Transcending the Political:  Can it be done?

Having opposing political views can be a detriment to any relationship, whether it is between siblings, friends, or neighbors.  Living as a Democrat in a state where the overall philosophy is Republican can mean for some insecurity.  Who has my back?  Does anyone have my back?

This came up recently as I was negotiating a change in the way things have always been done.  As newly-elected President of the Board of the Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, my job, as I saw it, was to help identify a goal for improving the organization.  In this case, it was to increase the amount of business over that of the past year:  to encourage more people to come through our doors.

In March, a program was initiated between long-time community members and our local school.  Through sharing their personal histories with students, it was hoped that community members could serve as a link to our museum.  Would students bring their families to visit the Museum this summer?

At the same time, members of our Board were updating and increasing exhibits.  They created and constructed a new exhibit, a Tack Room that included early saddles, bridles, angora chaps, cavalry tack, stock brands, tools for horseshoe repair, harness of all kinds, etc.

Students came; families came; visitors from within our state came as well as other states and a few other countries.  By late July, we had already exceeded total number of visitors from the previous year.  But another problem arose:  were we meeting needs of our visitors?  Could they wander at will throughout the Museum, visit displays, and better understand those living here in the past?  Or, as most recently, was it necessary for them to be toured and explained to all along the way?

Heads butt over responsibility of Guides; I seek counsel from experienced/previous Board members; two volunteer Guides resign.  I call for an extra meeting of the Board.  What's the problem?  How can it be corrected?

For a week, I prepare.  I hear rumors, possible machinations taken by another Board member to undercut the meeting, other comments that make me wonder what could happen.  It feels a lot like 1981.

Memory floods back.  I am a newly-minted Principal of a 500-student elementary school in Indiana.  It's 7:00 pm.  In the multi-purpose room, I am presiding over a Parent-Teacher-Organization meeting after which primary students will perform for their parents.  The second-grade students are lined up at the door ready to come in.  Without warning, a parent stands up and begins to complain about a change I had made in bus pick-up for students.  Another parent stands, and then another.

I regain control by reassuring parents I will discuss the problem with them after the meeting in a vacant classroom where they can vent their feelings.  I do just that.  About five or six parents show up (out of a total of 60-80).  As they begin, I pick up chalk and, as each parent relates their problem, I list it on the chalkboard.  After they are finished, I go through each listed item.  I understand their complaint, I apologize where needed, and I resolve to correct whatever mistakes have been made.  They have vented, calmed down, and have expressed appreciation as they leave.

Is that experience from years ago similar to what I'll experience in this extra Board meeting?  Will I be put on the carpet?  Will a crowd of people be gathered in the room when I enter?  Will there be anger, frustration, lots of confrontation?  Will I be called upon to answer for the two Guides' resignations?  Will my opposing political views engender distrust among those attending (views made much more public now than when I was younger)?  How will I handle the situation, whatever it is?

There is no chalkboard or chalk in the room where the Board meeting will be held.  But I do have a tripod, a large newsprint chart, and black markers.  I resolve to record complaints on the chart and, as in the past, go through each one, discuss it, and , in the end, defuse the situation.  I calm down, become resolute.  This approach has worked in the past; it can work again.

The day of the Board meeting, I enter the room right on time, almost to the minute.  Eight Board members sit in their usual places around several tables.  They chat quietly across the room.  I interrupt a conversation.  I ask each person if they are ready to tackle the problem.  They answer in the affirmative as I go around the room, calling them by name.  It appears my fears have not materialized.  No need for giving a speech, laying my resignation letter on the table, or walking out of the room.  This groups does have my back -- and we're on our way to resolution.

Several hours later, I leave the meeting, feeling affirmed.  Work has been done even though there is a lot more to do.  Making nice with one Board member may be the only way to mend differences between us.  Overall, however, more problems have been presented and solved than I expected.  Most Board members have met me more than halfway.  There is no feeling on my part that differences in politics have made any difference in the meeting.  Board members had been there to explore alternatives in resolving an issue and that's exactly what we did.

Did we transcend politics?  Decidedly.  Our desire to overcome difficulties and work as a team ruled the day.  Would that political leaders (like Republican candidates for President?) could follow the example of the good people of Roundup.  Forget extremism, fostering dissension, and polarizing our country.  Use cooperation to "make our country great again"!