US Workshop

At the Philanthropy Southwest (PSW) 76th Annual Conference last week, attendees had the unique opportunity to participate in the UNDIVIDE US Movie workshop, led by the filmmakers and advisors Carrie Conko , Kristina Kendall , Ben Klutsey , and Carrie Tynan . This session was a deep dive into how we can engage in civil discourse across differences, and it offered valuable tools for building understanding in our divided world.?

Exploring Triadic Illumination for Civil Discourse

Ben Klutsey , Director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University introduced the triadic illumination process, a method designed to help individuals navigate difficult conversations. He reminded us that in a country as diverse as ours—over 330 million people—differences of opinion are inevitable. The goal isn't to change minds but to create space for understanding.

Klutsey emphasized three core principles: Respect, Authenticity, and Curiosity. The aim is to encourage a deeper exploration of diverse perspectives. “It’s not about asking ‘Why do you think X?’ but rather, ‘Why do you think the other person thinks Y?’” Klutsey explained. This shift in focus helps participants view others as rational individuals with different experiences and values.

Practicing Civil Disagreement: Reflections from PSW Members

After the introduction, attendees broke into small groups to practice these principles. In one exercise, they debated solutions to improve socioeconomic mobility, with each group featuring a mix of viewpoints. The format challenged participants to imagine why their counterparts believe what they believe, before expressing their own thoughts, thus fostering a space for nuanced conversation.

Perri Rosheger from the H. E. Butt Foundation shared her perspective:

• “We’ve been doing similar work at the H. E. Butt Foundation . What bore out today was a confirmation that this is the right thing to do—getting small groups together to have facilitated conversations, broadening our circle of human concern. And you only do that by bridging differences, not by bonding with people that are just like you.” She emphasized how impactful it was to engage deeply with people she didn't know, highlighting the importance of these discussions as we approach an election cycle.

Robert Kent from the Communities Foundation of Texas added his insights:

• “The issue of how we talk across the aisle is really important. I recognize we’re not going to get everyone to agree, but if we can recognize the validity of other people's opinions, that's an important first step.” He believes this approach is crucial for restoring trust in democracy, and he sees a significant role for philanthropy in scaling this kind of work.

A Path Forward for Meaningful Dialogue

Throughout the session, participants recognized the complexity of the issues discussed—seeing “sides” of issues not as binary choices, but as part of a broader continuum. The practice allowed for a more humanizing perspective, where understanding others’ experiences could shape more empathetic views.

As one participant noted, “It’s refreshing to think that these issues aren’t simply black and white but rather a spectrum of perspectives shaped by our unique experiences.” It’s a reminder that, while civil disagreement is challenging, it’s essential for a healthy democracy.

In the end, the UNDIVIDE US workshop was a powerful reminder that dialogue—true, empathetic, and engaged—isn’t about winning an argument but about finding common ground, even when it’s hard.