Purple Assembly - bipartisan discussion group

An Invitation to Come Together

On February 17th, community members from across the political spectrum are invited to gather for the Purple Assembly’s kick-off event; an evening focused on listening, connection, and respectful dialogue. This event is open to everyone, no matter how you lean politically, how involved you’ve been in civic life, or how much time you have to give.

A new local group, the Purple Assembly, is forming with a simple but important goal: to listen, to lift up our community’s voices, and to strengthen the respectful dialogue our democracy depends on. We believe that those of us with different viewpoints don’t have to agree on everything to work together, and that learning how to do so may be one of the most important things we can do right now.

The Purple Assembly is an informal, nonpartisan group coming together to help bridge the growing Red/Blue divide. Like many in the US, we’ve watched political discourse become more polarized, more personal, and less productive. Rather than accepting that as inevitable, we feel a responsibility to respond locally, thoughtfully, and together.

We believe something simple but powerful: our voices matter, and the connections between us matter even more. When people commit to listening with curiosity, speaking with respect, and staying in relationship with one another, real change becomes possible. Civility and unity don’t weaken democracy — they strengthen it.

Many of us are living with the effects of deep political division. Media and social platforms often amplify extreme voices, leaving little room for nuance or understanding. Even routine community decisions can feel charged and divisive. In this environment, it’s no surprise that many people feel discouraged, disconnected, or unsure that things can improve. Too many relationships with friends, family, or neighbors have become strained or lost. 

And yet, these divisions also reveal something we share. Across political lines, many of us are tired of the anger, frustrated by the lack of progress, and longing for something better. Even people who disagree strongly on policy often agree on this: the way we’re talking to each other isn’t working.

The Purple Assembly starts from the belief that we, and neighbors right here in our community, have far more in common than our current political climate suggests. Many people don’t fit neatly into partisan boxes. Many feel unheard or pushed aside. And many of the issues that affect our daily lives, such as changing economies, rising costs, and the future of our communities, aren’t being helped by divisive political conversations.

That’s why we’re inviting you to join us.

On February 17th, the Purple Assembly will host a kick-off event to help find common ground in our community.  Michigan community leaders and representatives from Braver Angels (braverangels.org), a national organization dedicated to fostering constructive political dialogue, will share examples of successful approaches to community action. Participants can join the discussion to share ideas, experiences, and priorities that will help us work together more effectively as a community. This isn’t a debate, a rally, or a recruitment meeting; it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and be heard.

You can sign up through evite here, email purplecongressnwmi@gmail.com, or simply show up that night. We want all voices represented and heard — and we hope you’ll be part of this first step.

Tina Allen

Terry Donahue Cousins

Brandi Ekren

Lauren Flynn

Kathy Grinsteiner

Ashley Halladay-Schmandt

Sarna Salzman

Woody Smith

Geoff Streit

Suzanna Tobin

Mark Vanderklipp