Health Starts Here: Strengthening the Policy Environment around Social Factors of Health

October 10, 2024 1:00 pm

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Join us virtually on October 10th from 1-2pm ET to hear more about the Collaborative from Project Co-Directors and Participants

Join Convergence to celebrate the release of “Health Starts Here” the Blueprint for Action created by the Convergence Collaborative on Social Factors of Health.

More than good health care is needed to achieve good health in communities and households. A growing body of research indicates that many “upstream” social factors, from housing conditions and the availability of good nutrition to the availability of social services and basic education, influence a person’s or community’s health status. Recognizing this connection between upstream social factors and health, many health systems have begun to form cross-sector partnerships with a range of organizations focused on housing, nutrition, transportation, and other social services. The policy environment is unfortunately not always conducive to these cross-sector partnerships, however.

The Convergence Collaborative on Social Factors of Health brought together a group of representative stakeholder organizations and experts from health and social policy organizations to identify policy actions – primarily at the federal and state levels – that would pave the way for cross-sector partnerships with the goal of improving household and community health by addressing social factors of health. They coalesced around consensus solutions in four areas – (1) improving system integration; (2) building an SDOH workforce; (3) financing SDOH approaches; and (4) addressing data sharing, evaluation, and experimentation – outlined in further detail in “Health Starts Here” the Blueprint for Action from the Convergence Collaborative on Social Factors of Health.

Join us on October 10th to hear more about the Collaborative from Project Co-Directors:

Stuart Butler, Scholar in Residence, Economic Studies, The Brookings Institution and Member, Convergence Board of Directors

Caryn Hederman, Principal, Hederman Consulting, LLC

The event will also feature Collaborative Participants sharing the impact of the “Health Starts Here” Blueprint for Action:

Brian Corbin, Executive Vice President, Member Services, Catholic Charities USA

Blair Harrison, Senior Policy Director, Population Health and Social Care, UnitedHealthcare Community & State

Sue Pechilio Polis, Vice President, Public Relations and Government Affairs, Lutheran Services in America

Convergence Book Celebration in Washington, DC

Convergence Center for Policy Resolution

October 9, 2024 5:30 pm

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Location:

1310 Kitchen & Bar
1310 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20007

The Convergence Board of Directors is pleased to invite you to a reception on Wednesday, October 9^th in Washington, DC to celebrate the release of Convergence Founder and First CEO Rob Fersh and Convergence President and CEO Mariah Levison’s groundbreaking new book, From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems.

Full of real-life stories, examples, and proven strategies – many drawn directly from Convergence’s work – the book’s goal is to inspire and equip people to be effective collaborative problem-solvers and leaders. It speaks to concerned citizens looking for concrete pathways to lessen troubling divides in their workplaces, their communities, and society at large. Learn more about the book and purchase your copy here.

Join us on October 9^th for:

A fireside chat with the authors, Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison, moderated by Convergence Board Chair, Art Taylor;
Insight and updates into Convergence’s latest work bringing people together across divides to catalyze consensus-based solutions to critical challenges at the local, state, and national level;
Opportunities to connect with the Convergence community new and old; and
Book signing, refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres

Kramers will be selling copies of From Conflict to Convergence at the event.

We hope to see you on October 9 from 5:30-8:00pm at 1310 Kitchen & Bar in Georgetown! Whether or not you can join us, please help us spread the word by forwarding this event to anyone you think might be interested in attending to learn more about From Conflict to Convergence and our work.

Click here to register!

Click to watch the official book trailer.

Order From Conflict to Convergence now:

Convergence Celebration & Book Signing Reception

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

August 1, 2024 5:00 pm

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Join us for a reception and book signing event for “From Conflict to Convergence”, featuring the coauthors Mariah Levison and Rob Fersh

LOCATION:

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

1408 Kingshighway Boulevard #Suite 108 St. Louis, MO 63113

Mark Levison and Mike McMillan are hosting a reception to celebrate the release of From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems, a groundbreaking new book from Mariah Levison and Rob Fersh being published on July 30, 2024. The event will feature a fireside chat with the authors, including an opportunity to ask questions, followed by a book signing, enjoyable company, and drinks and hors d’oevures. You’ll hear firsthand from the authors, who bring decades of experience uniting diverse leaders to tackle seemingly intractable issues and achieve consensus among unlikely collaborators. This event is open to anyone interested in learning how to engage constructively with others and who seek hope in these divisive times. The first 100 people to arrive will receive a complimentary copy of the book.

About From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems

This compelling, practical guide offer strategies for de-escalating conflict and engaging constructively with others to find better solutions. Through real-life stories and examples, it offers proven strategies to help a diverse array of individuals negotiate and navigate seemingly insurmountable conflicts. Readers will learn how to achiever “higher ground” or “mutual gain” solutions that meet the needs of even conflicting groups and people in workplaces, communities, and society at large, paving the way for long-term cooperation. The primary aim of the book is to inspire and equip people to be effective collaborative problem-solvers and leaders. It has already garnered endorsements from prominent figures across the political spectrum, including Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense and Chief of Staff for Bill Clinton and Marc Racicot, former Governor of Montana and past Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Pre-order From Conflict to Convergence now:

About the Authors:

Mariah Levison is the CEO and President of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a nonprofit organization that builds trust and bridges divides to solve critical challenges and strengthen our democracy and society. Mariah is a seasoned consensus-builder with decades of experience in bringing people together to solve critical issues. She has spoken and offered trainings nationally and internationally, including with the Haitian government and the Presidential Leadership Scholars, at this year’s Civic Learning Week National Forum – where she led a session applying lessons from Justice Sotomayor and Justice Barrett’s dialogue – and most recently, at a TED Discovery session. She is also Mark’s daughter.

Rob Fersh is the Founder and first CEO of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution. He has spent over 45 years bridging policy differences and moving important public policy solutions forward in Washington D.C. through working for Congress and in the Executive Branch as well as in leading non-profit organizations. He is the author of multiple articles and op eds, has been a plenary speaker at many conferences including recently at the National Association of Counties and PathNorth, and has been interviewed on multiple podcasts, including Our Voices Matter, Let’s Find Common Ground, The Great Battlefield Podcast, and more.

