Not just “kumbaya” content
The message of UNDIVIDE US isn’t to “find middle ground”; it is about finding the courage to engage in civil discourse, even if that means agreeing to disagree with fellow citizens. To that end, the film has changed hearts and minds: 76 percent of viewers say they are now more likely to engage with people who share different viewpoints. In partnership with other organizations, SPN also hosted community screenings to change public opinion on the ground—from churches and colleges to civic organizations. For instance, after working with the Center for Independent Thought to host an UNDIVIDE US webinar for high school teachers, SPN found that 84 percent of viewing teachers report feeling more confident guiding student discussions about controversial topics, with 95 percent vowing to use the constructive techniques outlined in the documentary.
More information about UNDIVIDE US can be found here.
The North America Liberty Award is part of the Templeton Freedom Award prize program sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust—named for the late investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton. In addition to North America, the program sponsors awards in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. Its grand prize, the Templeton Freedom Award, is presented annually at Atlas Network’s Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner in New York City. This year, the prize program will award $320,000 in grants to high-achieving organizations, with Templeton Religion Trust recently increasing its investment in the program to $1.23 million over three years.
“At a time of bitter partisanship, State Policy Network stepped up for American democracy and laid out a vision for stronger, healthier civil discourse, making SPN a worthy winner of this year’s North America Liberty Award,” said Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network. “In the United States, we all need to do our part to heal persistent divisions and find ways to disagree respectfully. UNDIVIDE US is a case study that can appeal to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation. SPN’s groundbreaking documentary has already changed countless hearts and minds in local communities, and nonpartisan think tanks everywhere can build on the momentum of UNDIVIDE US to inspire even more change for the better.”