A Unique Initiative: Bridging Political Divides on the Lehigh River
As the rapids of the Lehigh River surged beneath them, participants in an 11-mile whitewater rafting event found themselves not just battling the water, but navigating the turbulent waters of political discourse. Scott Shigeoka, from Los Angeles, pondered his assumptions about Republicans and conservation while sharing lunch with Pennsylvania state Sen. Dave Argall, a lifelong Republican.
The rafting trip was part of the RAFT (Reuniting America by Fostering Trust) for America initiative, which aims to foster dialogue among individuals with differing political views. The event’s participants included a diverse mix of people, such as a DACA recipient, an economics professor, and various local officials.
Inspiration Behind the Initiative
Ken Powley, co-founder of the nonprofit Team Democracy, which organizes RAFT for America, believes in the power of shared experiences to bridge political divides. “As Americans, despite all of our differences, we really should try to think and talk and act as if we’re all in the same boat together, because we really are,” he said. Powley and fellow guide Chris Newlon, who hold opposing political views, were inspired to create the initiative after attending the American Democracy Summit in 2021.
The program’s first season was launched in 2024, and the Lehigh River trip marked the start of the new season on June 7. The next event is scheduled for August 16 on the Nantahala River in North Carolina.
Conversations on the Water
Participants tackled a range of topics, including jobs, taxes, and inflation, as they navigated the river. The discussions were facilitated by guides who encouraged open dialogue, reminding participants to “give everybody a lot of grace.” Tom Marino, from Bucks County, expressed his initial apprehension about political conversations, while Wayne Codner, mayor of Richlandtown Borough, emphasized the importance of unity in America.
Lunch Break on the River
During a break on a “lunch rock,” Shigeoka and Argall discussed conservation and past legislative efforts. Argall shared a story about a bill he introduced to clean up scrap tires, which faced opposition from the Sierra Club. Shigeoka reflected on the need for interdependence, saying, “We have to see our interdependence, right? Even if it’s not affecting us, we have to hopefully care for the people in the two counties down.”
Final Stretch and Reflections
As the trip concluded, participants bonded over shared challenges and victories. Nish Barot, a DACA recipient, found the experience enlightening, and Jen Viguers, who supports President Trump’s stance on Israel, felt reassured about expressing her views without causing offense.
Shigeoka, nearing the end of his cross-country storytelling project with Curiosity Mobile, remarked on the power of the experience: “It’s the power of relationships, of us coming together, and you don’t even have to talk about the moments that make us different. We just have to recognize our humanity and be on the water together.”