Convergence Book Launch Celebration

Convergence Center for Policy Resolution

July 30, 2024 1:00 pm

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

REGISTER HERE

Please join us on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 1-2pm ET over Zoom for a celebration honoring the publication of From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems by Convergence Founder and First CEO Rob Fersh and Convergence CEO and President Mariah Levison.

Moderated by Linda Lorelle, Emmy Award-winning journalist, media personality, and Convergence Board Member, the event will feature a Q&A with Rob and Mariah about the experience of writing a book together, a sneak peek at the stories they told through the book, and a preview of the tried and tested strategies the book offers for helping a wide array of people negotiate and navigate seemingly intractable conflicts.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 1-2pm ET

WHERE: Zoom (Details will be emailed to registrants)

WHAT: Register today and submit a question for the authors!

WHY: From Conflict to Convergence is a must-read resource for an increasingly combative and conflicted world. Help us spread the word.

PRE-ORDER TODAY: convergencepolicy.org/book

About From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems

This compelling, practical guide offer strategies for de-escalating conflict and engaging constructively with others to find better solutions. Through real-life stories and examples, it offers proven strategies to help a diverse array of individuals negotiate and navigate seemingly insurmountable conflicts. Readers will learn how to achiever “higher ground” or “mutual gain” solutions that meet the needs of even conflicting groups and people in workplaces, communities, and society at large, paving the way for long-term cooperation. The primary aim of the book is to inspire and equip people to be effective collaborative problem-solvers and leaders. It has already garnered endorsements from prominent figures across the political spectrum, including Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense and Chief of Staff for Bill Clinton and Marc Racicot, former Governor of Montana and past Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Pre-order From Conflict to Convergence now

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Powell’s, Target, Wiley

About the Authors

Mariah Levison is the CEO and President of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a nonprofit organization that builds trust and bridges divides to solve critical challenges and strengthen our democracy and society. Mariah is a seasoned consensus-builder with decades of experience in bringing people together to solve critical issues. She has spoken and offered trainings nationally and internationally, including with the Haitian government and the Presidential Leadership Scholars, at this year’s Civic Learning Week National Forum – where she led a session applying lessons from Justice Sotomayor and Justice Barrett’s dialogue – and most recently, at a TED Discovery session.

Rob Fersh is the Founder and first CEO of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution. He has spent over 45 years bridging policy differences and moving important public policy solutions forward in Washington, DC through working for Congress and in the Executive Branch as well as in leading non-profit organizations. He is the author of multiple articles and op eds, has been a plenary speaker at many conferences including recently at the National Association of Counties and PathNorth, and has been interviewed on multiple podcasts, including Our Voices Matter, Let’s Find Common Ground, The Great Battlefield Podcast, and more.

Finding Common Ground for Working Families

Brookings Institution

April 3, 2024 3:00 pm

Public Event

In-Person, Virtual Event(s)

Join the Center for Economic and Social Opportunity at Brookings to learn about the four pillars making up the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families Blueprint for Action, and the Convergence process as a potential model for problem-solving in polarizing policy spaces.

Join the Center for Economic and Social Opportunity at Brookings to learn about the four pillars making up the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families Blueprint for Action, and the Convergence process as a potential model for problem-solving in polarizing policy spaces. See below for the detailed agenda:

Finding common ground for working families

Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. EDT
The Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036

https://www.brookings.edu/events/finding-common-ground-for-working-families/

Throughout 2023, the Convergence Collaborative brought together experts from across the political spectrum to find common ground on challenges facing working families with young children. The resulting consensus document was released in January of this year. The organization’s collaborative process is different from other attempts to find common ground on these issues because it emphasizes relationship-building and facilitated dialogue among people with deeply held convictions and diverse perspectives.

On April 3, join the Center for Economic and Social Opportunity at Brookings to learn about the four pillars making up the Convergence Collaborative’s blueprint for action, and the Convergence process as a potential model for problem-solving in polarizing policy spaces.

Two members of the Collaborative–Lina Guzman (Child Trends) and Josh McCabe (Niskanen Center)–will join leader of the group Abby McCloskey (McCloskey Policy LCC) on a panel moderated by Brookings’s Molly Kinder to discuss the four areas of common ground for working families.

Following their conversation, Stuart Butler (Brookings), Maya MacGuineas (Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget), and Lindsay Torrico (American Bankers Association Foundation) will broaden the issue to discuss finding common ground on polarizing issues with the New York Times’ Jessica Grose.

The event will run from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. EDT, followed by a light reception.

This event will be open to attend in person or watch online. Online viewers can submit questions via email to [email protected] or on X (formerly Twitter) using #CommonGround.

Guests at Brookings are required to attest to their state of health before attending. Visitors may not enter the building if they are feeling ill for any reason, have any symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and do not yet meet the criteria to resume normal activities based on current CDC guidance, or have been advised by their healthcare professional or otherwise to not enter any space where some persons may not be vaccinated.

Welcome and introduction

Tara Watson, David M. Rubenstein Fellow and Director, Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, Brookings

Panel: Four areas of common ground for working families

Lina Guzman, Chief Strategy Officer and Director, Hispanic Institute, Child Trends

Joshua McCabe, Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center

Abby McCloskey, McCloskey Policy LLC

Moderator: Molly Kinder, Fellow, Brookings Metro

Panel: Finding common ground on polarizing issues

Stuart M. Butler, Senior Fellow, Economic Studies, Brookings

Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget

Lindsay Torrico, Senior Vice President of Bank Community Engagement and Executive Director, American Bankers Association Foundation

Moderator: Jessica Grose, Opinion Writer, The New York Times

Closing remarks

Tara Watson, David M. Rubenstein Fellow and Director, Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, Brookings

Reception

https://www.brookings.edu/events/finding-common-ground-for-working-families/?mc_cid=265719bfe8&mc_eid=UNIQID

In This Together: A Cross-Partisan Action Plan to Support Families with Young Children in America

Convergence

February 6, 2024 5:00 pm

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Join Convergence to celebrate the release of “In This Together: A Cross-Partisan Action Plan to Support Families with Young Children in America” at an in-person event on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, February 6th from 5:00-6:30pm featuring remarks from Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

“In This Together: A Cross-Partisan Action Plan to Support Families with Young Children in America” is the Blueprint for Action formed by the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families, a cross-partisan, cross-sector group of leaders convened by Convergence who have dedicated their careers to improving the lives of children and families in America. One of the most ideologically and sectorally diverse groups to address family policy that has convened in recent decades, the Collaborative came together against a backdrop of historic polarization and political divides. They met regularly throughout 2023 and their final report, to be released on February 6, is an action plan to help low-to-moderate income families with young children flourish.

