Ahead of November, better conversations can lead to a stronger Arizona

When political disagreements arise, lead with curiosity and listen before you react. Ask questions before making assumptions. Challenge ideas vigorously but honor the humanity of the person behind them.”

As Election Day Approaches

To allow candidates the right to respond to criticisms about their candidacy before Election Day, the last day Independent Newsmedia will publish new election-related letters in our weekly print editions is Oct. 21, and the last day they will publish online is Oct. 27. Candidates may submit a 150-word reply addressing criticisms only and should email them to azopinions@iniusa.org along with their name, address, contact number and the headline of the letter they’re addressing.

OPINION — Republicans, Democrats and Independents disagree on many issues. That is not a weakness of our democracy, but one of its greatest strengths. 

The ability to bring different perspectives to the table, debate them openly and work through our differences is what has always allowed our communities to grow stronger. Yet too often today, we are told that hostile division is inevitable. 

The loudest voices make it seem like everyone already hates the other side. That describes a fight. It doesn't describe a country. Many Arizonans feel like politics leaves only two options: Pick a side or check out entirely. 

The truth is that most Arizonans want something different. 

They want communities where neighbors can hold different opinions and still respect one another. They want leaders who listen as well as they speak. They want a political culture that rewards understanding over outrage. 

Those expectations give us hope. 

That is the basis for AZ Together, a statewide public-awareness campaign built around a simple message: Better Conversations, Stronger Arizona. 

It’s a collaborative project designed by four community partners: Arizona Talks Foundation, Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, Urban Rural Action and Mormon Women for Ethical Government.

At the heart of the campaign is a new video series. In each video, two Arizonans who hold opposing views sit down on camera and talk through a real disagreement, with respect for each other, not contempt. 

Rather than avoiding hard conversations, these videos encourage us to engage with each other head-on, pushing us to discuss real issues and break down one another's assumptions. And most importantly, they demonstrate that it is possible to do all of this while treating each other with dignity and respect. 

What we see repeatedly shapes what we believe is possible. When Arizonans see local leaders, students and neighbors with opposing viewpoints sit down and engage with each other honestly and civilly, it changes what feels normal and breaks the idea that the “other side” hates us. These efforts to listen and learn reaffirm a powerful truth: Our different perspectives can strengthen our shared humanity and help us create better solutions. 

This model shows us that we can remain true to our principles while recognizing the humanity of those who see things differently. It reminds us that conviction does not require contempt. In fact, democracy works best when we are willing to engage vigorously with ideas while treating one another with dignity and respect. 

Nobody is being asked to change their mind. The ask is to show up, listen and stay curious about people who see the world differently. 

It is now up to us to make a choice. As early voting begins, we invite every Arizonan to visit arizonatalks.org/aztogether, sign up to take part and witness these conversations. Make a plan to vote, share the videos in your communities and lead by example. 

When political disagreements arise, lead with curiosity and listen before you react. Ask questions before making assumptions. Challenge ideas vigorously but honor the humanity of the person behind them. 

By participating in better conversations, we prove that our differences do not have to divide us. They can build a stronger Arizona together. 

AZ Together is a partnership among Arizona Talks Foundation, Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, Urban Rural Action, and Mormon Women for Ethical Government. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.