Transformative Conversations

Nine insights from deep canvassing to foster empathy, counter bias, and strengthen democracy

After six years of organizing campaigns and conversations with local voters, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) has seen the power of deep canvassing – a two-way conversational technique based on story sharing, empathy, and connection – to move people away from bias and towards better understanding of complex policy issues and support for social progress. As the U.S. becomes increasingly politically and socially polarized, we offer deep canvassing as a tool to help us collectively engage with each other, overcome divides, and build a shared vision for a better future.