The event will also include remarks by Abby McCloskey, Director of the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families and Founder of McCloskey Policy LLC, and will feature a short panel conversation with Collaborative participants Indivar Dutta-Gupta, President and Executive Director at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Lina Guzman, Chief Strategy Officer and Director of the Hispanic Institute at Child Trends; Katharine Stevens, Founder and President of the Center on Child and Family Policy; and Patrick Brown a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center sharing about the consensus they found for advancing public dialogue and action across party lines. Topics will include what it means for families to flourish, shared principles to guide collaborative action, and recommended actions for policymakers, employers, communities, and philanthropy.

David Fairman, Senior Director at the Consensus Building Institute and Associate Director of the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program, will moderate the discussion. Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

The Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working Families was made possible thanks to the generous support of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-this-together-a-cross-partisan-plan-to-support-working-families-registration-795353021297?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bridging Divides in Corporate America Leadership Development Series

Convergence Center for Policy Resolution and Interfaith America

February 14, 2024 12:00 pm

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

A virtual leadership development series to equip business professionals to bridge divides in corporate America.

Description:

From Feb. 14 through April 3, hosted by Convergence Center for Policy Resolution and Interfaith America, the Bridging Divides in Corporate America Leadership Development Series will explore the detrimental effects of toxic polarization on business and how leaders can meet the very real challenges of this moment for their companies and the country. A series of monthly cohort meetings will offer participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, build skills, and network with peers at no cost as they pilot best practices in their company.

Participants will–

Learn from leaders in the bridgebuilding field and explore how to apply best practices to their particular context
Build skills to engage deep difference inside their companies and with external stakeholders
Identify and pilot an initiative to increase bridgebuilding efforts in their company and workshop challenges and opportunities with their peers.

Details:

This will be a live, virtual series that runs from February – April 2024, consisting of 5 meetings. All sessions will take place from 11:00-1:00 PM CT on the following dates (with tentative topics):

Wednesday, February 14: Why Build Bridges
Wednesday, February 21: The Divided Mind
Wednesday, March 06: Collaborative Problem Solving
Wednesday, March 20: Engaging Tension Constructively
Wednesday, April 03: Leading with Values in the Workplace

There is no cost to participate. Registration is limited to 30 learners. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 2, 2024.

Learn more:

Who should attend this course?

This series is intended for business professionals who recognize the impact of polarization in their workplaces and who lead teams, projects, or initiatives where they have the opportunity to introduce a bridgebuilding approach. Attendees will be asked to select a problem or challenge they are facing related to polarization in their company and will identify a bridgebuilding practice to pilot as a response.

Will the class sessions be recorded or shared in any way?

No, we will not record the class sessions. Our intention is to open a space in which attendees can be comfortable navigating territory that might be unfamiliar, challenging, or delicate, without concerns about what might be recorded or shared.

Do I need to attend all five sessions, or can I choose from among them?

We strongly recommend that learners commit to all five live sessions in the series. That said, we will work with you to accommodate reasonable scheduling conflicts as they arise.

What is the time commitment?

The time commitment for this series is approximately 2.5 hours per session week. Each month’s learning entails: 1) reviewing pre-session materials (such as a written resource, video, or tool), 2) attendance at a 2 hour live, online session, and 3) self-paced work on your individual project outside of the scheduled meeting time. The full course will run from February 14 – April 3.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridging-divides-in-corporate-america-leadership-development-series-tickets-769655689887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Convergence Leadership Council Meeting | October 2023

Convergence

October 3, 2023 2:00 pm

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Watch the highlights from our October 2023 Convergence Leadership Council Meeting.

Watch the highlights from our October 2023 Convergence Leadership Council Meeting featuring:

Welcome from Dusie Cassata, Convergence COO (00:00)
An update from Jean Molino, Chair of the Convergence Board (2:00)
An update from Mariah Levison, Interim CEO (5:42)
An update from Rob Fersh, Convergence Founder (12:29)
A conversation with Participants of the Convergence Collaborative on Pathways to Better Jobs: Deeneaus “D” Polk (3Levate Founder), Jenna Shrove (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director of Strategic Advocacy and Advisor to the Chief Policy Officer), and Scott Fast (Innovate+Educate, Director of Colorado Projects) (14:08)
An update on current and future Convergence projects from program directors (1:00:27)
A sneak peek into Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison’s new book (1:25:11)
Closing Remarks from Dusie Cassata, Convergence COO (1:37:22)

https://youtu.be/A97eEm3nsfo?feature=shared

Convergence Live: Can Philanthropy Bridge America’s Divides?

June 2, 2023 12:00 pm

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Charitable giving has the power to influence the political and cultural agenda on a massive scale, advancing progress on critical issues and organizing people around common goals. There is enormous momentum in the philanthropic community today to deploy this power to usher in a more pluralistic and less polarized America, culminating around a high-profile announcement of the donor collaborative The New Pluralists at President Biden’s United We Stand Summit earlier this year. Big donors are largely in agreement about what ails America, but there is far less agreement about how we solve the problem. For our next Convergence Live conversation, we will consider what has worked historically, and where we need to chart a smarter, more inclusive, and more impactful course for using the power of philanthropy to bridge America’s growing divides.

Join us live on YouTube for an engaging conversation between passionate experts, Kathleen Enright, President & CEO of the Council on Foundations, and Chris Stackaruk, Director of Neighborly Faith and Senior Fellow at Cardus. When you do, you’ll have the opportunity to ask our speakers questions and converse among a diverse range of professionals.

Bookmark the YouTube link now and sign-up for event updates below.

