We all know how divided our world feels today. Political polarization makes real conversation harder, and too often, people stop listening altogether.

That’s why the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana and LSU’s Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs are partnering on survey research and programming to understand and reduce political polarization in Louisiana, while promoting dialogue and civic thought.

The nonpartisan Common Ground Project will explore what it means to communicate in polarized world and provide LSU students and Louisiana citizens with information and opportunities for engaging constructively across ideological lines and viewpoints.

The Common Ground Project will begin with the following initiatives: 

  • Pizza & Public Affairs
  • Civic Sips
  • The Common Ground Survey

In recent years, Louisiana has seen increased ideological clustering, especially between urban and rural communities, alongside growing distrust in the media, government and even neighbors with different views. These trends have undermined the foundations of democratic problem-solving.

The Reilly Center and PAR hope the Common Ground Project will engage communities to identify shared values, rebuild trust across divides and respond to the structural and cultural drivers of division in Louisiana’s civic landscape.

Check out Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s video about the Common Ground Project:

Political Polarization | SWI

Read PAR and the Reilly Center’s guest column about the Common Ground Project:

LA is polarized, but it doesn't have to be that way

Common Ground Project Email List

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PIZZA & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Stayed tuned for details about the next event!

This monthly on-campus discussion series for LSU students features a guest speaker (such as a public official, civic leader, public affairs practitioner or expert on polarization) who, in a casual dialogue format over free pizza, will share with students how they have achieved successful policy or program outcomes by building coalitions and communicating in a way that bridges division.

The most recent Pizza & Public Affairs event featured Liz Mangham, a founding member and managing partner of Southern Strategy Group (SSG), where she leads the firm’s efforts representing clients before Louisiana’s legislative, executive, and regulatory bodies. 

Check out moments from our past Pizza & Public Affairs events with Liz Mangham, Clay Young, and Rep. Jack McFarland.

CIVIC SIPS SERIES 

Jan. 22 | 6-8 p.m. | 6th & Main Event Space

This discussion series is designed to bring people together in a relaxed setting to share a drink and meaningful conversation. At Civic Sips, we’ll tak about what matters: civic responsibility, media literacy, state policy, and most importantly, how we can connect across differences in a polarized world. 

The next Civic Sips Event will be Thursday, Jan. 22 from 6 – 8 p.m. at 6th & Main Event Space in Baton Rouge. Register through the button below. 

Register Here

THE COMMON GROUND SURVEY

This opinion poll of Louisiana residents, to be conducted by the Reilly Center’s Public Policy Research Lab, will focus on gauging measures of polarization across the state, compared to national trends, as well as areas of shared opinion or beliefs. The poll is expected to be released later this year.

RESOURCES FOR COMBATING POLARIZATION