What we’re about
Civil, respectful conversation with people with different political views?
Yes, it is possible. We’re doing it and you can, too.
Crossing Party Lines is YOUR brave space to meet and talk with people you disagree with and may not even understand. You might even have fun!
Our events include:
- DISCUSSIONS: We meet as small groups where you can talk to real people about the issues that divide us. Share your unique insights, encounter new perspectives and new ways of looking at the world, and experience what it's like to feel heard and understood.
You'll find that it is possible to disagree in a way that leaves you feeling true to yourself and your beliefs without losing your friends or your cool.
- WORKSHOPS: We teach the skills you need to effectively talk across differences. You will learn ways to foster curiosity and invite listening, acquire strategies for overcoming common communication barriers, and develop the confidence to talk politics with people you know, live, and work with.
- COMMUNITY EVENTS: We’re not just about talking – we’re also about community. We host game nights, screen videos, share books, and offer many other ways of connecting across differences.
At all events, trained facilitators set the tone of the discussion and help the group build trust. Come see what civil, respectful conversation is like. Who knows, you might make friends with someone you disagree with!
More about Crossing Party Lines:
We are a national nonprofit with chapters in eight states. Because we believe that the success of America’s unique democracy relies on the diversity of our viewpoints, we encourage people of all political views and parties to join and participate.
Come learn, explore, practice, and grow with us. Join this grassroots movement and become the change in your community.
Note: Due to COVID, most of our events are online. Unless otherwise stated, events are open to all Crossing Party Lines chapters, giving you a chance to interact with people from all over the country.
Upcoming events
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- $10.00
The Elephant in the Room: Film Screening and Discussion
Unitarian Universalist Society of South Suffolk, 28 Brentwood Rd, Bay Shore, NY, USLet’s ring in 2026 with a light-hearted romantic comedy that carries a surprisingly powerful message. Join us for a Crossing Party Lines – Braver Angels Long Island Alliance gathering inspired by the film The Elephant in the Room. We’ll watch the full 90-minute movie together, then follow it with a moderated conversation exploring how its story reflects - and helps us navigate - our polarized times.
In January 2021, Leah, a proud progressive, thinks she's found the perfect guy in Vincent until she learns he's a Trump voter. She launches a mission to fix this "problem," seizing on his openness for dialogue and hoping they can get past this somehow. See trailer here.
In a moment when many of us feel hesitant - even resistant - to forming friendships or partnerships across the political aisle, The Elephant in the Room uses humor and heart to show how unlikely connections can open us to new perspectives without giving up our own values. It invites us to look beyond labels, rediscover our shared humanity, and imagine relationships that bridge divides rather than deepen them. A perfect start to a new year!
Note: THIS IS A PAID, IN-PERSON EVENT. $10 cash will be collected at the door to help defray costs of screening and to pay the filmmakers. Please register at Eventbrite for free so we can keep an adequate head-count. You will not have to pay when you register.
Disclaimer: We choose films that address social, political or cultural issues that are relevant to society today. They may highlight liberal-leaning, conservative-leaning or independent themes, or feature actors or directors from opposite sides of the political spectrum. Note that the discussion of this film and its inclusion in a Crossing Party Lines Meetup does not imply promotion of the subject matter or the persons involved in the creation of this film.3 attendees
Past events
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