Rob Fersh, Convergence Founder and President

A new Administration and Congress are creating shifts in policy and direction. Whether or not you agree with the changes, it’s how our democracy functions. At Convergence, our work is affected by the times and the political winds but no matter who wins elections, our commitment to finding solutions that are informed by diverse and even conflicting points of view does not waver.

Unfortunately, too many leaders believe that listening to people with different ideas is inherently a win-lose proposition because it necessarily compromises or dilutes their principled commitments. This certainly can happen–but it need not be the case. And something invaluable is lost when people with differences don’t engage with each other—the opportunity to create lasting solutions that are better than any one individual, perspective or ideology can imagine.

In the long run, legislation passed by only one party is fragile because it often leaves the opposition spoiling for a fight. Take health care. Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act during the Obama Administration with a straight party line vote. Last week, Republicans in the House of Representatives unsuccessfully tried to push through a bill repealing the ACA without any Democratic support. If they had narrowly prevailed, there is a good chance the new law would have lasted only as long as the next swing in the political pendulum.

When our leaders try again on health care reform, we hope they will engage the best thinking of people with differing perspectives. The result is likely to be wiser and more enduring solutions that better serve the American people. And if these leaders act with mutual respect, adversaries may well see ways to work cooperatively into the future.

For eight years now, Convergence has created opportunities for people with deep distrust and conflicting views to find transformative common ground on intractable issues of national consequence—like K-12 education, long term care for elderly and disabled persons, nutrition and wellness, and more. If skillfully engaged, people can find solutions that excite even former adversaries. We can find win-win, durable solutions through collaboration, while also building a culture of civility and respect in the process.