Why I Do What I Do

Note: This references a program that I created and ran for several years, called People Beyond Politics™. It has since been folded into SVK Intercultural.

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Some think that People Beyond Politics™ (PBP) is about politics. It’s not. It is about people and how we understand each other when we have different perspectives. Only when we know how to explore each other’s frame of reference and context can we discuss politics (or any topic) in a meaningful way.

Last week I posted a video on our Facebook page from a TEDx Talk given by Paula Stone Williams, a transgendered woman who shares her insights about living both as a man and a woman in our society. At first glance, her talk might appear to be unrelated to People Beyond Politics™ – but it is spot-on. The takeaways, as I see them, are not just the points she makes about the topic, but also the way her grace and humor draw us in and invite us to listen. It is a powerful example of engaging one’s audience effectively, even on a controversial subject.

I have spent a lifetime learning about the many dimensions of communicating across differences, and I have seen the positive impact of incorporating this learning – both on myself and on others. These leadership and communication skills have transformed my life: they have reduced friction and frustration, and created a multitude of new opportunities for connections, growth, and change. I am convinced that these skills are crucial to making teams and policies more coherent and effective. In short, they are an essential ingredient for making the world a better place. This is why I do what I do.

I hope you will consider subscribing to our newsletter and participating in this growing community of people who come from all walks of life. We are from across the political spectrum, but we share a desire to build bridges, expand understanding, and make a difference, each in our own way.