About

What we believe

Addressing Communication Gap

Humanity is plagued by division. While diversity of ideas is crucial to any democratic system, our unwillingness to deliberate with those of varying opinions is creating a continuously enlarging rift that is becoming more problematic by the day. This rift is exacerbating society's issues and preventing action. From various backgrounds, beliefs, and positions, we unite here with the collective goal to alleviate society's communication gap: to move forward, we must find common ground.

Fostering Safe Communication

As a collective, we wish not to push specific beliefs or opinions; rather, we want to create and facilitate a safe space for communication between disagreeing groups, as this current environment is lacking at UCLA and in broader society.

It is essential that dialogue remains respectful and does not deteriorate into personal attacks. If a safe environment is not upheld, we begin to feel uncomfortable and unwilling to express our true thoughts. Discomfort greatly impedes the ability of discourse to result in accurate understanding. People can disagree, but it is critical that we apprehend each other's positions and remain sensitive to the feelings of all.

Increasing Understanding without Removing Polarization

Our goal differs from similar groups on this key facet. We stand by the fact that the allowance of personal stances is an integral part of any democratic system; naturally, this means polarization will be present within a diverse population. Without polarization, people effectively have no vote. Imagine a world where all candidates have the exact or close to exact policy platform. In this world, your vote doesn't impact policy as every candidate would implement the same laws, thus negating the people's power. To provide voters with a true choice, polarization can not simply be removed.

Instead, we can increase our understanding of varying perspectives and use this knowledge to find common ground. The solution to our world's current state of inaction is not the removal of polarization; it is the reinvigoration of discourse and a collective acceptance that some concessions must be made on both sides.

Creating a New Societal Norm

We strive to make the respectful exchange of ideas a societal norm, fostering a culture where engaging in thoughtful and considerate discourse is not an exception but a standard practice. We envision a society where individuals don’t just speak but also listen; dialogue that is about understanding and expression, not argumentation.

Respect ought to be the cornerstone of every conversation, where differing viewpoints are seen not as divisions but as opportunities for growth and learning. The goal is to create a world where the freedom to express is matched by the willingness to understand and where respectful discourse becomes a way of life.

These aspirations guide the CGC’s endeavors.