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You’re here! Hooray! Ready for more details about the Unify Challenge? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions...
Based on the information you provide when you officially register, we’ll match you across differences. You may be matched with someone who votes differently than you, has a different background, or lives in a different part of the country.
This experience isn’t about trying to change your mind or challenge your values. This is about becoming a more effective listener and problem-solver for the country we love. And even though a pair may vote for candidates from different parties or may watch different cable news channels, you both may care about affordable housing or immigration reform.
You will be paired with another American who you wouldn’t ordinarily interact with in your daily life. You may not always agree (and that’s the beauty of it!) but everyone does this with the best of intentions.
You’re not alone if you worry about being paired with a troll or someone combative. But in our experience, this simply doesn't happen. On the off-chance you get matched with an idiot, you can push the “Need Help?” button or just leave the conversation and contact us.
Our system will match folks who are political opposites first. Sometimes, people who are more politically aligned but are different geographically or demographically get matched, as well. But either way, when you focus your answers on your personal lived experiences, you’re bound to find some interesting differences with your partner.
No. We protect your privacy. Some people really like getting to know each other and may choose to share contact info — but that’s entirely up to you!
This experience isn’t about trying to change your mind or challenge your values. This is about becoming a more effective listener and problem-solver for the country we love. And even though a pair may vote for candidates from different parties or may watch different cable news channels, you both may care about affordable housing or immigration reform.
A computer with a webcam
A quiet place to sit ALONE
Good lighting in your space
An open mind
An hour of time
You will need a desktop or a laptop computer that you can use for a video call. The experience won’t work as well on a mobile phone. We will walk you through everything, so no worries. It’s pretty easy.
Technically... yes, it will work on a smartphone. However, we don't advise it. You will have a much better experience if you're comfortably seated in front of a computer screen.
Plan for about an hour. Sometimes it takes less time, and sometimes partners go longer because they are so interested in the conversation.
Nope, we want you and your partner to go into the Unify Challenge completely open-minded. So you will see your questions when you log on.
Okay, fine. Want a hint? The Unify Challenge covers some of the most important topics to Americans from education and criminal justice to healthcare and immigration.
Nope! No need to prepare at all. Just bring your thoughts and perspectives from your life.
You’ll experience a live one-on-one online conversation (pretty similar to Zoom or FaceTime) with another American, and you’ll both see instructions that you’ll read together, a discussion guide, videos, and survey questions to structure your conversation.
Here are a few tips from past Challenge takers:
“Expect to disagree at times (this is a good thing!) but be respectful.” — Ashley in New York City, NY
“Listen to listen, rather than listening to respond.” — R.J. in Evanston, IL
“Critique the perspective, not the person.” — Matt in Akron, OH
“Remember that participants represent themselves, not a group that they may belong to.” — Karen in Seattle, WA
The Unify Challenge is an experience between you and your partner. You’ll have detailed instructions and work together through a series of questions. So, no, there won’t be a live host. If you need anything during your Challenge, our staff is always on standby and can be reached if you need assistance.
Yes! You’ll take a survey together and we take you through it step by step. Just bring your honest opinions — no need to prepare at all.
The Challenge is designed as a one-on-one experience between strangers who might never meet in the “real world.” So, we can’t pair you up with a friend directly.
If you think a friend might enjoy the experience, too, you can refer them to take their own Unify Challenge here.
Awesome. Bring on the questions! You can reach our team at events@unifyamerica.org, and we’d be happy to help.
We understand that life happens, so please use the reschedule or cancel links in your Unify Challenge email if you need to find a different date.
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Join the thousands of Americans who are making a difference, two people at a time.