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About Convergence Live

Convergence Live is a series of far-ranging discussions with leaders in their fields about finding lasting solutions to problems in American public life with civility and humanity. This series is premised on the belief that we can disagree without hating each other, and that we can find common ground across even the deepest ideological divides to effect positive change.

https://www.youtube.com/live/PvpG_Tqq8J8?feature=share

The First Step Film Screening

DC Jewish Film and Music

February 20, 2023 7:30 pm

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

The movie tells a complex story about criminal justice reform and addiction amongst the country’s divides. Van Jones and a team of advocates bring together politicians and everyday people working to pass legislation to bring people home. As conveners of the Convergence Dialogue: Re-entry Ready, we understand the need to continue to have bipartisan conversations around criminal justice reform. We invite any and all members of our community to join us for this important screening & discussion, featuring Convergence President and CEO David Eisner.

Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th Street NW, Washington DC

We’re excited to partner with The First Step on the D.C. theatrical release of the film on February 20th at 7:30pm!

We were pleased to see members of our community joining us for this important screening & discussion, featuring Convergence President and CEO David Eisner.

https://www.jxjdc.org/events/the-first-step/?fbclid=IwAR17M7ln_ZtosF2Y5Wi4LtDN2zfI41bw5IqUhH-dESbGWc-Id3HDOsOsdHM

Convergence Live: Digital Information & Political Polarization

Convergence

January 27, 2023 12:00 pm

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Watch our inaugural Convergence Live event for a lively debate about the challenges around online discourse and polarization in public life between two leaders in the field. Convergence President & CEO David Eisner moderated this spirited conversation between Harvard Fellow and journalist Heidi Legg and first amendment attorney Ari Cohn.

How can online discourse change to decrease toxic polarization instead?

Watch our inaugural Convergence Live event for a lively debate about the challenges around online discourse and polarization in public life between two leaders in the field. Convergence President & CEO David Eisner moderated this spirited conversation between Harvard Fellow and journalist Heidi Legg and first amendment attorney Ari Cohn.

Watch the event.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/convergence-live-digital-information-political-polarization-tickets-513247044727?aff=Website

June 2022 Leadership Council Meeting

Virtual Event

June 22, 2022 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Hear the inspiring conversation with 2022 recipient of the Convergence Bridge-Building Leadership Award, John Powell. Also hear from several staff members actively involved with the Convergence’s Economic Opportunity Portfolio.

Read on to learn more about the June 22, 2022 Leadership Council meeting and watch the event recordings.

A Conversation with john powell: 2022 Recipient of the Convergence Bridge-Building Leadership Award

“Bridge-building is saying ‘I respect you. I want to hear you. I’m not questioning you humanity. I’m curious about you. We won’t agree but I will listen to you.’”

Tune in to hear more from the inspiring conversation with 2022 recipient of the Convergence Bridge-Building Leadership Award, John Powell.

Economic Opportunity Discussion June 2022 Leadership Council

“Access to economic opportunity for everyone and a multiple pathways approach to opportunity where there’s lots of ways to get on track that really fit with your own life and life experience… We believe that that’s actually connected to our health as a society and our democracy overall.” – Russell Krumnow, Vice President, Programs

Watch for an immersive look into Convergence’s Economic Opportunity Portfolio, and hear from several staff members actively involved with the work, including:

Mariah Levison: Convergence’s new Chief Program Officer (who many of you may know from her service on the Leadership Council!)
Russell Krumnow: Vice President, Programs
Anita Chandramohan: Director, Convergence Dialogue on Pathways to Better Jobs
Abby McCloskey: Director, Convergence Dialogue on Supports for Working Families

Convergence Dialogue on Pathways to Better Jobs Launch Event

Dr. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua

May 24, 2022 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence hosted a virtual discussion featuring cross-sector experts on economic mobility and job training.

“At the end of the day, what each American wants is to put food on their table, take care of the children, and have a chance at the American dream.” – Dr. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua

On May 24, 2022 Convergence hosted a virtual discussion featuring cross-sector experts on economic mobility and job training to launch of the Convergence Dialogue on Pathways to Better Jobs. The conversation was moderated by Anita Chandramohan, Director of the Dialogue.

We were joined by Dr. Stephen Goldsmith, Derek Bok Professor of the Practice of Urban Policy and the Director of the Data-Smart Cities Program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government; Dr. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Professor of Engineering, Program Director, Smart Manufacturing Technology Program, Ohlone College, Fremont, California; and Della Adams, Upward Academy Program Manager at Tyson Foods.

The Convergence Dialogue on Pathways to Better Jobs seeks to address why millions of job seekers – low- to moderate-income earners who are currently employed, under-employed, or long-term unemployed – are unable to access and navigate resources, tools, and opportunities to move into new, improved, and stable avenues of employment.

Bridging Across Generations: National Week of Conversation Event

Webinar

April 25, 2022 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence co-hosted an event on ‘Bridging Across Generations.

“If you look at any massive social or political movement in U.S. history it has been because of transformations along generational lines.” – Layla Zaidane

During the fifth annual National Week of Conversation, Convergence co-hosted an event on ‘Bridging Across Generations’ with Convergence CEO David Eisner; Layla Zaidane of Millennial Action Project (MAP); Manu Meel of BridgeUSA; and Marc Freedman of Encore.org facilitating the discussion. The event drew a terrific turnout, and participants discussed the topic with wonderfully thought-provoking comments and questions throughout the conversation.

More notable quotes from the event:

David Eisner: “We distort the amount to which our views are opposed to those of other people.”

Marc Freedman: “Right now, we have a largely white older population and a much more diverse younger generation. If we can solve the generational divide, we have a better chance at success across the political divide..”

Manu Meel: “We want people who WANT to have discussions about generational divide to have louder voices..”

Watch Video.

Leadership Council Meeting | March 2022

Eboo Patel

March 16, 2022 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person, Virtual Event(s)

Interview with Eboo Patel, author, speaker, educator, and interfaith leader. Also Convergence Dialogue on Reimagining Care for Older Adults discussion.

Read on to learn more about the March 16, 2022 Leadership Council meeting speakers and watch the meeting recordings.

Eboo Patel

“For centuries people thought that the identity that would most rip a nation apart was religious identity… Again, the United State of America is the first nation to proves that you can actually have a religiously diverse democracy.” – Eboo Patel at the March 16, 2022 Leadership Council Meeting

Convergence CEO David Eisner interviewed Eboo Patel, author, speaker, educator, and interfaith leader founded Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC).

