Lehigh River

Amid the rushing waters of the Lehigh River, rafters of all political backgrounds came together for an unforgettable experience. Democrats, Republicans, and independents found themselves working as one, navigating the rapids and learning how much they truly had in common. The post-rafting conversations touched on everything from transgender rights to gun control, revealing that when people take the time to listen and communicate, common ground can be found. Experiences like these remind us that, as Americans, we thrive when we pull together—on and off the water.

Participant Stories

Dave & Charlee

After rafting together, Charlee and Dave found their conversation revealing unexpected areas of agreement, despite coming from opposite sides of the political spectrum. Charlee, a Democrat passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform, and Dave, a Republican state senator representing a conservative district, both reflected on how their dialogue helped them see each other’s perspectives more clearly.

Dave Argall
Charlee

Charlee and Dave dove into discussions about immigration and social issues, discovering that they shared more common ground than anticipated. "I learned from him that we don’t think that differently on some issues, like immigration,” Charlee said, surprised by how aligned their views were on making the legal immigration process easier for newcomers. Dave, who values working across the aisle in his legislative career, echoed her sentiment, noting how conversations like these help break down stereotypes and misconceptions.

Their partnership on the river, coupled with the openness of their post-rafting conversation, became a testament to how shared experiences and listening can help bridge political divides.

William & Andrew

William
Andrew

After rafting together, William and Andrew found themselves in a deep conversation, discovering unexpected common ground despite their differing political views. William, an independent with libertarian leanings, and Andrew, a Democrat focused on fairness, both reflected on how their dialogue revealed more shared values than they initially expected. Their discussion became a powerful example of how focusing on common ground can help bridge political divides.

During their meal after the rafting trip, William and Andrew dove into a deep conversation, discovering unexpected common ground despite their differing political views. William, who considers himself an independent with libertarian leanings, reflected on their discussion and shared how, once they talked through the details, they realized they agreed on much more than expected. "You can’t yell at each other, you can’t call each other names, because then it’s just ‘I’m right, you’re wrong,’” William said. Drawing from his experience as a firefighter, he noted, "None of that matters when you’re in the fire... politics goes out the window. You’re just a firefighter."

A Democrat who values fairness and reducing harm, found the conversation equally eye-opening. Recalling the bonding experience during a tough moment conquering the rapids on the river, Andrew shared how the dialogue that followed was a chance to connect more deeply with Will and others from different backgrounds. "I was pretty surprised at how much we did actually have in common," he said. While it might sound cliché, Andrew emphasized that moments like these—focusing on basic values—were key to finding common ground across their divides.

News Articles and Videos

'In the same boat': Lehigh River rafting trip pairs people to find common ground off land

By
Kat Bolus
July 19, 2026
WVIA News
Lehigh River, PA

Midway through an 11-mile whitewater rafting trip on the Lehigh River, Scott Shigeoka wondered how he’d been programmed to think Republicans don’t care about conservation.

"I'm trying to understand,” he said while sitting on top of a "lunch rock" that slants out of the river in the Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Shigeoka, from Los Angeles by way of Hawaii, was talking to an unlikely lunch-partner, Pennsylvania state Sen. Dave Argall, a Republican and lifelong Schuylkill County native.

The two men with two totally different backgrounds and experiences and from different generations ate sandwiches, chips and cookies midway through RAFT (Reuniting America by Fostering Trust) for America’s first float of the season.

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RAFT For America on the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania

By
Kristi Kendall & Co
June 9, 2024
Team Democracy
Weatherly, Pennsylvania

Witness the incredible journey of our RAFT participants as they take on the rapids and discover common ground. They bravely step outside their comfort zones, not just to tackle the river but to engage in honest, heart-to-heart conversations. Our participants show us that despite our differences, we can all come together, depend on each other, and find shared values. This is what RAFT is all about – building relationships and fostering understanding one adventure at a time. Join us in celebrating the power of dialogue and the beauty of unity. Let’s continue to break down barriers and create a better tomorrow, together.

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RAFT event in Weatherly fosters unity and bipartisanship with local rafting event

By
Alyshia Hercules
June 9, 2024
Fox 56 News
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Weatherly, Carbon Co. — Sunday RAFT (Reuniting America by Fostering Trust) for America and Whitewater Challengers in Weatherly held a rafting event.
The event was held to help demonstrate that Americans are all in the same boat together regardless of their differences and political viewpoints.

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