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.
Talking Sense in Duluth: How to Manage Emotions Around Politics
Bill Doherty, a co-founder of Braver Angels and University of Minnesota professor emeritus of family and marriage therapy, led this event co-sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio's Talking Sense initiative. Here is the YouTube video and here is the link to the evening's handout.
He also conducted a one-hour Zoom Oct. 21 discussion on how to deal with the aftermath of the election. You can watch the video of this session and download the handout.
Braver Angels Minnesota offers Election Survival Guide
to reduce political rancor and preserve relationships
In a divisive election year, Braver Angels Minnesota has developed the 2024 Election Survival Guide to support Minnesotans who feel uncertain about handling political differences with those around them.
The free guide offers a three-minute video and other resources with practical ideas on preparing for challenging political conversations with family, friends and neighbors…more…
News about Braver Angels Minnesota
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.
Nov. 6, 2024 - CBS News, Sacramento CA: Grassroots organization, Braver Angels, aims to ease election tension, unite voters
Nov. 2, 2024 - The Timberjay: Braver Angels can help us navigate our divided politics
Nov. 1, 2024 - Minnesota Star Tribune: Can Americans discuss political disagreements respectfully? Yes, says this Minnesota pastor
Oct. 29, 2024 - Northfield News: Rotary Club of Northfield: About Braver Angels and civil discourse
Oct. 15, 2024 - NPR: Are political disagreements stressing you out? Here are tips to bridge the divide
Oct. 3, 2024 - Talking Sense: How to connect with people you disagree with
Sept. 13, 2024 - The Current: MPR and nonprofit Braver Angels want Minnesotans to "disagree better"
Sept. 2, 2024 -Minnesota Star Tribune: Don't like coarse political discourse? Do something.
Aug. 26, 2024 - Minnesota Star Tribune: How the Minnesota Council of Churches is bridging divides this election year
Aug. 19, 2024 - How one state's new 'Civility Caucus' aims to bridge partisan divides
Beyond Red & Blue: A Braver Angels Open House on Zoom and Conversation on Words (Online)
7-8 pm Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
Register for the Zoom link.
7-8 pm Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
Register for the Zoom link.
Minnesota Braver Angels from around the state are invited to join us for a monthly Open House (OH?) on Zoom. Your state coordinators want to know what’s on your mind. Bring your questions to share about political polarization. If there’s time, we will discuss how words we perceive as “blue” or “red” can create barriers in our conversations. Please BYOW (Bring your own word) to share. We want to know how you feel it stops you or the other side in their tracks. How should we handle those situations?
Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to Braver Angels, this is a casual event and 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!
Get involved
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.