Braver Angels Minnesota


Learn about Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota - Check out 2024 Election Survival Guide

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.

Preparing to be Tested as a Braver Angel: Managing the Aftermath of the Election

Bill Doherty, a co-founder of Braver Angels and University of Minnesota professor emeritus of family and marriage therapy, 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  

Picture of the volunteers at a Hold America Together dinner event


Managing Post-Election Highs or Lows: How to Move Forward
Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:00-8:00 pm
Host - Minnesota Public Radio Talking Sense
College of Saint Scholastica, Lounge in Somers Hall

1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811

Register:  Managing Post-Election Highs or Lows: How to Move Forward
How do you want to manage your emotions and relate to others in victory, defeat, or ongoing uncertainty about the election? We will be tempted by triumphalism if our side wins and by spite and revenge if our side loses. Either way, we all lose, and our ability to govern ourselves in a democratic republic will further erode. But we do have a choice about how to show up after the election. We can be bridge builders or bridge burners. Join us for a presentation and conversation about how to repair and move forward together after this polarizing election. Door open at 5:30 pm.  Questions? Contact Melinda Voss at mvoss@braverangels.org.


The statue of liberty with the American Flag in the background

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.

Two angry people looking at the camera while pointing at eachother as if saying "Can you believe this?"

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

A close up view of hands writing in a notebook

Braver Angels Effectiveness

After participating in our programs 


After participating in our signature Red/Blue Workshop:


After participating in 1:1 Conversations:  97% of participants say they found common ground with someone across the divide.


Source: Braver Angels Program Evaluations 

Questions?

Connect with your Minnesota Braver Angels state coordinators at mn-coordinators@braverangels.org.