Feedback and Testimonials from In-Person Attendees

Real Feedback

We asked attendees to give us their feedback after attending a local Make Shift Coffee House event.

There are two types of Make Shift Coffee Houses. Learn about Online Make Shift Coffee Houses here, and In-Person testimonials below.

Do you want to share a comment about YOUR Make Shift Coffee House experience? Make your comment HERE

"Attending the Make Shift Coffee House after the past presidential election allowed me to both vent my own frustrations and better understand others' points of view.

Specifically, the atmosphere of mutual respect that accompanied our dialogue left me with a feeling of empathy and insight toward individuals and viewpoints that I'd thought were "evil" and intolerable before the meeting.

Our topic that night was

“Why do Democrats and Republicans see things so differently?” Much to my surprise and delight there were conservatives and liberals there. Craig mediated the group discussion with warmth, non-threatening but probing questions and respect. People stood or sat at the tables and shared their experiences, thoughts and feelings. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. There was time after the group discussion to continue talking to people. I was sorry to have to leave with my friend after the discussion. I wanted to approach some of the people with more conservative views than mine.

"Craig Freshley was masterful in facilitating

successfully guiding us to be engaged in an interactive, civil, productive dialogue across party lines. Surprisingly we discovered common ground! I left feeling that we had much to learn from each other if we were going to move forward in our current political situation. I am committed to supporting cross party lines dialogue and will be planning a coffeehouse event in my community."

Make Shift Coffee House made me realize that political discussions having

because most Americans really do want what's best for everyone. My experience there also encouraged me to read - and talk to others - about beliefs that are different from my own, without feeling immediately threatened or repulsed by them.

In our current political climate

I see people from all political stripes feeling betrayed, despairing, angry, disconnected, resigned, afraid. They just don’t understand how “those people” could possibly want something that is so bad for our country. Some of them want to understand others, but they don’t know who to ask. And even if they did, they don’t know what to ask.Many of us are just not accustomed to asking strangers (or even friends and family!) questions about their deeply held beliefs. Despite our best intentions, we come across as judgmental or defensive. We project “How can you possibly think that?” even if we don’t say it out loud. We are terrified that being curious equates to letting go of our own beliefs.That’s why we need spaces like the Make Shift Coffee House. Spaces that show us how to be curious yet unafraid. Spaces that strive for balanced viewpoints, not echo chambers. Spaces with structure to guard against grandstanding. And along with all that, we need spaces that remind us how two people on opposite sides of the political spectrum can both love that same classic rock song on the guitar.

I live in a wonderful community

with a rich variety of people, in terms of politics, lifestyle and religious practice. Until recently I felt like we all lived in relative harmony. In the last year, so many of us, including me, felt alienated from each other, and isolated because of the political climate. I also felt hopeless about it, and discouraged, wondering what could be done. I felt afraid to speak up, worried I would alienate my neighbors and community members.When Craig Freshley began hosting the Make Shift Coffee Houses, frankly we all thought he was way too optimistic. How could he possibly bring Democrats and Republicans together in one room with so much animosity in our midst? The courage and determination amazed us all. I have been so heartened by the success of his efforts, and his ongoing determination. Others have joined in, making it truly a community initiative. The Coffee Houses are expanding into other communities in our state, and I would love to see it continue to grow. The Make Shift Coffee House is a brilliant example of collaboration. I am inspired and encouraged by this growing community effort. It feels like the essence of patriotism and love of our country.

The one thing that we all seem to agree on right now is that ‘the system’ is not working as it is. We really need to find a way to understand one another better so that we can create solutions that are better than the sum of their parts.
-Make Shift Coffee House Attendee