Gov. Stitt, Special Olympics Chair Tim Shriver participate in NGA's 'Disagree Better' initiative

GOVERNOR STITT, TIM SHRIVER PARTICIPATE IN DISAGREE BETTER INITIATIVE

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 20, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced his participation in the National Governors Association’s (NGA) Disagree Better initiative. Alongside the Chairman of Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, Governor Stitt will begin a campaign to promote healthy disagreement.

“To me, disagreeing better means learning to persuade the other side in an uplifting way, not by tearing each other down or diminishing each other,” said Governor Stitt. “We’re all equal in the eyes of the Lord, and if we can act and speak with compassion, we’ll find there is more that unites us than divides us. I’m grateful to the National Governors Association for promoting this unifying way of thinking, and I hope Oklahomans join me in disagreeing better.”

NGA’s Disagree Better initiative recognizes that despite the political polarization in the United States, we can work through our differences to find common ground and solutions to the issues facing our nation. Launched in 2023, Disagree Better calls on Americans to work through conflict in a manner that recognizes the humanity in everyone and calls on those involved in the political process to reduce partisan animosity.

"I want to thank Governor Stitt for his leadership and the call to treat each other with dignity – especially when we disagree," said Tim Shriver. "The most important lesson I’ve learned in my lifetime of work with the athletes of Special Olympics is the profound dignity inherent in every human being.  When we honor that dignity, we bring out the best in others and the best in ourselves. What a thrill to welcome Governor Stitt as a leader of that same message for Oklahoma and for our country."

Governor Stitt is encouraging Oklahomans to engage with the hashtag #DisagreeBetter on social media to learn more about the campaign and discover other ways the nation’s governors are encouraging Americans to Disagree Better.

Disagree Better Initiative: Launched in July 2023, Disagree Better is a yearlong initiative to help Americans learn the skills of healthy conflict. The effort aims to change the political behavior of both voters and elected officials, showing that the right kind of conflict often leads to better policy, can be more successful politically than negative campaigning and is the pathway to restoring trust in our political institutions. Learn more about the Be Better initiative here.

National Governors Association: Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the voice of the nation’s governors and one of the most respected public policy organizations in the country. The association’s members are the governors of the 55 states, territories, and commonwealths. Members come to the association from across the political spectrum, but NGA itself is bipartisan. Learn more about NGA here.