Nonprofit Brings Curiosity-Driven Conversations to Divided Communities

Conversations Across the Aisle aims to 'rehumanize' people on all sides of the political spectrum through facilitated dinners.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Conversations Across the Aisle (CATA), a Sarasota-based nonprofit, is working to bridge political divides by hosting facilitated dinners where people with different beliefs come together not to debate, but to share a meal and try to understand each other's perspectives. Founded by Bill Woodson three years ago, CATA has held eight workshops so far, tackling topics like the relationship between church and state and the concept of due process. The organization is now looking to expand to other cities, including Venice, Florida, and San Angelo, Texas.

Why it matters

In an era of increasing political polarization, CATA's model provides a rare space for respectful dialogue across ideological lines. By encouraging curiosity and active listening, the nonprofit aims to 'rehumanize' people on all sides of the spectrum and foster a greater understanding of how reasonable people can see the world so differently.

The details

CATA workshops begin with a shared meal, meant to slow people down before they tackle divisive topics. After dinner, a featured speaker provides a neutral perspective on the discussion topic. Then, each table of six to eight guests discusses the issue through guided questions that require nuanced responses. Trained facilitators ensure the conversation remains respectful and no one dominates or shuts down others. CATA surveys participants before and after the events to gauge whether the workshops are increasing their willingness to engage across differences.

  • CATA held its first workshop in October 2023.
  • The organization has held a total of eight workshops so far, roughly one per quarter.
  • CATA's eighth workshop is scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The players

Bill Woodson

The founder and chairman of the board of Conversations Across the Aisle (CATA), a Sarasota-based nonprofit aimed at closing the political divide through facilitated conversations.

Sue Jacobson

A former CATA planning member and facilitator who has a degree in social work and was the chairperson of the New College Foundation board of directors during Woodson's time on campus.

John Annis

The senior advisor at the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, which provided an early grant to cover the first CATA workshop.

David Wilkins

A retired corporate lawyer who attended two CATA workshops with his wife and sees the organization's model as a 'critical starting point' in moving beyond political divisiveness.

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What they’re saying

“People who are curious are not the mainstream. If we gave value and valence to getting both sides of an argument, I think it would lead to better policies and better quality of life for everybody.”

— Bill Woodson, Founder and Chairman, Conversations Across the Aisle

“We're not going to get rid of all the people who think differently than we do, so we need to learn how to live together positively and respectfully, and we need to appreciate each other.”

— Sue Jacobson, Former CATA Planning Member and Facilitator

“Despite the divisiveness we might feel all around us, it's pretty amazing what can happen when people sit at a table together, listen and try to understand one another. Clearly, we need to have the conversations that Bill and his team are facilitating.”

— John Annis, Senior Advisor, Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation

What’s next

CATA is looking to expand to other cities, including Venice, Florida, and San Angelo, Texas, and expects to increase the number of workshops it hosts from one per quarter to four or five in the same time period.

The takeaway

CATA's model of facilitated, curiosity-driven conversations across political divides provides a rare opportunity for mutual understanding and respect in an increasingly polarized world. As the nonprofit looks to scale its impact, it faces the challenge of maintaining its core mission and values while reaching a wider audience.