The R.A.F.T. Experiment

Could something as simple as talking be the solution for America’s polarization problem, or are we up a creek without a paddle? 

Join Cailley Chella, PBS Utah’s politics reporter, on a trip down the Colorado River with “Reuniting America by Fostering Trust” or R.A.F.T. The non-profit brings people of varying political opinions together to work as a team while navigating difficult political conversations.

According to Samantha Moore-Berg, Assistant Professor of Politics at the University of Utah, it can feel demoralizing or even dangerous to engage with those who disagree with us, inhibiting conversation across political divides. However, studies show that perception of the political divide is worse than the actual division. Engaging with others can be a powerful tool to overcome barriers and realize we might not be as different as we think.