Name: The Elephant in the Room: Film Screening and Discussion
Start: 2026-01-09T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Unitarian Universalist Society of South Suffolk

Lobbying: Who Speaks for the People?

Lobbying plays a major role in shaping public policy, representing the interests of businesses, nonprofits, and advocacy groups in conversations with lawmakers. Some see it as an essential way for citizens and organizations to have their voices heard. Others worry it gives disproportionate influence to those with money or connections.

At this meeting, we’ll explore the role of lobbying in a democracy and consider its impact on representation, transparency, and trust in government.

We’ll ask questions such as:

* What do you think is the purpose of lobbying in our political system?
* How can lobbying help or hinder democracy?
* How do power and access shape the influence of individuals versus organizations or corporations (including the “revolving door”)?
* Are reforms needed—such as limits on who can lobby or what kinds of influence lobbyists can have?
* In what ways do lobbyists represent—or fail to represent—the interests of citizens?

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

Crossing Party Lines: Raleigh, NC

CrossingPartyLines - National

Jack Reneo

Lobbying:  Who Speaks  for the People?

Online event

**Does the Job Description for Politicians Need a Rewrite?**

Across the country, people are asking whether our political system needs new criteria for who can serve in office. Some believe age limits or term limits could bring in fresh perspectives and prevent career politicians from staying too long. Others argue that experience—not age or tenure—is what matters most for effective leadership, along with factors like education, professional background, and length of residency.

At this meeting, we’ll explore how ideas like age limits, term limits, and other eligibility requirements could shape the future of American democracy.

We’ll ask questions such as:

* If we want to change the criteria for politicians, how do you think that should happen?
* What qualities matter most for someone serving in public office, and how might those translate into formal requirements?
* How could different criteria affect accountability, representation, and institutional knowledge? What are the pros and cons?
* Could too many—or too strict—requirements exclude strong candidates?
* How can we balance what we hope for in public leaders with what is realistically available?

This conversation will give us a chance to examine how we balance experience with renewal in our political system—and to consider what kind of leadership best serves the public good.

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

daniellefbraxton

Does the Job Description for Politicians Need a Rewrite?

Let’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.***

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.*

Crossing Party Lines Long Island NY

Herb

Swati Srivastava

The Elephant in the Room: Film Screening and Discussion

Unitarian Universalist Society of South Suffolk

Crossing Party Lines

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Our Mission is to foster a sense of civility and community among politically dissimilar Americans by transcending divisive media politics through mediated, face to face discussion groups that explore our shared values and interests as individuals and as a nation.

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