Embrace debate, ditch dysfunction
Disagree Healthier brings people together to improve how we debate health issues, for the sake of our well-being as individuals and as a democracy.
Disagree Healthier, Raleigh, March 24, 2026. Photo by Emanuel Lirag
We do this by:
Hosting events around the country with leaders who are willing to disagree healthier about key health issues facing Americans.
Sharing face-to-face conversations with people in communities across America about what they want to see in the political discourse and in our country’s health policy.
Conducting polling on those same topics and sharing the results publicly to inform and shape how we proceed as a democracy.
Sharing tips on how to disagree healthier, including those drawn from the toolkit issued by Disagree Better, a key inspiration for this project.
WHY DISAGREE HEALTHIER?
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At Healthier United, we apply a “no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests” approach to our mission. This means that we will partner with people regardless of their political affiliation if they’re willing to work with us in support of our mission. It also means that we are willing to disagree with and hold elected officials and others accountable, regardless of party. In order to make this work, we have to disagree in a way that preserves the possibility of partnership in the future. We don’t communicate with any less conviction, just more consideration.
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An overwhelming majority of Americans say they want our political discourse to improve and are concerned about the effects of our degraded debate:
78% percent say that the political debate has become less fact-based
78% say there is too little attention paid to the most important issues facing the country
If we can improve the quality of political debate in America, we can learn more, avoid unnecessary escalation, and achieve better policy outcomes.
How Can I Disagree Healthier?
Over the course of 2026, we will be sharing tips on how to disagree healthier on our social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube).
For starters, consider these tips from our friends at Disagree Better:
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Avoid name-calling or labels. “Us vs. them” goes nowhere.
Explain your view without negative language about the other side.
Show gratitude, thank others for sharing their perspective.
Compliment passion, even if you disagree.
Use “I” statements, not “you” statements.
Commit to keeping your voice calm.
Be passionate and respectful in sharing.
Know when to step back respectfully if the conversation becomes unproductive or harmful.
People are receptive when they feel respected and not attacked. Insulting and belittling people is never effective.
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Avoid assumptions about others’ motives.
Examine the “why” behind all beliefs, including your own.
Be curious. Lead with curiosity, not certainty.
Consider that you might be wrong, and then others can teach you.
Your opinions are what you think, not who you are - same for the other person.
See disagreement as growth, not identity threat.
Think about what you have in common, especially shared values - where can you find agreement?
Think about the bigger picture – what’s your long-term goal in this conversation or relationship?
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Listen to understand, not just reply.
Commit to listening more than speaking.
Challenge yourself not to interrupt.
Practice active listening: summarize what you heard them say before responding.
Be mindful of your face, body language, posture while listening.
Listen for values, not just positions or opinions.
Learn how to improve listening through resources and courses.
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Write down three things you admire about someone you disagree with.
Research the opposing view on an issue you hold.
Invite someone with a different perspective to coffee or lunch.
Share a positive story about someone you disagree with.
Share a book or article that opened your mind.
Send a text of appreciation after a disagreement.
Attend a cultural or religious event outside your own.
Events
We’ll be hosting events across the country with leaders who are willing to model healthier engagement in the course of debating critical health issues facing Americans. Importantly, we’re also going to have some fun.
Check back here and follow us on social media to watch highlights and recaps of these events.