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Majority in the Middle is a Minnesota nonprofit described as an objective, outside force for systemic change to improve transparency, participation and civility within political and civic life.
Executive Director and founder Shannon Watson recently recorded an essay for the KAXE Morning Show about taking a civic risk to listen to others and lean into curiosity instead of cancellation.
From the Majority in the Middle newsletter:
Being Brave in Space and on Earth |
Friends, This summer, I had the chance to meet Victor Glover, the pilot of NASA’s Artemis II mission — the first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years. The Q&A after his presentation was full of the kinds of questions you’d expect: about danger, about risk... and of course, all of the bodily function questions. Space, after all, is not designed for human beings. Glover talked about all the risk with a calm that only comes from a lot of training and deep trust in the mission. He also talked about something that surprised me, but maybe it shouldn't have: getting along with your crewmates is quite literally a matter of life and death. When you put four people in a capsule the size of two minivans (seriously) for 10 days straight, conflict isn’t an inconvenience. It can be dangerous. When I got ahold of the microphone, I wanted to ask how we can be helpful, and with all the focus on danger, I only had one question: after Challenger and Columbia, public enthusiasm for NASA changed. How much risk tolerance does the public need to have for Artemis II? His answer was simple: all of it. There’s a lot of risk in spaceflight. And lately, it feels like there’s a lot of risk just being a person on Earth — especially in civic life. But if astronauts can accept calculated, informed danger in service of something bigger than themselves, maybe the rest of us can take a different kind of risk here at home. Not physical risk. Civic risk. The risk of listening longer. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Joining in conversation or sitting next to someone you don't agree with. Leaning into curiosity instead of cancellation. Eating at a restaurant whether they share your political beliefs or not. There's definitely risk in discovering more about our fellow human beings instead of assuming the worst. Especially if that challenges deep or long-held beliefs. THAT'S scary. But if we can put brave people into space, surely we can be a little braver with each other. Let’s try. Shannon |
To hear Watson in her own words, listen above.
For Local News Day, subscribe to or support your local outlet, share your favorite stories, encourage friends and family to join in and celebrate the reporters who keep your community informed.
KAXE is partnering with Majority in the Middle for election coverage, civic engagement and outreach.
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Contributed/Seth Trobec via KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Facebook groupVolunteer Skywarn spotters help the agency deliver accurate and timely severe weather warnings. Training includes thunderstorm safety, the science of storms and cloud formation. -
Karina Kafka/Report for MinnesotaStudents from across Minnesota gathered at the Capitol to showcase their robotics skills and promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. -
Contributed/Will Rolf via Report for MinnesotaSweeney’s Saloon is offering a “Dine Across the Aisle” special to Minnesota lawmakers who grab a meal with a member of the other party. -
Contributed/Eleanor Steffen / Report for MinnesotaPeople of all backgrounds and ages visit the Minnesota State Capitol during the legislative session.