Eboo Patel spoke about the idea that religion should be a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division. He is inspired to build this bridge by his identity as an American Muslim navigating a religiously diverse social landscape. For over 15 years, he has worked with governments, social sector organizations, and college and university campuses to help make interfaith cooperation a social norm. Learn about IFYC’s inspiring work and perspective and the multiple ways that IFYC and Convergence are now partnering with a special preview of Eboo Patel’s upcoming book,“We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy.”

Watch Video.

Convergence Dialogue on Reimagining Care for Older Adults Participants

“Convergence [is a] sort of a catalyst for supercharging expertise in a way that’s collaborative.” – Dr. Marc Cohen at the March 16, 2022 Leadership Council meeting

Convergence Dialogue on Reimagining Care for Older Adults Manager Isabel Hinestrosa interviewed 3 Dialogue participants: Naomi Lopez, Director of Healthcare Policy, Goldwater Institute, Marc Cohen PhD, UMASS Boston Gerontology Professor of Gerontology; Co-Director LeadingAge LTSS Center, and Donna Benton PhD, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Research Associate Professor of Gerontology; Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center (FCSC).

Watch Video.

Information, Misinformation, Disinformation and Truth: What’s at Stake?

Example host

March 2, 2022 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Four nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations who recently partnered to engage local, grassroots, and faith-based audiences in national and local dialogues around digital disinformation.

On March 2nd, Civic Genius, Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, More in Common, and Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) — four nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations who recently partnered to engage local, grassroots, and faith-based audiences in national and local dialogues around digital disinformation — hosted a partnership launch event with a group of diverse leaders:

Dr. Krishnan Narasimhan: Chair of Doctors for America
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III: Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago IL
Hillari Lombard: Host of Moderate Party Podcast

The event examined digital disinformation, its causes, and the reasons why it is hard to agree on what is true and build consensus on collective solutions.The speakers discussed the impact of digital disinformation has on various communities, including BIPOC, historically marginalized, and faith-based communities. They also explored how disinformation intersects with public health, religion and our daily lives and address how we can reduce its harms without infringing upon free speech and civil and human rights. The engaging conversation concluded with a Q&A session from attendees and civic stakeholders.

Watch the event recording.

Convergence Dialogue on Guns and Suicide Prevention Report Launch Event

Virtual Event

December 7, 2021 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence Dialogue on Guns and Suicide Prevention marked the conclusion of their yearlong engagement by releasing their final report.

On December 7th, the leaders and practitioners in the Convergence Dialogue on Guns and Suicide Prevention marked the conclusion of their yearlong engagement by releasing their final report and convening a virtual public event to highlight its conclusions and strategies to save lives. Dialogue participants span diverse perspectives across America‘s deep guns divide. At the event, participants discussed the report findings and described their collaborative experience as successful, productive and eye-opening – not only the substantive work advising on pathways to prevent gun suicides, but also the collaborative dialogue approach that generated trust and the ability to reach common ground across the group’s differences. Dialogue participants included:

Chris Cheng: The History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 Champion
Emmy Betz MD, MPH: Professor of Emergency Medicine at University of Colorado School of Medicine
Doreen Marshall: Vice President of Mission Engagement, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Russell Krumnow: Senior Director of Projects, Convergence

In addition, two Dialogue participants discussed the suicide prevention work of their organizations that the report spotlighted: Casey Pick, Senior Fellow for Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization for LGTBQ+ youth; and Mike Sodini, Founder and President of Walk the Talk America, which works directly with firearm manufacturers and retailers to promote mental health, suicide awareness and critical gun-safety practices.

Watch Video.

October Leadership Council Meeting

Webinar

October 7, 2021 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Interview with New York Times best-selling author Amanda Ripley about her new book, “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out” and an in-depth discussion on how to prevent firearm suicides.

“I have been involved with Convergence for a decade, and the last two hours are among my favorites ever.”

That’s how one long-term Leadership Council member described the exceptional two panels that opened Convergence’s Fall Leadership Council Meeting on Oct. 7. Read on to learn more about these provocative conversations.

Amanda Ripley

CEO David Eisner interviewed New York Times best-selling author Amanda Ripley about her new book, “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out.” To purchase her book, click here. If you purchase through Amazon, consider using AmazonSmile and making Convergence your charity of choice for this and all of your Amazon purchases. Ripley explained the difference between “high conflict” and “good conflict” and how sometimes doing what is counter-intuitive is the best approach to produce constructive dialogue and bridge divides. She also provided tips to break free from the trap of “us versus them” to embrace the healthy conflict that is essential for our growth as individuals and as a society.

Watch Video.

Guns & Suicide Prevention

Russell Krumnow, Director of the Convergence Dialogue on Guns and Suicide Prevention, led an in-depth discussion with Dialogue participants about the impact of bringing diverse voices together to prevent firearm suicides. Participant Sherry Molock, a pastor and researcher at George Washington University, specializes in suicide risk and prevention in African American adolescents and young adults. Dr. Molock also works to advance suicide prevention programs in African American faith-based communities and shared how the first-time experience impacted her:

“I’ve been doing research on suicide prevention for 25 years, but I’ve never sat down with gun advocates ever. I thought we lived on different planets…

It was very eye-opening for me to talk with people who are either gun advocates, gun owners, or people who are even involved in policy work because they had a different perspective and are crucial to crafting research efforts and solutions that can really work to save lives.”

The Dialogue recommendations are scheduled to be released next month.

Addressing Toxic Polarization: A Deep Dive Discussion

Webinar

August 2, 2021 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

n Monday, August 2, 2021, Convergence hosted a follow-up webinar to “Addressing Toxic Polarization: Bridging Methods that Work”.

On Monday, August 2, 2021, Convergence hosted a follow-up webinar to “Addressing Toxic Polarization: Bridging Methods that Work”. Daryl Lobban, Michael Shipler, Jillian Youngblood, and David Eisner returned for a deep dive into the What’s, Why’s, and How’s of bringing Americans together to build trust and solve problems in a moment of toxic polarization.

