CPRT Expert Dialogue: Radical Collaboration: Can Business Help Unleash America’s Middle 70% to Address Climate & Strengthen Democracy?

Though it is rarely featured in the news, research shows that most Americans can collaborate on solutions to systemic threats such as climate change. Yet, many of these “solution citizens” feel isolated and discouraged in the current environment of toxic polarization and destructive conflict. To address this challenge, a community of social entrepreneurs has been emerging, working to enable conservatives and progressives to work together on clean energy, conservation and strengthening democracy.

Please join us for an interactive conversation with two leaders  in this movement, to explore:

• Can Americans really collaborate on solutions to highly politicized issues such as climate and clean energy?
• What are “solution citizens” and how does our current system stymie their efforts?
•  How can we strengthen democratic institutions to support solution citizens, and what role can business play?

Bill Shireman is the President of Future 500 and co-chair of In This Together, which is mobilizing solution citizens and companies to tackle political polarization and revitalize democracy. He is known for bringing together capitalists, activists, conservatives, progressives, and other unusual bedfellows to overcome challenges that often divide them.

Madeleine Para is the Executive Director of Citizens Climate Lobby, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy climate change organization bringing a respectful, nonpartisan approach designed to create a broad, sustainable foundation for climate action across all geographic regions and political inclinations.