Bringing People Together Across Differences
Trends in America show that we are growing increasingly divided and angry toward each other. SAGE is concerned that as these trends persist, it will become harder for people to work together to find solutions to the challenges faced by younger and future generations.
Through our Citizen Project, we inspire and support people to work across differences to solve problems. Each year, we reach hundreds of people through our events to explore ways to work across differences to pursue common goals. We also collaborate with other groups and support partners working to strengthen civics education in schools and civic engagement in society.
Click for a summary of our Citizen Project.
Read on to learn about the events we offer and our partners.
Contact us to learn more about hosting or co-hosting an event.
Get more involved with this important work
Help us reach new audiences by hosting or co-hosting a Citizen Project event. We offer many no-cost events. We can facilitate or co-facilitate with your group, and we can help defray costs for venues or refreshments. Each event has its own energy and pace, and the format can adapt to your needs. Our goal is for guests to feel comfortable sharing their views in a respectful and supportive atmosphere. The event can range from 1 to 2 hours, and it can be offered online, in-person, and hybrid.
Contact us to learn about hosting an event.
Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out the great work of our partners listed below!
Examples of Citizen Project Event Offerings
Bridging Divides is our 20-minute presentation that is often shared with civic minded and involved organizations and groups.
Together, we discuss the cause and degree of the current state of political polarization and how it creates policy gridlock, undermines democratic institutions, and sabotages personal relationships. We then outline the social science research that suggests what individuals and organizations can do to work across differences so communities can move forward in a productive way and solve problems.
This 20-minute presentation can easily be paired with a 30-minute discussion.
This event is facilitated by SAGE. Materials provided.
Many young people think the United States is on the wrong track and fear that decisions by today’s leaders are robbing them, and those who come after them, of a better future. Distrust in political parties combined with concerns about racial inequality and the lack of fundamental fairness in our society are inspiring protests—many led by children and young adults—and fueling grassroots efforts to challenge the status quo.
During this event, you will have a chance to discuss and deliberate three options for creating a better future and stable economy for all young Americans. Option one is to equip people to succeed. Option two is to give everyone a fair chance. And Option three is to focus on our economic security.
All these options are important, but there are tradeoffs in how we implement them, and participants will discuss the key ideas and consider how we act on specific proposals that could bring about changes that will affect Americans of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic background.
Succeeding generations should inherit a society that is fairer and fiscally sound. Guests who join us share their views and ideas for how we create a brighter future.
To support this event, we rely on a facilitation guide produced by the National Issues Forum called Youth & Opportunity.
This event is facilitated by SAGE. The format can be adapted for a 1.5 to 2-hour program. Materials provided.
Ways To Volunteer With Citizen Project
SAGE's Citizen Project includes events and other initiatives to inspire and support people to work across differences to solve problems.
Host a SAGE Citizen Project Gathering on Effective Citizenship
Perhaps much in the news shocks you and makes you feel like our communities are more polarized, and less able to solve long-term challenges. You can take action. We invite you to host a SAGE gathering where guests share ideas, insights, and actions for constructive engagement.