Our Approach
All UR Action programs bring together Americans across divides to
01
Engage in constructive dialogue
ABCs of Constructive Dialogue
Purpose: Achieve a shared understanding of different views while building connection
02
Deepen understanding of societal challenges
Problem Tree Analysis
Purpose: Deepen understanding of causes and effects of complex societal challenges
03
Take action to address those challenges
Project Design
Purpose: Align on a clear plan for effecting change through joint action
1. The ABCs of Constructive Dialogue
When we view dialogue across difference as a competition, we tend to engage unconstructively, fueling frustration and damaging relationships.
When we view dialogue across difference as a collaboration opportunity, we engage more constructively, contributing to deeper understanding of different views and stronger relationships.
The shift from competition to collaboration
The ABCs help us deepen understanding and relationships across ideological divides through key skills:
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Asking about their view and listening attentively
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Breaking down our view
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Checking our understanding of their view
2. Problem Tree Analysis
We create Problem Trees to help us analyze complex societal problems across systems and identify opportunities to effect positive change.
01
Define the problem.
One core statement.
02
Map out effects of the problem.
Consider economic, political, social, and environmental effects.
03
Map out causes of the problem.
Consider economic, political, social, and environmental causes.
04
Map out available resources that can be harnessed to address a problem cause.
Consider the strengths of your team and who is working on similar challenges
05
Identify a single cause to focus on.
Consider causes that contribute significantly to the status quo and that can be addressed through team strengths and available resources.
3. Project Design
Theory of Change
Participants in our programs develop a Theory of Change that describes how and why their projects will address a problem to achieve improved outcomes.
Workplan
Participants identify ~4-8 activities their project team will carry out to achieve your project goal.
Measure of Success
Teams develop indicators they can use to assess whether they have achieved your goal