Events & Programs
Attend a Beginner Workshop
One of the most important efforts of Braver Angels is our Skills workshops, offered either in-person or via Zoom. Several of our workshops are also available as a self-paced eLearning Course, which can be taken alone or as preparation for the in-person or Zoom-based workshop. See below for links.
94%
In surveys of those who've attended our Skills for Bridging the Divide workshop, 86% feel they can set a constructive tone when starting conversations with those of the other political side; 88% feel confident in expressing views so the other side can hear them; and 94% believe they can listen so those on the other side feel heard.
Depolarizing Within
Much of today’s polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies. Become more aware of your "inner polarizer.” Learn methods for disagreeing without contempt and ridicule.
Find one ⧉
On-Demand Option:
Take the 40-minute e-course now! ⧉
Skills for Bridging the Divide
There's a lot of stress these days among family members and friends who are divided politically, and the current polarized public conversation doesn't help. Learn skills for respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship.
Find one ⧉
On-Demand Option:
Take the 40-minute e-course now! ⧉
Skills for Social Media
Social Media posts are often highly polarizing. In this skills workshop, learn how to improve the culture of posts and conversations in social media as a constructive alternative to the polarized and judgmental exchanges that dominate the current discourse. This can inspire more productive conversations and even lead to joint action with people of all political leanings.
Find one ⧉
On-Demand Option:
Take the 40-minute e-course now! ⧉
Attend an Evenly-Balanced Workshop
Red/Blue
The classic Red/Blue workshops bring together a small, evenly divided group of conservatives and liberals, or “reds” and “blues,” for a series of exercises designed to help participants clarify disagreements, reduce stereotyped thinking, and discover common values.
Common Ground Single Issue Exchange
In the Common Group workshop, an evenly divided group of "reds" and "blues" takes a deep dive into a problem like climate change, electoral reform or abortion. Participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions. They conclude with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies. A great follow-up to the Red/Blue workshop.
Attend a Specialized Workshop
Families & Politics
Family relationships are becoming casualties of our toxic polarized environment: nasty political arguments, avoiding each other, even cutting off lifetime relationships. Learn strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way. Preserve important family bonds while staying true to your values.
On-Demand Option:
Being Red in a Blue Environment
Intended for “red” participants—learn safe and effective ways to communicate your conservative values and beliefs in environments where liberal ideas are assumed to be correct—and where conservative people may be seen as ignorant, misguided, or even immoral.
Find one ⧉
Being Blue in a Red Environment
Intended for “blue” participants—learn safe and effective ways to communicate your liberal values and beliefs in environments where conservative ideas are assumed to be correct—and where liberal people may be seen as ignorant, misguided, or even immoral.
Skills for Conversations About Public Policy & Race
A skills workshop for difficult but necessary conversations between white Americans that seeks to improve the culture of conversations about race and provide a constructive alternative to the polarized and judgmental exchanges that dominate our current discourse. Learn skills for talking about race in an inquisitive, non-judgmental way.
Find one ⧉
Participate in Debates, 1:1's, & More...
Debates
If you haven’t attended a Braver Angels debate, get ready for a new experience. Our special parliamentary format encourages everyone to speak or ask questions, insures civility in disagreement, and strives for learning and better understanding for all. Unlike other workshops, debate participants are not associated with Red or Blue, but with Pro or Con.
1:1 Conversations Across Difference
Following a structured conversation guide and process, two people on different sides of a divide (red/blue, generational, urban/rural, or race/ethnicity/culture) connect in two 1-hour conversations, emphasizing storytelling, listening, and learning rather than declaring or debating.
College Debates
This civil debates program for college students includes intra-classroom, intra-college, inter-college, and national formats.
Film Discussions
Participants watch a selected movie, then meet online with others who are similar to or different from them to discuss it.
And More...
The full set of programs and events offered by Braver Angels and by our many local alliances can be found on the Braver Angels national website and events page.
Sample Debate: “Resolved: America is a Racist Nation”
On July 15th, Braver Angels sought an answer to one of the most charged and challenging questions facing our country today. Is racism embedded in our institutions, our culture, our American story? This debate brought a panel of passionate voices together for an honest conversation about the state of our nation’s values and systems.
Check Out Braver Media
A Braver Way Podcast
The newest podcast from Braver Angels, hosted by Mónica Guzmán, Director of Digital & Storytelling at Braver Angels, brings together guests from across the political spectrum to unearth tools, insights, and real life stories to guide listeners through their divides.
Listen to "A Braver Way" Podcast ⧉
YouTube Channel
The Braver Angels YouTube Channel includes recordings of our national debates, video podcasts, America's Public Forum series, a documentary about Brave Angels, and more.