Watch “Addressing Toxic Polarization: A Deep Dive Discussion” to learn more about how we deal with opposition between people who accepted the outcome of the election and those who believe the election was stolen; how we deal with the division industry, the people who profit from polarization and divisiveness; practical ways of diffusing challenging conversations; and more!

Watch Video.

Addressing Toxic Polarization: Bridging Methods that Work

Webinar

July 17, 2021 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Webinar on bridging as part of the National Week of Conversation. Special guests Daryl Lobban, Michael Shipler, Jillian Youngblood, and Convergence CEO David Eisner.

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, Convergence hosted a webinar on bridging as part of the National Week of Conversation. Special guests Daryl Lobban, Director of Strategic Partnerships at One America Movement, Michael Shipler, Vice President of Strategy at Search for Common Ground, and Jillian Youngblood, Executive Director of Civic Genius, joined Convergence CEO David Eisner for a conversation on the best ways to bridge divides.

Watch “Addressing Toxic Polarization: Bridging Methods that Work” to learn more about the innovative bridging work being done at the grassroots, national, and international levels and discover how you can have more effective conversations across divides in your own life.

Watch Video.

Leadership Council Meeting

Virtual Event

June 10, 2021 12:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

The Convergence Leadership Council June 2021 meeting offered an array of insightful conversations about the role Convergence plays in advancing the bridging field and healing America’s divides.

As the nation begins to heal from the impacts of the pandemic, Americans are still facing another existential threat: the urgent crisis of toxic polarization and extreme political partisanship. Today, a growing threat of political sectarianism is amplifying voices that are more ideologically extreme, contemptuous, and unwilling to seek common ground, but an increasing number of organizations are dedicated to bringing Americans together across differences to solve problems and safeguard democracy. The Convergence Leadership Council June 2021 meeting offered an array of insightful conversations about the emerging bridging field and the role Convergence plays in advancing the field and healing America’s divides.

Highlights are below:

The general session began with a mind-expanding conversation between our CEO David Eisner and Over Zero founder Rachel Brown about the brain science behind polarization and how to leverage science to build trust across differences.  As a researcher in the field, Rachel shared how understanding the innate need for belonging and sensitivity to threat can expand options for Bridgers.

Rachel Brown Interview

CEO’s Reflection and Look Ahead

David offered some reflections from his first year as CEO which he previously characterized as facing a blinking sign that read, Road Out: Detour Ahead. Now, he sees less of a detour for Convergence but a pathway for the organization to provide two key areas of impact: improving lives through consensus-based problem solving, and normalizing bridge-building and collaborative dialogue across society.

Upcoming Projects

To expand the organization’s reach and impact, Convergence will take on five powerful Dialogues that address key issues facing the nation: Digital Disinformation, Rethinking Care for Older Americans, Guns and Suicides, Economic Recovery for America’s Workers, and Civil Service Reform. Convergence leaders provided a brief synopsis of each issue before inviting LC members to select breakout sessions for a deep dive discussion.

Leadership Award

The meeting ended on a celebratory note with Congressman Andy Barr receiving the second Convergence Award for Extraordinary Leadership in Bridge Building. He was recognized for bipartisanship during a time of extreme partisanship. During times of deep ideological divides, it is not the time to stop talking and listening; it’s time to do more, explained Rep. Barr.

Leadership Council Members.

How a New Office of Health Care Affordability Will Contain Costs in California

Virtual Event

May 5, 2021 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence hosted a webinar on the proposed new Office of Health Care Affordability in California.

On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, Convergence hosted a webinar on the proposed new Office of Health Care Affordability in California with special guests Dr. Jim Wood, California Assembly Health Committee Chair, and Elizabeth Landsberg, Director of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), along with participant stakeholders from Convergence’s California Health Reform Initiative (CHRI).

Watch “How a New Office of Health Care Affordability Will Contain Costs in California,” moderated by Convergence’s Vicki Veenker (Director, CHRI and Managing Director, West Coast), to learn more about the new Office proposed by Asm. Wood and Gov. Newsom that mirrors the recommendation issued by the diverse group of participants in our CHRI dialogue in March 2020.

Watch Video.

Leadership Council Meeting

Virtual Event

February 4, 2021 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence’s Leadership Council is an advisory body consisting of a diverse group of professionals that meets three times a year.

Convergence’s Leadership Council is an advisory body consisting of a diverse group of professionals from the fields of policy, business, mediation, non-profits, and more. The group meets three times a year to learn the latest news from Convergence’s projects, inform organizational strategy, and engage with one another. Guests and new friends are invited to participate in the conversations and add to our brain trust.

Watch the Zoom recording of the virtual meeting. Meeting highlights are provided on our February 2021 LC Meeting Highlights page.

Learn more.

Leadership Council Meeting

Virtual Event

November 12, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence’s Leadership Council is an advisory body consisting of a diverse group of professionals that meets three times a year.

Watch the Zoom recording of the virtual meeting. Meeting highlights are provided on our November 2020 LC Meeting Highlights page.

6:10 – Implications of Election/Connecting Question
9:25 – What the Election Means for Convergence’s Work
37:34 – Program Report
50:50 – Convergence Award to Representative Kilmer
1:17:02 – Breathing and Stretching with LC Member Jessica Dibb
1:30:18 – Leadership Discussion on Bridge-Building Field
2:10:45 – The Leadership Council Advances

Learn more.

A New Solution to Rising Health Costs | Virtual Event

Example host

November 9, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

A panel of dialogue participants from Convergence’s California Health Reform Initiative presented their innovative health care cost containment recommendation.

For the first time, a panel of dialogue participants from Convergence’s California Health Reform Initiative presented their innovative health care cost containment recommendation.

The event on Monday, November 9, 2020 was hosted by California Assemblymember Marc Berman (AD-24). Convergence’s Vicki Veenker (Managing Director, West Coast) moderated the discussion on “A New Solution to Rising Health Costs,” addressing future health care affordability in California in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch Video!

A Toast to Rob Fersh

Virtual Celebration

October 1, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence celebrated Rob’s lifetime of work dedicated to bridging divides, building lasting relationships of trust, and finding solutions to our country’s most intractable issues.

