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Welcome to Braver Angels
Welcome to Braver Angels
Braver Angels Minnesota is part of a national citizens' movement that brings together conservatives, liberals, independents and others to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics.
We seek not to eliminate our differences but rather deal with them head-on -- with respect and understanding -- for the betterment of our communities. In short, we do not try to change people's views on issues but on how they view the other side.
We offer workshops, debates and structured conversations - typically for no charge - that allow participants to learn and practice effective listening and speaking skills.
Our volunteers share and model these skills because they believe that treating each other better is the answer to what's broken in America.
There will always be differences. We believe the best way forward is to change how we deal with those differences.
Latest Minnesota Braver Angels newsletter
The May 20, 2025 Braver Angels newsletter features highlights of the recent tour to western and northern Minnesota (photos below), a link to a recent MPR story about Macalester College and University of Northwestern: First year of liberal-conservative student collaboration deemed a success; Another cohort starts in the fall, and more.
Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs and retired Minneapolis Deputy Chief Lucy Gerold
News about Braver Angels Minnesota
May 15, 2025 - Minnesota Public Radio: Twin Cities conservative and liberal college students try not to stay in their lanes
May 2, 2025 - Bemidji Pioneer: Braver Angels hosts Bemidji town hall to combat political polarization
May 2, 2025 - West Central Tribune: Braver Angels events in Willmar Minnesota provide pathway for tough conversations
May 1, 2025 - MinnPost: Braver Angels spreads its 'building bridges' gospel across Greater Minnesota
May 1, 2025 - The Al Travis Show: Interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty
April 23, 2025 - RadioWorks: 'Reduce the Rancor' campaign to make 2-day visit to Worthington
April 22, 2025 - MPR: Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide
April 21, 2025 - Brainerd Dispatch: Reduce the Rancor bus tour rolls May 2 into Brainerd
March 26, 2025 - PBS NewsHour: Ex-NIH director and truck driver explore how to bridge divisions deepened by the pandemic.
Reduce the Rancor tour group with the team from Willmar.
Left - Two participants with different political positions at the Hopes and Concerns for the New Administration workshop in Willmar.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Ely Senior Community Center
Host: Ely Alliance
Members of the community have strong feelings about the topic, dog owners and non-owners alike. Feel free to join us even if you’ve never come before; everyone is welcome!
Monday, June 16, 7-8pm
Host: Minnesota State Alliance
* Local Focus: Minnesota
The Minnesota State Alliance Open House is a place to bring the curious questions that you wonder about, but might not have someone on the other side you feel safe asking. .And if you’re new to Braver Angels, this is also a great opportunity to ask about BA programs, workshops, skills training or explore volunteering your skills and experience with new Braver Angels’ teams in education, politics, faith and more.
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30-8 pm
Bluffview Elementary School Cafeteria , 1156 West Lakewood Avenue, Lake City
Host: Minnesota State Alliance
Partners: Lake City Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Masons, Greater Lake City Area Foundation
In this polarized time, we lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves–their core values and central concerns–but instead as we choose to see them. We are tempted to regard our own side as principled and the other side as self-interested.
When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack the skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing our perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding.
We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.
We offer many ways to Get Involved. Join for $12 a year. Take a free eCourse. Attend a free local, state or national Braver Angels event, among other possibilities. Donations gratefully accepted.
Volunteer Profile - Read about Christopher Schoenherr in Get Involved. He's no stranger to achieving compromise, even in the most unlikely of places.
Braver Angels Effectiveness
Braver Angels Effectiveness
After participating in our programs
After participating in our programs
68% of participants had a positive view of the other side.
75% of participants said they are likely to share what they learned with friends and family.
After participating in our signature Red/Blue Workshop:
86% of participants reported believing that they better understand other points of view
71% reported feeling better understood by people with other points of view
81% reported feeling better prepared to apply the skills they practiced
After participating in 1:1 Conversations: 97% of participants say they found common ground with someone across the divide.
Questions?
Questions?
Connect with your Minnesota Braver Angels state coordinators at mn-coordinators@braverangels.org
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