Our Approach

All UR Action programs bring together Americans across divides to 1) engage in constructive dialogue, 2) deepen understanding of societal challenges,  and 3) take action to address those challenges

1. ABCs for Constructive Dialogue

Purpose: Achieve a shared understanding of different views while building connection 

2. Problem Tree Analysis

Purpose: Deepen understanding of causes and effects of complex societal challenges

3. Project Design

Purpose: Align on a clear plan for effecting change through joint action

1. The ABCs for 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

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The ABCs help us deepen understanding and relationships across ideological divides through key skills: 
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1. Asking about their view and listening attentively
2. Breaking down our view
3. Checking our understanding of their view

2. Problem Tree Analysis

The problem tree framework is an analytical tool participants use in our programs to deepen their understanding of causes and effects of challenges relating to economic hardship, educational disparities, food insecurity, and more.

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