In an era when political polarization has reached historic heights and misinformation spreads at unprecedented speeds, a coalition of local organizations is taking steps to equip Chicagoland residents with the skills needed to navigate these challenges.
Congregations Networking for Social Justice (CNSJ), in partnership with Braver Angels, a New York based nonprofit aimed at combating political polarization, recently hosted a workshop titled “Skills for Disagreeing Better” at the Oak Park Public Library. The Feb. 1 event addressed a fundamental question that haunts American civic discourse: Why do we struggle to understand those with opposing political views?
“People often view political opponents through distorted lenses, making assumptions about their character rather than genuinely seeking to understand their perspectives,” explained Karie Jackson, an attendee of the event. “We’ve created echo chambers that reinforce our views while demonizing the ‘other side.'”
The workshop provided attendees with practical skills for active listening, identifying common ground despite disagreements, and communicating perspectives in ways that foster connection rather than division.
This event represents just the first in a series designed to strengthen democratic participation in an age of digital manipulation and corporate surveillance.
On April 21, CNSJ will host “Countering Disinformation in Digital Spaces,” where participants will learn to identify various categories of disinformation and understand the psychological factors that make people vulnerable to false information. The workshop will also equip attendees with fact-checking methodologies used by professional researchers.
Completing the trilogy is a May 17 workshop titled “Data Security Toolkit,” which challenges the notion that “privacy is dead” in the digital age. This session will explore Dr. Shoshana Zuboff’s theory of surveillance capitalism—the business model that has made tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta into some of the world’s most powerful corporations by monetizing personal data.
These workshops arrive at a critical moment for American democracy. A 2023 Pew Research study found that Americans’ trust in each other has declined dramatically over the past decade, with 64% saying they have “not much” or “no confidence” in the American people to make political decisions.
This decline in trust correlates with increased political polarization and the proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms. Research from the Stanford Internet Observatory has documented how foreign actors and domestic groups alike exploit these divisions through targeted disinformation campaigns.
By providing practical approaches to problems often discussed in abstract terms, these workshops provide concrete tools that citizens can use in their daily lives.
“Understanding how to disagree productively, detect false information, and protect personal data are not just academic concerns—they’re essential civic skills in the 21st century,” said Willa Schultz, a CNSJ spokesperson.
For area residents interested in strengthening their democratic resilience, these workshops offer a starting point. All events will be held at the Oak Park Public Library, but require registration.
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