On Thursday, October 1, 2020, Convergence held a special virtual event to celebrate the pioneering vision and leadership of Convergence Founder, Rob Fersh. At “A Toast to Rob Fersh,” we celebrated Rob’s lifetime of work dedicated to bridging divides, building lasting relationships of trust, and finding solutions to our country’s most intractable issues. We also celebrated his transition into his new Senior Advisor role at Convergence!

Special guests – close to Rob and Convergence – shared reflections about Rob’s impact on Convergence and the field. Participants engaged with the Community about the ways in which Rob has brought us together with his unifying vision of collaborative problem-solving and helped us thank Rob for his leadership.

Watch Video Recording of the Virtual Celebration.

Even if you were not able to join us for this event, we ask that you please consider making a special gift to Convergence in Rob’s honor. There is no better way to pay tribute to his inspiring vision than to ensure it continues for many years to come! Your gift in Rob’s honor will help us launch new projects dedicated to America’s recovery, help us drive awareness about the power of bridging divides, and help us secure Convergence’s future.

Edwards Mediation Academy

Webinar

September 24, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

This conversation includes key elements Convergence has used to bridge divides on major national issues and how to build relationships of trust.

Convergence Founder, Rob Fersh, was the featured speaker at an Edwards Mediation Academy webinar on Thursday, September 24th from 11am-12pm EST. Bruce Edwards, a current member of Convergence’s Leadership Council, interviewed Rob about ways to overcome differences and build consensus on some of the the most challenging issues that are facing all of us around the world today. The conversation includes key elements Convergence has used to bridge divides on major national issues and how to build relationships of trust.

Watch Video Below!

Additionally, you can read the audience Q&A from the event, where Rob and Bruce address some pressing questions and provide helpful insight for applying Convergence’s process during this particularly challenging year.

Leadership Council Meeting

Virtual Event

June 24, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence’s Leadership Council is an advisory body consisting of a diverse group of professionals that meets three times a year to engage with one another.

Watch the Zoom recording of the virtual meeting. Meeting highlights are provided on our June 2020 LC Meeting Recap page.

Learn more.

Our Voices Matter Podcast | Dialogue, Diversity & Solutions With Guest David Eisner

Podcast

June 24, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence Board Member and Emmy Award winning broadcast journalist Linda Lorelle interviewed David and discussed how Convergence is helping to find solutions for America’s recovery.

Convergence CEO David Eisner was featured on the Our Voices Matter Podcast. Convergence Board Member and Emmy Award winning broadcast journalist Linda Lorelle interviewed David and discussed how Convergence is helping to find solutions for America’s recovery.

Watch Video

Rotary E-Club of World Peace

Virtual Meeting

May 26, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence Founder, Rob Fersh, was interviewed by Philip Hellmich at the Rotary E-Club of World Peace weekly meeting on May 26, 2020.

Convergence Founder, Rob Fersh, was interviewed by Philip Hellmich (Director of Peace at The Shift Network) at the Rotary E-Club of World Peace weekly meeting on 5-26-2020 where he answered multiple questions, including:

1) What are the fundamental processes deployed at Convergence and what makes this process distinctive?
2) What is the range of successful works at Convergence and are there situations where the approach may not be as successful?
3) How might the Convergence principles and approaches apply elsewhere even in people’s everyday lives?

Watch Video

Lessons Learned: Voting During COVID-19

Example host

April 6, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Convergence held a webinar where we discussed potential solutions to ensure the election can be conducted safely and learn from county election officials for their insights.

Convergence along with our partners at the Consensus Building Institute (CBI) have been researching a potential project using our unique dialogue-to-action methodology that might bring diverse stakeholders together to improve elections. As we continue investigating a longer-term project on reforms that can put voters at the center of elections, we recognize there is an urgent debate happening now on how best to conduct elections during the current pandemic.

Convergence held a webinar where we discussed potential solutions to ensure this November’s election can be conducted safely and learn from two county election officials who recently held primaries for their insights.

Speakers:
Brian Corley, Supervisor of Elections, Pasco County, Florida
Barb Byrum, Ingham County Clerk, Michigan

Watch the Zoom recording of the event below.

Convergence in California

Zoom Webinar

March 11, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

President and Founder Rob Fersh, California Project Director Vicki Veenker, and Former Assemblywoman Catharine Baker shared updates.

Program Highlights:

President and Founder Rob Fersh offered updates on how Convergence is making a difference in a time of intense polarization;
California Project Director Vicki Veenker moderated a panel of stakeholders who participated in our California Health Reform Initiative in a discussion of bridging divides in the Golden State;
Former Assemblywoman Catharine Baker shared comments about critical issues in California where division stands in the way of progress; and
All guests had the opportunity to help Convergence think about where to apply our unique process next!.

Watch the Zoom recording of the event below.

The Philanthropy Workshop Global Summit

Napa, CA

March 7, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

The Philanthropy Workshop’s 2020 Global Summit, the panel discussed meaningful ways to promote and support a healthy democracy.

Rob Fersh, President and Founder of Convergence, served as a panelist at The Philanthropy Workshop’s 2020 Global Summit for a discussion entitled “A Democracy for the Future.” The panel discussed questions such as “Will democracy continue to be a viable socio-political structure?” and “For those not yet ready to give up on the ideals of just and representative democracies, how will our systems, structures, movements, and citizens adapt?” The goal was to bring the “big questions” down to an actionable level and discuss meaningful ways to promote and support a healthy democracy.

PathNorth Series on Civility

Washington, D.C.

February 3, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Rob Fersh, President and Founder of Convergence, spoke at a luncheon as part of The John and Margaret Dalton PathNorth Series on Civility in Washington, DC.

Invitation only. Learn more on the Civility Series here.

https://www.pathnorth.com/civility-series

The American Conversation Series: Talking Politics in An Angry America

Stubblefield Institute at Shepherd University, WV

February 3, 2020 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person, Virtual Event(s)

Rob Fersh, President and Founder of Convergence, moderated a panel discussion hosted by the Stubblefield Institute to discuss how to hold productive conversations across political divides.

Rob Fersh, President and Founder of Convergence, moderated a panel discussion hosted by the Stubblefield Institute at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on February 3rd. The purpose of the forum was to discuss how to hold productive conversations across political divides.

Watch Video

How to Ensure Successful Reentry After Prison | Commonwealth Club San Francisco, CA

Commonwealth Club, San Francisco, CA

December 12, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Reentry Ready Project shared recommendations for improving reentry outcomes at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.

