#39 - The Power of Community.

The keys to fixing our polarization are closer to us than we often realize.

Let’s Talk About the Importance of Community.

Hi Friends,

I've been thinking lately about why my very small town of Pendleton, South Carolina is such a great place to live. It's not just that it has all the essentials (bookstore, check; bakery, check; coffee, check, check, check). It’s a feeling of agency that comes from people getting together to make things happen, like clean-up days, festivals on the town square, the high school homecoming parade, and more. 

Politics invites us to give our agency away. It says to vote for the right leader, because they're the only one who can stop the other side. It says to talk about, post about, donate to whatever is happening in Washington. 

But while we're busy obsessing about things far away that we have little hope of influencing directly, we're missing opportunities to have agency in our own lives and communities. 

Reclaiming our agency is important not only because that's how we thrive, but also because working on things together can help us see people differently. When we share goals with people who differ from us—whether it’s organizing a Christmas market, opening a bookstore, or cleaning up a park—we see the decency, trustworthiness, and complexity of other people. They stop being "the other side" and start to become complex, multifaceted individuals, even if no one changes their mind.

If you tell people to find common ground across political differences, it sounds impossible. But people who host a potluck, spread mulch at the playground, or paint over some graffiti will find themselves surprised at how much agency and commonality they have with their neighbors. 

Best,

Lura

Exclusive Invitation: Gerrymandering Focus Group in Washington, D.C.

Our job is to make sure Washington is listening to YOU! That’s why we want to invite you to a focus group on Capitol Hill. The date and time is TBA due to the current government shutdown.

The purpose is simple: give independents the opportunity to voice their thoughts on gerrymandering to our elected officials.

We’re eager to get you involved and will be covering the costs for travel to the event.

If you’re interested, reach out to Lura Forcum at [email protected]

IC Engaged

This week, the IC’s Holden Lipscomb spoke on a panel to a group of over 60 high school seniors in Virginia on civic engagement, political participation, and ways to get involved in the political process.

Younger Americans are far more likely to identify as political independents. So educating this demographic early is a great way to help facilitate the independent movement.

The Independent Exodus by John Opdycke

Special thanks to John Opdyke, President of Open Primaries, for mentioning our work. To read the article, click the link here.

Check Out IC Fellow Ken Buck’s Recent Article

Uncle Sam Needs to Get Out of the Stock Market by Ken Buck

Ken Buck served in the United States House of Representatives from 2015-2024 representing Colorado's 4th congressional district. He now serves as a Fellow with the Independent Center.

Video Feature: Another Shutdown? Is Congress Up to the Task?

Independent Center Featured

• The Fulcrum posted a piece featuring Lura Forcum on political violence.

The Independent Center is the go-to organization for information, research, and engagement with independent voters, who now make up the plurality of the electorate.

We represent those who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. We believe the future is not red or blue; it’s fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and free to choose the best options for ourselves, our families, and our communities.