A politically diverse group gathered in Vernal, Utah, for a rafting trip on the Green River on Saturday.
The excursion was part of a nationwide effort by RAFT (Reuniting America by Fostering Trust), a nonprofit that organizes outdoor trips across the United States to foster civil dialogue among people with differing political views.
Each RAFT trip centers on a specific civic issue. For this group, the focus was immigration.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in guided conversations while navigating the river’s currents. The goal wasn’t to debate, but to listen, reflect and build mutual understanding.
RAFT creates space for meaningful conversation outside traditional political environments, using shared experiences in nature to promote connection.
This Deseret News video follows the group’s journey on the Green River and explores how time on the river can help bridge America’s divides.