Crossing Party Lines: Austin, TX

Global Engagement: How Should the U.S. Decide?

The United States plays a significant role in international affairs, from military alliances and humanitarian aid to trade agreements and diplomatic partnerships. People often hold different views about how involved the country should be beyond its borders. At this meeting, we’ll explore how people think about U.S. global engagement from multiple perspectives and consider the factors that influence these decisions.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• What experiences or events have most shaped your thinking about U.S. involvement abroad?
• When you consider international action, what factors feel most important—security, economic impact, humanitarian concerns, alliances, or something else?
• How should the U.S. balance domestic priorities with international engagement?
• Can you recall a moment when your perspective on U.S. global involvement shifted, and what influenced that change?
• In what ways do international events influence your thinking about U.S. policies at home?
• How do you think the U.S. should weigh the perspectives of other countries and international organizations in its decisions?

This will be an opportunity to reflect on how we form our views about America’s role in the world and to hear how others approach these questions from different perspectives.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.
We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages.

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### Affordability in Daily Life: Causes, Impacts, and Responses

Across the country, people are feeling the pressure of rising costs — from housing and healthcare to groceries and education. Experiences differ widely, and many Americans are asking why everyday life feels more expensive and what factors influence affordability. At this meeting, we’ll explore how people understand the causes of affordability challenges and how those interpretations shape personal and civic responses.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• How affordable is your life right now, and when have you most felt the impact of rising costs?
• In your experience, how do government policies, market forces, or broader circumstances affect financial stability?
• What explanations have you heard — or found persuasive — about why affordability feels different today?
• What do you think the role of government or community should be in addressing affordability?
• How do you personally cope with rising costs, and what strategies help you make decisions about spending?

This will be an opportunity to reflect on lived experiences, explore different ways people interpret economic pressures, and better understand how those interpretations shape our civic conversations.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.
We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages.

Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on:

• Instagram @crossingpartylines
• Twitter @crosspartylines
• Facebook @crossingpartylines