Constructive Advocates

7. Massively Parallel Roles & Tasks

Constructive Advocates work to defend their group's interests in ways that simultaneously respect, recognize, and help protect the legitimate interests of other groups involved in the conflict, including those on the other side(s). Unlike mediators and peacebuilders who approach conflicts from a more neutral, intermediary perspective, constructive advocates are not neutral; they are primarily focused on defending the interests of their own group. Still, what makes their work so valuable (and often so exceptional) is that they recognize that, by treating their opponents fairly, they can strengthen their own position by limiting the intensity of opposition that they are likely to face. They use what we call "constructive confrontation strategies" to argue for a particular cluster of interests, but they do so in an integrative, not divisive way. This overlaps with Starts with Us' argument that less polarizing approaches increase political effectiveness.

These strategies include making an effort to understand what the conflict is really about and what is really going on, rather than just assuming it is the other sides' fault and insisting that they change. Constructive advocates examine their goals, interests, values, and needs, and try to figure out how those might be defended in ways that leave room for others to pursue differing goals, interests, values, and needs. They then try to work collaboratively, as much as possible, turning to the various types of force only when absolutely necessary, and when done through legitimate channels (such as legislative or electoral action or nonviolent protest and public information campaigns). In everything they do, they try to minimize escalation and maximize mutual understanding and respect.

Examples include FAIR, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism which has been championing a less divisive and more inclusive strategy for dealing with racism and other forms of discrimination. Another approach is Radical Moderation's new book, "Why Not Moderation? Letters to Young Radicals" which challenges the widespread disdain for compromise that one now finds on both the left and the right. Still, another approach relies upon conflict coaches to help people navigate conflict in less divisive ways. Finally, there is Amanda Ripley's effort to help us move beyond our tendency to define problems as simple "us-versus-them, we're right, they are wrong" situations and to see the complexity that is always there.