Introduction to Course
The intention of this interactive session is to offer some exercises that encourage open and honest discussion about how we can disagree on issues while still remaining civil. An increase in societal civility is the goal, but it is hoped that these exercises lead to the beginning of some wonderful friendships between people who hold opposing viewpoints. These exercises are intended to achieve three goals or at least achieve positive momentum towards their achievement. These are the following:
1) The first goal is to help us realize that we can accept our differences without becoming antagonistic to others and certainly without resorting to violence against any individuals or groups. Too often today, we find angry voices on social media who are just 'shouting" at each other without any civil, in-depth discussion. We need more in-person, face-to-face interactions in which we can take the time to understand thoroughly others' viewpoints. Of course, that takes time and effort, but it is worth it if we can reduce the divisiveness in our society.
2) The second goal is to convince others to 'buy into" the basic American ideals of protecting individual liberty and ensuring fairness. Thus, we view any type of discrimination, hatred or prejudice of others as unacceptable and un-American behavior. When we've seen increases in hate speech and violence based on hate, we need to refocus on these ideals that have developed in our nation of respecting and even embracing our differences. We must reject hate based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual identity and even political affiliation. A note here that this does not mean that we cannot disagree with someone who is of a different race or religion (etc.) from ourselves, just that we do not base our disagreement on an unfair bias or prejudice against a personal or group characteristic.
3) The third goal which may seem hypocritical given the first two goals, is to emphasize that we do have shared values per our U.S. Constitution and democratic culture which are non-negotiable, such as the guaranteeing of our core liberties including freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of the press (as outlined in our First Amendment to our Constitution). We also as Americans value democratic rule, secular government, free elections and 'rule by the majority with respect for the minority." Religious theocracies and tyrannical rule or other oppressive governmental systems which do not ensure democracy and individual liberty are without apology unacceptable in these United States.

Just a note regarding the time period and environmental setting for these exercises. The exact time delegated for these exercises can be determined by the group facilitator, but one suggestion may be thirty (30) minutes each for Exercises 1 through 3, with another thirty (30) minutes for the Concluding Discussion exercise and finally perhaps twenty (20) minutes for the Final Message section. One suggestion is that a class or group of twenty (20) to thirty (30) participants may wish to set aside a full morning or full afternoon for these exercises. This broader time period allows for enough flexibility as the group progresses through the various exercises/activities for any adjustments to be made to the time periods allotted. The other suggestion is that organizations may choose not to participate in every exercise or activity, or perform them all but on different days. These exercises/activities were organized so that they can be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of a wide range of organizations. Another suggestion, if financially plausible, is for a group to engage in these exercises at an off-site retreat location that best fits the collaborative mood for most effective engagement. The organization participating in this session may also feel the desire to provide a meal for the participants (again, if financially plausible) to enhance collaboration and healthy social interaction. Of course, these are simply suggestions and each facilitator can adjust the time periods and the environment as they see fit to best meet the needs of participants and the organization.

The above is the introduction to the course guide that I am including as a PDF (a 6-page document). The PDF document provides the exercises for your organization to implement in your session(s). The lesson video provided is a guide that I would suggest facilitators review before the day of the exercises. Another option is to use the video as a resource for participants to review in full before beginning the course or the video can be paused after each exercise explanation for participants to engage in the specified activities.

In addition, I'm sharing a brief reading of one of the essays in my self-published book. This is just to provide some context as far as who I am as a political opinion writer. My belief is that we need rational and commonsense policymaking that serves the most people and is inclusive. I do have a concern about the loud extreme voices on both sides of the political spectrum who I argue often over simplify issues based on dangerous extremism.

Finally, my e-mail address is [email protected] for any questions. While I am not an experienced facilitator, I'm certainly open to opportunities to consult with groups on my course and am open to assisting in your organization's use of these exercises either in-person (depending on location) or through virtual means.

Thank you and I hope you and your organizations find these exercises helpful to your specific goals.

Eric


Eric Nachamie
e-mail: [email protected]

My undergraduate degree is in Political Science with a concentration in law and political philosophy and my graduate degree is in Public Administration. I served the public in a variety of administrative roles in North Carolina local government for several years.

In addition, I am a moderate political opinion writer in which I have a primary goal of reducing the divisiveness in American society. My first book was self-published in 2024 - Man in the Middle: A Collection of Essays by a Red, White and Blue American which included 50 essays on a variety of political issues for which I shared my political commentary. I also write for my local newspaper as an opinion writer (LincolnHerald.com). Finally, I share my viewpoints on Substack at https://substack.com/@redwhiteblueamerican .

I am not a licensed teacher or certified instructor, however, I do consider my background as a public servant who is dedicated to improving our society and reducing our divisiveness to certainly render me qualified to have created this set of exercises. In conclusion, the goal of this mini course, if you will, is to create a setting, a "safe space" perhaps, in which people with opposing views can find some common ground or at least be willing to listen to others who have different viewpoints from themselves. My hope is that this course will lead to some lowering of the temperature, per the intense political divide in our nation and world. I personally like to think that this course will lead to some friendships between individuals who are polar opposites politically, but who learn to at least respect the viewpoints of others instead of considering those with opposing opinions as "others."