We are a network of networks – group of groups, party of parties – without formal power and without leaders, aiming to connect people and ideas freely across political, religious, racial and economic lines. We are a self-organized, open source, open participation, open space conversation focused on connectivity, curiosity, learning and understanding, rather than agreement or consensus.

Starting a Monthly "Transpartisan Salon"

The intention is to authentically welcome and value as much political difference – i.e. collective wisdom and intelligence – as possible (you know you’ve succeeded if the group is NOT just the “choir” speaking to itself.)

• Find just one other person from a different political point of view who is also excited about this idea. Once you have a team of two co-hosts, the rest of the organizing is easier.
• Each co-host identifies one or two other people who are also excited about forming a group. In turn, each invites two or three more people.
• Set a time, date, and place to meet and host your first meeting.
• Actively go to where those who think differently gather, be open and transparent about your agenda, build relationships, and invite them to your Transpartisan Salon to look for unexpected allies.

Dealing with Difference

We employ five simple tools called the “transpartisan toolbox” to keep our conversations on track: 

1. THE SILENCE TOOL: We start each meeting with a moment of silence to bring to mind our purpose for gathering. Throughout the meeting we take time to pause and reflect.
2. THE LISTENING TOOL:  When we listen, we listen more deeply.
3. THE SPEAK-TO-BE-HEARD TOOL: We speak in a way that we can “be heard,” using language, and a tone that opens up, rather than closes down conversation.
4. THE CURIOSITY TOOL: We adopt a curious attitude, asking questions to clarify meaning, seeking to understand rather than persuade. “Don’t get furious, get curious.”
5. THE TRIGGER TOOL: We take personal responsibility for managing our emotional triggers – remembering to breathe, self-monitor, notice and release judgments, keeping ourselves in self-check, so we behave in a manner that is respectful and mutually honoring.

ANNOUNCING: Two new books that articulate the foundation -- On Governance -- and the strategic framework -- Reuniting America -- for an authentically transpartisan movement-of-movements in America.

 

REUNITING AMERICA: A Toolkit for Changing the Political Game, by Joseph McCormick and Steve Bhaerman, is the story of the eight year journey of a "serious citizen" on a quest to discern the principles and practices for transforming the political game from win/lose to win/win. It is based on lessons learned by convening top national leaders as well as average citizens from all sides in retreats, town halls and house parties. It is intended to direct attention to the early signs of a new, cooperative form of political behavior emerging in America (beginning with green-progressives working with “conservatarians” to localize economic and political decision-making.) 

 

 

ON GOVERNANCE, Cor Publicum: The Evolution of Res Publica, by Dr. Franca Baron, "...introduces a fundamentally new social contract. It is a pathway into the center of a radically new system of Law and governance. It is best comprehended with the intelligence of the Heart.”

 

• Brent McMillian, Executive Director, Green Party
• Fred Smith, President, Competitive Enterprise Institute
• Nancy Ross, Political Director, Committee for a Unified Independent Party
• Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform
• Mark Gerzon, Author, Leading Through Conflict, President, Mediators Foundation
• Sandy Heierbacher, Director, National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation
• Joan Blades, Co-founder, MoveOn.org, President, MomsRising.org
• Michael Ostrolenk, Director of Coalitions, Campaign for Libery
• Peggy Holman, Author, The Change Handbook
• John Steiner, Chair, Transpartisan Center
• David Korten, Co-founder, Positive Futures Network
• Cheryl Graeve, Membership Director, League of Women Voters
• Juanita Brown, Co-founder, The World Cafe
• Steve Bhaerman, Co-author, Spontaneous Evolution

"Participating in the work of the Transpartisan Alliance has been a wonderful opportunity to get past the preconceptions and stereotypes and focus on our common interests. For me, not only has it opened doors, but it has granted me access to state of the art tools for dialogue and deliberation. It has empowered me to act as an agent of change for best practice in my own organization as well as in the broader community." – Brent McMillan, Executive Director, Green Party of the United States

“In the best of times, good solutions to difficult problems benefit from good communication. But in times of difficulty, when the stakes in political and policy decisions are high – when our nation’s security or its fiscal well-being ride on knowledge, transparency and timeliness – transpartisan communication becomes critically important. The Transpartisan Alliance’s Campaign to Unite America fosters communication between people and across political divides in a way that serves as a model for public policy participants in and out of government.” – Bob Barr, Former Member of Congress, Presidential Nominee, Libertarian Party

“Joseph and I share a core belief that citizen engagement is crucial to a healthy democracy. The Transpartisan Alliance’s campaign to connect citizens one conversation at a time is a marvelous way to begin to realize our highest dreams.” – Joan Blades, Co-founder, MoveOn.org, President, MomsRising.org

“The transpartisan movement has begun to move America beyond the stale partisan rhetoric and fixed bayonets of past arguments…and look anew at old challenges that unite Americans more than they divide us." – Grover Norquist, conservative activist, President, Americans for Tax Reform

"The transpartisan movement is beginning to foster so much communication across the partisan boundaries that the boundaries themselves are beginning to be much more porous." – Al Gore, Former Vice President