Skills for Bridging the Political Divide Workshop:  Skills for Civil Conversations

Learn skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground and affirm the importance of maintaining relationships with those on the other side of the political divide. Practice conversation skills in pairs with someone of your same political persuasion.

Depolarizing Within Workshop: Becoming a Braver Angel in Your Own World

Learn the discipline of non-polarizing attitudes and words about the political “Other” with whom we share a national past and future. Become more aware of polarization inside us and between us. Practice skills for being critical—even sharply critical—without demonizing, dismissing, and stereotyping. Learn to constructively intervene in social conversations that veer into contempt and ridicule for people who hold other political views.

 Families and Politics Workshop: How to Talk with Loved Ones on the Other Side

Family relationships are becoming casualties of our toxic political environment.  Family members are having nasty political arguments, avoiding each other, and even cutting off lifetime relationships. If you want to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this workshop will offer you insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging. Learn to recognize common roles and strategies for handling differences in a constructive way.

Red/Blue Workshops: Listen to Learn and Understand

Focus on listening and reflecting during this structured conversation between balanced groups of Republican-learning and Democratic-leaning citizens. The conversation is designed to increase understanding of the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide.

Braver Angels Debates: A Powerful Learning Experience

A Braver Angels Debate is a highly structured conversation in which a group of citizens think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and perhaps learn from each other’s ideas. When done well, everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of the validity in opposing views, and with tighter community relationships.

Registration is required for all events.

Events are typically two to three hours long and some require advance preparation with handouts and a short video. All workshops are FREE.  Find a workshop or debate from anywhere in the nation that works for you and register. All events are highly structured to ensure respectful and constructive conversation.  Come divided.  Leave hopeful. 

If you register for a workshop, debate or event—please keep in mind that the group is counting on you to attend so be sure to let the Organizer know well in advance if your plans change.