Conestoga Students Host Non-partisan Political Program

BERWYN, PA – The Conestoga Young Democrats and Young Republicans sponsored a non-partisan "Better Angels" Workshop the evening of Oct. 17 at Conestoga High School to reduce political polarization in the United States. The invitation-only event had a panel of 10 "blue" or liberal participants discussing current issues with 10 "red" or conservative participants.

It was led by two trained non-partisan moderators and observed by 25 Conestoga students. The program’s goal was to model good political discussion and listening techniques for students to use in the classroom and in their own personal lives.

Better Angels is a nationally recognized, non-partisan organization that seeks to reduce political polarization in the United States by encouraging liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans to communicate through a structured, moderated program. Better Angels has been featured on 60 Minutes, ABC News, and in many other national publications.

Participants were asked to evaluate the stereotypes associated with their own political party and to determine whether there were "nuggets of truth" in those stereotypes. They were also asked to discuss the fundamental values and ideals of their party and reservations that they had about their own side.

"Reds" and "blues" were brought back together to look at how the other side sees themselves and engage in a "fishbowl" discussion to find common ground.

Young Republicans Club advisor Wendy DiRico and Young Democrats Club advisor Deb Ciamacca organized the event. The actual participants were adult Republicans/Democrats from the community, many of whom are the parents of Conestoga students.

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