Crossing Party Lines

Our story begins in 2016 with two groups starting independently of one another — on opposite coasts of the United States. Coincidentally, both founders chose the same name, “Crossing Party Lines.” Their shared vision led them to create a volunteer platform to unite Americans through warm and engaging conversations. Prompted by a time of unprecedented political polarization, these two visionaries, their energetic team of volunteers, and over 3,000 CPL members are uniting America one conversation at a time. Donations to Crossing Party Lines, Inc. are 501(c)3) tax-deductible. 

Latest Articles

• What Does Democracy Ask of Us?
  2026-09-29 by Lisa Swallow
  As we move toward another election, we are going to hear a great deal about what is at stake. We are also going to hear a great deal about the people who see those stakes differently than we do. That is nothing new. Elections are supposed to involve disagreement. We are choosing between different candidates, different … Read more
• Before You Ask Someone How They’re Voting…
  2026-09-29 by Lisa Swallow
  Election season has a way of making us very interested in how other people are going to vote. Sometimes we ask directly: “Who are you voting for?” Other times we are a little more subtle: “What do you think of this candidate?” “Can you believe what they said?” “Are you still supporting them?” Those questions … Read more
• Thank you, America
  2026-09-02 by Lisa Swallow
  What can conversations on the Camino teach us about democracy? From compulsory voting to citizen assemblies, people I met in Europe are watching the United States closely—and asking what it takes for ordinary people with different views to make decisions together.
• Pull Up a Chair: Building CPL’s New Front Porch
  2026-08-08 by Lisa Swallow
  There’s something about a front porch in summer: a place where visitors become neighbors and conversations linger a little longer. That’s the spirit behind CPL’s new website and Member Hub. They’re not simply new technology. They’re part of a larger effort to make Crossing Party Lines more welcoming, more participatory, and less dependent on any one person to keep it running.
• The Gift of Spring — Renewing Curiosity
  2026-03-05 by Lisa Swallow
  So many of us come to CPL carrying a kind of weary certainty — certain we know what the other side thinks, sure we know how the conversation will go. But when we stop being surprised, we stop being curious. And that, more than any single policy disagreement, is where connection goes to die. There … Read more