Red Cloud Worksheet

Declare Common Interests

During his 1870 speech at Cooper Union in New York City, Red Cloud declared common interests:

You have children; we have children. You want to raise your children and make them happy and prosperous; we want to raise ours and make them happy and prosperous.

Declaring common interests is one of the best ways to build civility and improve conßictual relations. Be intentional about declaring common interests as you:

TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT — Like Red Cloud, extend sincere words of afÞrmation to others whenever you can. Ask yourself:

What words can I use to make sure I exalt unity over divisiveness?

 

 

TAME YOUR TRADITIONS — Hold onto to your traditions, and maintain a balanced perspective between what you and what others hold dear. Ask yourself:

What is the best way for me to strike the balance between upholding my own traditions and afÞrming the traditions of others?

 

 

 

TREAD FORWARD TOGETHER — Find the common ground and tread on it. Red Cloud declared — You have children; we have children. Ask yourself:

What can you declare that you possess in common with others as the basis upon which you can move forward together?

 

 

 

Civility