Events

Braver Angels workshops are typically free events as part of our mission to depolarize America. Braver Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible.  Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America. To donate to Minnesota Braver Angels, go to Support a Braver Angels Field Organization - Minnesota.

Minnesota events are listed below, as well as some national events. To find additional national events, visit the Events Calendar on the national Braver Angels website. The national BA events calendar offers in-person and online events and can be searched by date and location. Most Registration links go to Eventbrite, a service that lists events and manages registrations.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN MINNESOTA

May 21 -The Meaning of Liberty: A Braver Angels Conversation **ONLINE**

Thursday, May 21  7-8:30 p.m.

RESERVE A SPOT  *Tickets are Free, Donations Help Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

In 1776, the people living in the American colonies were subjects of a king, not citizens of a democracy. The Declaration of Independence marked a radical shift—from inherited status to the idea that people are born with equal rights, including liberty.

That idea was revolutionary. Its application is an ongoing responsibility.

From the very beginning, Americans have wrestled with what liberty means, who it applies to, and what it requires of us as citizens rather than subjects.

This conversation invites you into that ongoing story.

Together, we will explore liberty as a shared civic ideal—how it was understood at the nation’s founding, how it has been contested over time, and how people today experience and interpret it differently. This is not a debate, a history lecture, or an attempt to persuade. It is a chance to think together about an idea that continues to shape our lives and our democracy.

Understanding is the goal. Agreement is not required.

What You Can Expect to Gain

• A deeper understanding of liberty as a foundational—and contested—American ideal

• Insight into how others interpret liberty based on different experiences and values 

• Greater confidence engaging civic ideas across disagreement

Questions? Contact Melinda Voss, mvoss@braverangels.org, or Scott Schluter, sschluter@braverangels.org

May 27 - Braver Coffee and Conversation - Stillwater

Wednesday, May 27  10:30-12 a.m.

Zvago,  114 Brick St. S, Stillwater

RESERVE A SPOT

Please join our monthly community coffee chat to share your experiences with Braver Angels principles and response to the recent workshop Depolarizing Ourselves.

Come for support, share ideas and gain inspiration during these challenging times.

Coffee and treats available!

May 27 - Ely Alliance Meeting: What Does Patriotism Mean to You? -  Ely

Wednesday, May 27   6 p.m.

Ely Community Center

27 E 2nd Ave, Ely, MN 55731

What does Patriotism mean to you?

How do you express your Patriotism?

What are the responsibilities of a Patriot?
Can protestors be Patriotic?

We will discuss these and other questions about a word that may have a different meaning for each of us.

We will begin by inviting anyone to share their definition of patriotism and then get into small groups to discuss several questions including those mentioned above as well as how we tend to judge others who express their patriotism in a different way.

So, please join us for civil discussion and cookies. Even if you’ve never come to a gathering before, we would love to see you on May 27!

Braver Angels members and supporters in the Ely area gather each month to have respectful conversations about timely topics.  We meet every 4th Wednesday, same time, same place, different topics.

Thanks.

Steering Committee

Questions? Reach out to johnnie@ravenwords.com

June 6 - Minnesota Citizens Commission on Immigration, MN Congressional District 1

Saturday, June 6  1-5 p.m.

Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 1 (CD1) who are interested in more information on registering for the workshop, go to Braver Angels MN-01 - Common Ground Immigration Workshop - Participant Request then please complete the request form before May 22, 2026.

The Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop brings together equal numbers of Conservatives and Liberals – Reds and Blues (4-8 of each) – for a deep dive into a problem, such as addressing climate change, electoral reform or abortion. Together participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions. By the end of the workshop, participants have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and 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:

• To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem

• To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement

• To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

Logistics:

There are two ways CD1  registered voters may  join this  Common Ground Workshop:

• Participant: A participant will engage in small- and large-group discussions with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants must identify as “red” (Republican or leaning conservative) or “blue” (Democrat or leaning liberal). We will strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 4 to 8 people on each side.

• Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen. Observers/Alternates should be ready to step in and participate as their “color” in the event of participant cancellations. In areas that have a geographic “color” imbalance, allowing for up to 15 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop. Observer/Alternates have found observing a workshop to be amazingly valuable.

Who can come?  Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 1  who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of, and connection with, people whose political beliefs differ from their own. You should honestly be able to answer “yes” to the following question:

“Are you willing to listen to the other side, and are you willing to speak to the other side with respect?”

