Beyond the Politics of Contempt

""As someone who has long advocated that we elevate our values to sacred status, I was excited to see these authors bring this approach to addressing the national political divide. Living our values is an important first step to better understand how we treat and lead others and how we are being manipulated in unhealthy ways. This book includes practical ways to manage difficult conversations with courage and perseverance and help create a better political environment that can benefit us all. If you want to find ways to feel better about yourself and our country, read this book!"" -Scott Mautz, author of The Mentally Strong Leader""Packed with insight, grounded in facts, and bursting with practical actions, this book hands citizens the keys to take control, step up, and make a difference in their communities. Feeling overwhelmed by the toxic polarization in our country? Tired of the stress, the division, and the urge to retreat? This book is a wake-up call. It doesn't just explain how we got here-it shows what we can do, starting now. No more doom-scrolling. No more sitting on the sidelines. This is a roadmap to bring us out of the chaos-and toward a better way forward for all of us."" -Gary Holland, Braver Angels director of the Office of Field Operations and Connecticut state coordinator ""These are challenging times for our country with declines in trust of both neighbors and democratic institutions. But, as Robert Putnam and I have documented, we faced similar difficulties a century ago. But we overcame them then, and we can do it again. The authors of Beyond the Politics of Contempt lay out clear steps to help make it happen!"" -Shaylyn Romney Garrett, coauthor of The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again ""During my years in politics, I have witnessed firsthand the decline in voter trust of government and elected officials. This led me to invite Braver Angels to conduct a series of workshops to help legislators work better across the aisle and more constructively manage difficult conversations with constituents. I am excited that Doug Teschner, who led this effort, has stepped up to author this book and take this important work to people across the country. We all need to find better ways to engage respectfully and listen to each other, and this book offers many positive suggestions that can make our lives and politics better."" -Hon. Sherman Packard (R), Speaker of the NH House of Representatives ""Doug Teschner and Beth Malow bring their formidable experience to bear in this timely and helpful book, including Doug's experience in politics, diplomacy, and consulting; Beth's experience as a physician helping children with complex neurological problems; and their work with Braver Angels. They offer guidance and resources to help people move from intense disagreement and hostility to find common ground and common purpose. Thanks to them for their courage and wisdom."" -The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, retired bishop of Newark (Episcopal), Braver Faith of Braver Angels co-chair, and author of Seeing the Unseen: Beyond Prejudices, Paradigms, and Party Lines