Policy Insights: Bridging Divides by Finding Common Ground
How Collaboration Across Divides Can Strengthen Policy and Drive Real Change
Hi everyone,
This week, I want to explore something we often talk about but sometimes find hard to put into practice: bridging divides in policy advocacy. Whether it’s navigating political differences, clashing priorities, or deeply rooted mistrust, finding common ground can feel like an uphill battle. But if we want to create meaningful, lasting change, collaboration across divides isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.
This topic is particularly timely, as I’ve just launched two fantastic episodes of Policy360: Unplugged, featuring Deborah Erskine and Linda Dillon. These two women come from very different political backgrounds, but they both bring valuable insights into how we can work together to address the big issues that matter to everyone. More on those episodes in a moment!
1. The Challenge of Divides—and Why They Matter
Northern Ireland is no stranger to division, whether it’s political, cultural, or historical. But those divides don’t just exist here—they’re part of policymaking everywhere.
When we stick to our corners, nothing moves. But when we reach across the aisle, listen to different perspectives, and focus on shared goals, we can start to make real progress. Bridging divides doesn’t mean giving up on your values—it means finding where your goals overlap and working together from there.
2. Insights from Deborah Erskine and Linda Dillon
🎙️ Deborah Erskine
Deborah shares her perspective on representing her community and tackling policy challenges. We talk about the importance of staying true to your principles while still being open to working with others to achieve progress.
🎙️ Linda Dillon
Linda discusses how understanding different viewpoints can strengthen advocacy and create more inclusive policies. She shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to finding common ground and prioritising what’s best for her constituents.
Together, their conversations highlight the value of respectful dialogue and the need to focus on the bigger picture, even when coming from opposing perspectives.
🎧 Catch both episodes here.
3. Bridging Divides in Advocacy: Practical Tips
It’s one thing to talk about collaboration and another to put it into practice. Here are a few ways you can start bridging divides in your advocacy work:
💠 Find Shared Priorities: Even if you disagree on many issues, there are almost always areas of overlap. Focus on those common goals and build from there.
💠 Listen First: True collaboration starts with understanding. Take time to listen to others’ perspectives—not to debate, but to learn.
💠 Build Diverse Coalitions: Including a range of voices in your advocacy work doesn’t just make it stronger; it makes it more credible. Policymakers are more likely to listen when they see broad support for an issue.
💠 Respect Differences: Collaboration doesn’t mean everyone has to agree on everything. Acknowledge and respect differences while staying focused on the shared outcomes you’re working toward.
4. Real-World Collaboration: Lessons Learned
I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration across divides can lead to big wins. One example that stands out is the work around securing direct payments for free school meals during lockdown. It required framing the issue in a way that resonated with decision-makers from all sides: no child should go hungry, especially with schools closed. By focusing on the shared goal rather than the differences, we made real progress for families in need.
These moments remind me that it’s not about erasing differences—it’s about focusing on what we can achieve together.
5. Your Call to Action: Building Bridges
Take a moment this week to think about your own advocacy work. Are there divides you’ve been hesitant to bridge? Are there opportunities to find shared ground, even with those who might see the world differently?
Let’s commit to listening more, finding allies in unexpected places, and focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us.
🎧 Don’t forget to tune into the latest podcasts with Deborah Erskine and Linda Dillon—they’re packed with insights on navigating divides and working together for change. Check them out here.
Final Thoughts: Together, We Can Achieve More
Collaboration isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. By reaching across divides, we can create stronger policies, better outcomes, and a brighter future for everyone we represent.
Until next time,
Ellen
P.S. Have you had success bridging divides in your work? I’d love to hear your stories—drop me a message or comment!