Everyone who signs up will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact Tim Gustafson at  tgustafson@braverangels.org

This workshop is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels as part of our mission to depolarize America. Braver Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible.  Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America. Click here to donate.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

June 9 - Skills for Disagreeing Better

Tuesday, June 9  6:30-8 p.m. (1.5 hours)   Doors open at 6 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
13600 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344

RESERVE A SPOT - Free

This interactive Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop offers four specific skills that help participants deepen their understand of the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically. Led by a trained Braver Angels moderator, this 90-minute workshop offers participants ways to:

● Deepen your understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically

● Acquire skills for listening in a way the other person feels heard

● Learn skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree

About Braver Angels
Braver Angels envisions an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm in civic life. Courageous citizenship is practiced, not proclaimed. We inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skill building, convening and collaborative action.

Questions? Contact Joan.Palmquist@outlook.com or mvoss@braverangels.org

June 9 - Join us! Braver Angels Social & Team Building - Worthington

Tuesday, June 9    7-8 p.m.

Nobles County Heritage Center,  225 9th Street, Worthington 56187 

Come and join us, ask questions and see what we can do together. 

If questions, please contact, Julie Lopez juliealopez83@gmail.com or the MN Coordinators

June 28 - Local Community Debate - Two Harbors

Sunday, June 28    3-5 p.m.

Harbor Theater
616 2nd Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616

RESERVE A SPOT   Note: This *FREE*event is to be attended in person.

Come join us for a Braver Angels debate that's as much about the heart as the head. Learn what people really think and why! You won't find such a friendly and intellectually engaging experience anywhere else! Listen to speeches for or against the resolution—and then share your own, if you feel so moved. (And there's no pressure, but we hope you will!)

Topic: TBD

Resolved: TBA

Note: This resolution does not represent Braver Angels' stance on the issue. We will alternate between speeches in support of and against the resolution.

Tickets are free, but donations help. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

A Braver Angels debate is about the heart as much as the head. It's a highly structured conversation in which a group of people think together, listen to one another carefully and with curiosity, and allow themselves to be touched by each other’s ideas. It's not a political debate, nor is it like your high school debate club. It's our own depolarizing debate system, and it works best when we embrace our uncertainty and parse the shades of grey together. When we manage to do this, we walk out of a Braver Angels debate a little closer to the truth, more aware of the sincere and sympathetic feelings of our political opponents, with our relationships a little stronger.

To learn more about our debates, you can take a look at our quick start guide and this video about the spirit of a Braver Angels Debate. For further information, including to find additional upcoming events or view recordings of some of our past debates please visit: https://braverangels.org/what-we-do/debates/.

This debate is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels as part of our mission to depolarize America. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America. You will have an opportunity to make a donation as you register, if you so choose. Your choice will have no bearing on your registration.

Braver Angels events may be recorded, and may be shared with the news media or used in Braver Angels publications, including web pages. Participants who object to being recorded may notify the organizer.

Questions? Contact Katya Gordon at katyagordon69@gmail.com, Sam Rechek at sam@braverangels.org or unzei005@gmail.com

NATIONAL EVENTS - ALL ONLINE

May 31 - Becoming a Courageous Citizen   *ONLINE*

Saturday May 31     3-4  p.m.  CDT

RESERVE A SPOT
This is a *FREE * event. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3. 

An introduction to Braver Angels with some reflective exercises and discussion.

This presentation provides participants with an introduction to Braver Angles and an overview of its principals. During this presentation, participants will:

• Participate in several discussion activities.

• Watch a short video with a message from BraverAngels CEO Maury Giles

• Hear about the personal cost of political polarization.

• Learn what being a Courageous Citizen means.

This presentation is not intended to replace a skills-based workshop.

Questions? Contact yboyd@braverangels.org, Yvonne Boyd

June 2 -  Debate: Christianity & Politics   *ONLINE*

Tuesday, June 2     7-9 p.m. CDT

RESERVE A SPOT  After registration, you will be emailed the Zoom link to attend the event. Keep an eye out! Questions? Email debates@braverangels.org

Join Braver Angels for a debate on the topic – Resolved: Christian practices have no place in US government.

Remember, our resolutions never represent Braver Angels’ stance on any issue, and we alternate between speeches for and against the resolution.

Come join us for this free National Debate, in which all participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their questions. Tell us what you have experienced and what you think.

You probably haven’t experienced anything like a Braver Angels Debate. This is a highly structured conversation in which a group of people think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and perhaps changed by each other’s ideas. When done well, everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of the validity in opposing views, and with tighter community relationships.

To learn more about our debates, you can take a look at our Quick Start Guide and this video about the spirit of a Braver Angels Debate. For further information, including to find additional upcoming events or view recordings of some of our past debates, please visit: https://braverangels.org/what-we-do/debates/.

This debate is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit as part of our mission to depolarize America. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax-deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America.

Braver Angels events may be recorded and may be shared with media or used in Braver Angels publications, including web pages. Participants who object to this may disable their video.

For more national online opportunities, visit Braver Angels Events Calendar.