Since the 1980s, Americans’ hostility towards the opposing party has grown dramatically with a rapid acceleration in negative partisanship throughout the past decade. In the first session, professors Gibson and Rotchford discuss the current data on political polarization and share their interdisciplinary research initiative on respectful exchange of ideas with an appreciation for diversity of thought. The second session is dedicated to the Braver Angels Alliance Bridging the Divide workshop, where participants gain skills to navigate difficult political conversations with people in their lives in a constructive, empathetic way.