Lately, it feels like any subject you hear about on the news divides groups into “us” and “them.” The list of controversial topics has grown to include the environment, religion, and guns, and now a pandemic is creating a new divide within communities. The life-or-death nature of this latest wedge issue demonstrates the vital need for more moderate politics in this country. But where can you start?

Get To Know Local Politics

Get involved with the government at the local level. Typically, local issues, such as where to put a new traffic signal or whether there is enough money in the city budget to paint the water tower every year, tend to be less divisive. Plus, generally speaking, it’s more difficult to violently disagree with other people when you have to see them at church on Sunday or at your children’s soccer game. By working to increase dialogue within your community, you can develop the skills needed to take on more complicated issues at the state or national level.

Research and Join Moderate Groups

As the two major parties have developed schisms and moved to the left and right, more moderate political organizations have begun to emerge. Do the research and see which have active chapters near you and attend a meeting. If it doesn’t feel right, check out other groups until you find one that is right for you. With more than a third of the country identifying as moderate, you are bound to find a group you fell feel is a good fit for you.

Taking these two simple steps can help you find more voices like yours: people who want to be able to have conversations with the right and with the left to identify solutions to the problems facing our country, instead of fighting for fighting’s sake. Helping groups that hold your moderate beliefs increase membership is a good way to combat the extremist attitudes that are hurting our society.