Instead of avoiding potentially divisive political discussions, a group of people in Orange County is embracing the opportunity to speak, listen, and learn – in person – to opinions they may not agree with.

Joe Hari, the founder of " Bridging Dialogues ," said he wanted to create a forum for change by bringing conservatives and liberals together to discuss political issues.

"We desperately need to move past the polarization that has divided us so much," Hari said."It doesn't make sense for us not to listen to each other and disagree, really disagree, but realize that underneath it, there's humans there and we're all trying our best."

One participant, Brendan O'Donnell, said initially he joined the discussions to spread his point of view.

"I came in as polarized … and I was like, what

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