“What unites us is far greater than what divides us.”
Transpartisanship represents an emerging field in political thought distinct from bipartisanship, which aims to negotiate between “right” and “left” and results in a dualistic perspective, and nonpartisanship, which tends to avoid political affiliation altogether. Transpartisanship acknowledges the validity of truths across a range of political perspectives and seeks to synthesize them into an inclusive, pragmatic container beyond typical political dualities.
Transpartisanship is a movement to support and advance a common ground or “new center” that creates space for greater alignment around areas of agreement. In practice, consciously crafted transpartisan solutions emerge from a new kind of public conversation that moves beyond polarization by applying proven methods of facilitated dialogue, deliberation and conflict resolution. In this way it is possible to achieve the ideal of an authentic reflective democracy by integrating the values of freedom, equality, and a regard for the common good, with the values of a order, responsibility and security.
Through Transpartisan Dialogues, we invite and facilitate a safe, respectful and open environment for inquiry and political discussion that both educates and brings people together around important issues. One Island believes that transpartisan politics is not only possible but necessary to solve major local and global problems facing our world — from race to health care policy to energy and the environment, to the complex and growing challenges of international security. Polarizing debate models suppress and conceal major areas of agreement. Our goal is to support people and communities to think about our common issues and find new ways to work together at this fragile moment in human history.