Disagree Better
Healthy Conflict for Real Solutions
Avoiding tough conversations won't bring us closer, but treating others with respect will. Learning to discuss and disagree without being contemptuous is the only way to rebuild our civic spaces.
A national movement helping Americans learn that conflict can be healthy when done right—because we can work through differences to find real solutions.
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America's Polarization Crisis
We face an unprecedented level of division that's making it hard to solve problems and weakening our democracy:
We've forgotten how to disagree well. No established democracy in recent history has been as deeply polarized as the United States. Most Americans are frustrated and fatigued with the current political climate—they want a more functional society and government. Social scientists call them the "exhausted majority."
But our nation's history shows there's a better way. Americans have always had disagreements, but we used to handle them with more respect. We've lost the skills to persuade without hating each other, and this is harming our communities, our families, and our democracy.
The Impact of Toxic Polarization
When we can't disagree respectfully:
- Important problems don't get solved
- Trust in institutions and each other erodes
- Communities become fractured
- Democracy itself weakens
- Families and friendships suffer
How Disagree Better Works
Disagree Better is a national movement that started when nearly half of U.S. governors committed to improve how they engage in political discourse. Now an independent nonprofit, we're spreading across America through creative campaigns, powerful partnerships, and real conversations that matter.
Our approach is simple but powerful:
👥 Model Good Behavior
Show what respectful disagreement looks like through public figures, leaders, and everyday Americans
🛠️ Provide Practical Tools
Give people simple techniques to stay curious, not combative, and make progress without perfect agreement
🤝 Build Connections
Create opportunities for people to work together on service projects and shared goals
📚 Educate and Train
Offer courses, toolkits, and resources to teach healthy conflict skills
What makes our approach effective:
- Bipartisan leadership: Co-led by Republican and Democratic governors working together
- Evidence-based: Grounded in social science research on reducing polarization
- Practical and accessible: Simple techniques anyone can use immediately
- Broad coalition: Working with celebrities, athletes, musicians, influencers, and everyday citizens
- Permission structure: When people see leaders treating each other with dignity, it gives everyone permission to do the same
Programs and Resources
Disagree Better Toolkit
Comprehensive resources that fit any schedule, from quick tips to in-depth courses
Open Toolkit →Parenting Toolkit
Help families teach children healthy conflict skills and respectful dialogue
Download Toolkit →Online Courses
Colorado State University Global offers the first Disagree Better course in the nation
Learn More →Events and Convenings
Public forums, debates, and conversations modeling respectful disagreement
View Events →Impact and Momentum
Why This Matters Now
Disagree Better comes at a critical moment:
- The "exhausted majority" is hungry for alternatives to endless fighting
- Research shows the right kind of conflict leads to better policy
- Modeling respectful disagreement can be more successful politically than negative campaigning
- Healthy conflict is the pathway to restoring trust in our political institutions
- When we see it's possible to disagree without being enemies, we all benefit
About Disagree Better
📅 Founded
2023 through National Governors Association, now independent nonprofit
🎯 Mission
Help Americans learn healthy conflict to strengthen democracy
📍 Reach
National movement spanning all 50 states
🤝 Leadership
Bipartisan coalition of governors and national partners
