Bridging Wisconsin’s Political Divide by Talking to Each Other?

It’s the era of heightened political polarization. But the call for civil conversations continues following the 2024 election. La Follette School of Public Affairs Director and UW Madison Professor Dr. Susan Webb Yackee believes in bridging Wisconsin’s political divide. She’s already spearheaded efforts to bring people together to talk with each other using curiosity and humility. And she joined Dom Salvia, host of The Dom Salvia Show, to share information about the “dinner and conversation” events    

“We can’t get to evidence-based policymaking unless we can talk to each other,” she explains. “The school’s initiative began with a survey of 3,000 Wisconsinites, reflecting the state’s demographic and political diversity. And of those surveyed, half expressed interest in participating in bipartisan discussions. This led to four dinner events in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Eau Claire, and Madison.”

Each event hosted about 350 participants, who were seated at mixed-partisan tables facilitated by trained La Follette staff and students. Conversations started with common topics like K-12 education policies. The discussions often moved to deeper personal exchanges. Dr. Webb Yackee shares with Salvia the story of one skeptical person who arrived ready to leave early but ended the evening feeling “heard and understood.”

Listen, speak with respect, and aim to disagree agreeably. With these types of efforts, Wisconsin might just be setting an example for the nation.

Dr. Susan Webb Yackee, La Follette School of Public Affairs Director

The surprising takeaway? There’s a hunger for connection. 

“People wanted to continue the conversations,” Webb Yackee says. “Many suggested longer sessions in the future. They found value not in changing minds but in listening and engaging with each other. It’s a concept often absent in today’s contentious discourse.”

Facilitators played a crucial role in maintaining respect and focus. And they ensured no one dominated or was left out of the discussion. 

“Our goal wasn’t to change opinions,” Dr. Webb Yackee explains. “But to create a space where people felt free to share and listen.”

And while the events didn’t feature alcohol – much to the humor of some attendees – each gathering still fostered warmth, civility, and curiosity. 

“This idea revealed that Wisconsinites, often characterized as being nice, are eager to connect with others, even if they’re divided,” she says.

Dr. Webb Yackee also offered advice for anyone caught in politically charged conversations.

“Listen, speak with respect, and aim to disagree agreeably,” Dr. Webb Yackee says. “With these types of efforts, Wisconsin might just be setting an example for the nation.”

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Watch the entire show here. Dr. Webb Yackee joins at 1:01:30:

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