Starting the conversation is actually a lot easier than asking someone to maintain it with you. Similar to fishing, you will cast several times before you are able to get an engaging response. However, I average at least 2-3 “likes” for most of the “starting” posts and then your likelihood of connecting with those people is twice as high. I have found that wording is particularly important in how I work to engage with people considering how hostile the average political conversation tends to be.
Below are a few ways that I have reached out to people who are posting insulting and shaming comments. The most important thing is that you find out what works for you and get the conversation started! In order to help spread the word and gain momentum, please end all posts with #CreatingaNationUnited #CanU.
Meg Phillips ________ I do not know you and am not interested in blaming, shaming or insulting you. I am however curious to engage with you about your ideas. I think right now the thing our country needs most is for individuals from all political views to start talking to one another in a respectful and open way. I was wondering what your goal is in comparing President Trump to President Obama? It might be presumptions to assume that anyone who does not agree with President Trump agreed with President Obama. #CreatingaNationUnited #CanU
Meg Phillips Hi ________. I do not know you and I am not interested in insulting, shaming, or blaming you for your opinions, beliefs, and ideas. Over the years I have observed that people do not seem to be really interested in listening to those who might have a difference of opinion; what I have seen is that many Facebook responses seek to instigate anger and speak at people rather than with people. In an attempt to heal the wounds of fear, anger, isolation, and frustration that many Americans, regardless of political labels, seem to be feeling, I have been reaching out to a wide array of people and asking if they would be interested in having an open and respectful discussion about our perspectives. Would you be interested in working with #CreatingaNationUnited #CanU
Meg Phillips ______ hi! I do not know you and am not interested in insulting, blaming, or shaming you for your ideas, opinions, or beliefs. I am reaching out to you because over the past couple of weeks I have come to understand that the only way we can heal our country is by listening to individuals, who might have a different perspective than my own, with patience and compassion. I was curious what you were referring to when you said that more Dems needed to attend their committee meetings? Do you support Betsy DeVos and if so, why? I look forward to your response which I hope will mirror the respectful tone of my post to you (if you do find my tone disrespectful please know that is not my intention and let me know). #CreatingaNationUnited #CanU
Meg Phillips Hi ______ . Thank you for sharing your opinion so openly on Facebook. I am curious if you might explain your position in a little more detail. I am not interested in blaming, shaming, or insulting you but would like to discuss politics in an open manner. Who is the “you” that you are talking about it you post? What do you think is the number 1 way to address terrorism in the US? #CreatingaNationUnited #CanU
Meg Phillips Hi ________. I do not know you and have no desire to insult you for your perspective or opinions. However, I am interested and curious about your point of view. I was wondering where you found your information that compares the viewing audiences of Fox to other broadcast networks. Do you think that it is important for news stations to have a specific political perspectives? I look forward to hearing your response. #CreatingaNationUnited #CanU
Meg Phillips Hi _______ Thank you for sharing your opinion so only on Facebook. I am not interested in insulting you for your point of view. I would like to enage with you in a public political discussion that involves opennes and curiosity. I disagree with what has been happening to Ivanka Trump. It is sad but I believe that people have a right to express their opinion. Personally, I have been trying to only purchase items that are made in America as a way of promoting American businesses (Trump apparel – Donald or Ivanka – is not made in the USA. I am wondering what you think the “liberal agenda” is? What do you think “they” are trying to do? #CreatingaNationUnited #CanU
Creating A Nation United 