CERL and the Institute for Citizens & Scholars Host Affective Polarization Convening

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How Can We Bridge the Growing Political and Cultural Divide?

WASHINGTON – CERL and the Institute for Citizens & Scholars held a convening on affective polarization at Georgetown University today.  Affective polarization describes the phenomena in which “people have a strong affinity with those who share their partisan affiliation and extreme dislike and distrust of people aligned with the opposing political party” (Owen 2025). At the convening, civics education researchers, practitioners, educators, and organizational leaders came together to not only explore what’s driving growing animosity between political and cultural groups, but also what can be done about it.

The day was centered on dialogue, collaboration, and solutions. Through panels, working sessions, and shared insights, participants examined promising approaches to help young people build resilience, engage across difference, and find common ground.

These conversations and contributions, both scholarly and practical, are helping shape a more inclusive, informed, and connected civic culture. We look forward to continuing to learn from and support the initiatives emerging from this work at our fall convening at Georgetown University on Oct. 24!