Stephanie McGencey, Senior Director of Reentry Ready, and Professor Marc Morjé Howard of Georgetown University, a stakeholder in the Reentry Ready Project, shared recommendations for improving reentry outcomes at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on December 12th.

Listen to Podcast.

https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast/how-ensure-successful-reentry-after-prison

Leadership Council Meeting: Convergence’s 10th Anniversary

Washington DC

October 24, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Convergence friends and supporters celebrated this important milestone and launched our second decade.

We are seeking sponsors at all levels to support Convergence’s 10th Anniversary and to help us into the future!

More information on Sponsorship Here.

Building a Better Budget Process Project testifies in front of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress

Washington DC

September 19, 2019 10:00 am

Private Event

In-Person Event(s)

Matt Owens, Executive Vice President of the Association of American Universities, and a stakeholder in the Building a Better Budget Process Project, shared the group’s proposals for budget process reform.

Watch Video.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?464366-1/house-panel-examines-budget-appropriations-process-improvements

Not So Hopelessly Divided: Finding Common Ground on Issues of Major Public Concern

San Francisco CA

September 17, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Rob Fersh presented at The Mediation Society’s Annual Members Dinner & Installation of Officers to discuss ways to find common ground.

Invitation only.

Reentry Ready Chat

Twitter

September 12, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

#ReentryReady stakeholders discussed how we can improve what happens during incarceration to achieve better reentry outcomes.

Join #ReentryReady stakeholders as they discussed how we can improve what happens during incarceration to achieve better reentry outcomes.

Review the Post

https://twitter.com/i/events/1174334561217581056

Better Angels Conversation with Rob Fersh

Online

August 29, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

Virtual Event(s)

Our President and Founder talked with Better Angels members about Convergence’s work, sharing techniques for building trust and making progress on difficult issues.

Watch Video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ98-hyTpZw

House Democracy Partnership Forum

Washington DC

July 16, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Rob Fersh moderated a panel called, “Combating Polarization and Enhancing Cross-Party Communications” at the House Democracy Partnership Forum.

Rob Fersh moderated a panel called, “Combating Polarization and Enhancing Cross-Party Communications” at the House Democracy Partnership Forum. Party leaders discussed opportunities for cross-party collaboration, in addition to techniques for working across the aisle that encourage unity on matters of national interest.

Reentry Ready Release Event

Washington DC

June 26, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

The Reentry Ready Project team shared their recommendations for supporting successful return from prison and reintegration back into society.

The Reentry Ready Project team shared their recommendations for supporting successful return from prison and reintegration back into society. Reentry Ready stakeholders and three formerly incarcerated individuals from the Community Family Life Services Speakers Bureau described breakthrough strategies designed to transform the current system to improve reentry success. Senator Tim Kaine opened the event with remarks about the importance of reforming the current system.

JAMS Honors Convergence Center for Policy Resolution

Minneapolis, Minnesota

April 11, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person, Virtual Event(s)

Convergence receives the JAMS Foundation’s 11th Annual Warren Knight Distinguished Service Award!

Convergence receives the JAMS Foundation’s 11th Annual Warren Knight Distinguished Service Award at the American Bar Association’s 2019 Annual Spring Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The award recognizes the work that Convergence has done utilizing collaborative problem-solving to find solutions to the nation’s toughest problems.

The Dignity of Work: Putting Workers at the Center of a Divided Economy

Georgetown University, Washington DC

March 25, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

We explore how we can promote the dignity of work and workers in American life.

Work done by Convergence, Brookings, American Enterprise Institute, Convergence, and Bread for the World has cut through the partisan and ideological stalemates and proposed policies and private sector actions to address the needs of employers and workers. This Public Dialogue brings together key participants in these cross-sector efforts and other respected leaders to explore how we can promote the dignity of work and workers in American life.

Read Full Article.

A Conversation with Convergence | New Jersey

New Jersey

March 6, 2019 10:00 am

Private Event

In-Person Event(s)

Convergence is hosting a salon.

Leadership Council Meeting

San Francisco, CA

February 21, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Convergence’s Leadership Council meets three times a year to learn the latest news from Convergence’s projects, inform organizational strategy, and engage with one another.

Invitation only.

Learn more.

Better Business Bureau: Finding Common Ground

Phoenix, AZ

February 18, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

This is a half day training session for the Better Business Bureau’s international convening, entitled Phoe-Mix, of local BBB CEOs from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Convergence’s Sharona Shuster and Morgan Franklin is offering a half day training session for the Better Business Bureau’s international convening, entitled Phoe-Mix, of local BBB CEOs from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The focus will be on helping participants learn tools and approaches to strengthen collaboration with one another and to share real world examples of Convergence’s complex and unlikely collaborations among diverse national stakeholders on issues of critical public concern.

Invitation only.

Georgetown University Graduate Seminar

Washington, DC

February 2, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Participants will learn how to frame a problem in a non-partisan manner; build trust among individuals with divergent views; and facilitate and implement shared solutions through multiple pathways.

Through case studies, small group activities, role-playing, large group discussion, and individual study, participants learn how to frame a social or economic problem in a non-partisan manner that enables collaboration; build trust and relationships among individuals with divergent or conflicting views; and facilitate them to create and implement shared solutions through multiple pathways.

Women of Influence Event

San Francisco, CA

January 30, 2019 10:00 am

Public Event

In-Person Event(s)

Convergence is hosting an event for influential women in the Bay Area to align around a common vision for bridging difference and refocusing the country on how to solve the critical challenges they face.

EVENTS

Join us virtually on October 10th from 1-2pm ET to hear more about the Collaborative from Project Co-Directors and Participants

WHEN: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 1-2pm ET

WHERE: Zoom (Details will be emailed to registrants)

WHAT: Register today and submit a question for the authors!

WHY: From Conflict to Convergence is a must-read resource for an increasingly combative and conflicted world. Help us spread the word.

PRE-ORDER TODAY: convergencepolicy.org/book

About From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems

Pre-order From Conflict to Convergence now

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About the Authors

Finding common ground for working families

A virtual leadership development series to equip business professionals to bridge divides in corporate America.

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