Braver Angels Minnesota
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 March 15 MN Braver Angels newsletter features information about the Reduce the Rancor Bus Tour, Update about the Civility Caucus in the Minnsota Legislature, and more.
News about Braver Angels Minnesota
March 26, 2025 - PBS NewsHour: Ex-NIH director and truck driver explore how to bridge divisions deepened by the pandemic.
March 10, 2025 - University of Minnesota News and Events featured Being able to have conversations with people that think differently than me.
Feb. 12, 2025 - MPR: An Ely group agrees on the value of the Boundary Waters — but they can’t agree on mining
Feb. 6, 2025 -The Timberjay: Ely's Braver Angels host workshop on mining issues
Jan. 6, 2025 - MPR: Jan. 6 still divides people
Nov. 8, 2024 - Restaurant News: If politics are still dividing your staff, here's what to do
Nov. 7, 2024 - KARE-11 TV: As emotions heighten post election, experts give advice on how to cope.
Parenting is never easy, but how do we raise children in a time of anxiety, outrage, and partisan conflict over politics and the direction of our country? Learn strategies and skills to help our children feel safe but not oblivious, concerned but not fearful, and able to express their evolving values and views without demonizing others who disagree (some of whom are in their extended families!).
Tuesday, April 1 -Common Ground Workshop on Immigration (Woodbury, in-person) 6-9 p.m.
This Common Ground workshop allows participants to go deeper into a single issue. Points of Agreement can be fleshed out at future group meetings, and when possible, lead to joint Red/Blue actions such as op-eds, joint speaking and meetings with legislators.
Goals:
Delve into a single issue where citizens differ and learn how each side sees the problem
Delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement
Discover insights that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation
Read this before the Workshop Overview of Facts and Immigrations Issues. And here is the Participant Guide that details the agenda and specific activities.
Monday, April 7 - Gather, Review and Discuss (Plymouth, in-person) 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Because the West Suburban Aliance hasn't met for awhile, they will review and discuss skill for disagreeing better.
Thursday, April 17 -Minnesota State Alliance Open House (Zoom) 7-8 p.m.
Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to Braver Angels, this is a monthly event that offers connection with other Minnesotans interested in bridging the political divide and what we hope will be a thoughtful discussion that makes a difference for you. All are welcome!
Minnesota Braver Angels will hit the road April 24 to visit parts of western and northwestern Minnesota. Teams in each city on the tour are working with Reduce the Rancor project leaders to create events — workshops, presentations and discussions -- for the public, elected officials, and other community leaders. In addition, local teams have identified Braver Angels workshops or other events best suited for their cities...more
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.
Join our latest campaign to build capacity among individual Minnesotans and constituencies in academic, civic and religious organizations to disagree better. Here's what one partner said about why her organization joined the campaign.
"We are expecting one in three rural physicians to retire in the next five years. And part of that is being driven by rancor or burnout. Nobody's out there saying we should be less healthy. We all want to be healthy. We have different strategies for how to get there. But health is a common goal."
Laurel Ries M.D., President, Minnesota Medical Association
Braver Angels Effectiveness
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?
Connect with your Minnesota Braver Angels state coordinators at mn-coordinators@braverangels.org