Frequently asked questions

The questions people actually ask.

What is BetweenUS Forum?

One-to-one conversations with someone in your community who sees the big questions differently — matched thoughtfully, scheduled for you, about an hour over video, guided by a light structure so no one has to play moderator.

Who runs it?

BetweenUS Forum is YPO Democracy Group’s community on BetweenUS Forum, an independent, member-built platform. The sponsoring organization hosts its community here but does not operate the service; its organizers administer membership and matching rounds without ever seeing your political viewpoint or your individual feedback. The Terms of Use spell out exactly who provides what.

Who can join?

Membership is by invitation through your community — each community decides who belongs to it. If you’re part of the sponsoring organization’s wider community and can’t get in, your community’s organizers can add you.

How does matching work?

You tell us the topics you care about and, optionally, where you sit politically. We pair people for difference in viewpoint and common ground on topic, in rounds curated by the program team. Your answers shape the match; they’re never shown to the person you meet.

Will my match see my political answers?

No. Your political viewpoint is used only to create a balanced match and is never shown to your match, your community’s organizers, or your sponsor organization. Details in the Privacy Policy.

Are conversations recorded?

No. No audio, video, or transcripts — ever. The system notes only that the conversation happened. The full set of commitments is on the Confidentiality & Conduct page.

What if the match isn't right for me?

Decline it — no explanation needed. From your conversation page, choose “Decline and get rematched”: you go back into the pool for the next round, and your match is told the conversation is off, never why.

What does the sponsoring organization see?

Your community’s organizers see the membership basics they need to run the program — names, emails, topics, scheduling — but never your political viewpoint or your individual feedback. The organization’s reporting is aggregate only: participation and completion numbers, with small groups suppressed so nothing about you is inferable.

How much time does it take?

About an hour for the conversation, plus two minutes to sign up. Scheduling fits around you: pick a suggested time or propose your own, and reschedule from your conversation page if life happens.

How do I take a break, or leave entirely?

You can pause matching any time from your profile — you’ll stay a member but sit out the rounds. To delete your data entirely, email privacy@betweenusforum.org (see “Your rights” in the Privacy Policy).

Something else on your mind? Get in touch.