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

Feb. 19 - Hopes, Fault Lines, and the Work Ahead in 2026 - Winona

Thursday, Feb. 19 6-7:30 p.m.
Eagles Club, 210 E 4th St, Winona, MN 55987
Host: Braver Angels

RESERVE A SPOT     *Tickets are Free, Donations Help  Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

Overview

As we look toward 2026, many of us feel a mix of hope, concern, determination, and fatigue. In Minnesota, the year ahead will be especially momentous. As the midterm election approaches, Minnesotans will elect a new governor, and every seat in the state legislature will be on the ballot.
Decisions made in 2026 will shape the direction of our state for years to come.

The questions before us aren’t just what do I believe? but also how do I want to show up as a citizen during a consequential political moment?

Join Braver Angels for a thoughtful, respectful 90-minute conversation where Minnesotans from across the political spectrum reflect together on the road ahead. This is not a debate or a campaign event—it’s a chance to listen, be heard, and think clearly about what matters most as our state enters a pivotal election year.

What we’ll explore together
• Your hopes and concerns for 2026
What gives you optimism about Minnesota’s future? What worries you as major elections approach?
• The issues that matter most to you right now
Which state or national issues feel most urgent—and why?
• How you want to engage in a high-stakes year
Do you feel called to help reduce polarization and strengthen relationships in your community?
Or to advance your political beliefs through ethical, constructive civic action?
(Many of us feel drawn to both.)

What to expect
• A welcoming opening grounded in the Braver Angels Way
• Guided small-group conversations with people who don’t all think alike
• Structured questions that encourage reflection, curiosity, and clarity
• A closing that highlights shared values and thoughtful next steps—without pressure to agree
 

You don’t need to be an expert, an activist, or even particularly optimistic. You just need to be willing to speak honestly, listen generously, and stay curious.
As Minnesota approaches a defining political moment, let’s practice how to engage well—together.

Questions? Contact Carolyn Dry drycementmixer@aol.com

Feb. 25 - Enforcement of Immigration Laws - Ely

Wednesday, Feb. 25 - 6 p.m.
Ely Community Center, 27 S. 1st Ave

The Ely Alliance meets every 4th Wednesday through 2026.

Feb. 26 – Skills for Disagreeing Better Workshop - North Branch

Thursday, Feb. 26  5-7:30 p.m.
North Branch Library, 6355 379th St., North Branch, MN 55056

Host: St. Croix Valley Alliance

RESERVE A SPOT

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.

Goals

• More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically

• Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard

• Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear — even if they disagree

Feb. 26 - Skills for Disagreeing Better  ONLINE

Thursday, Feb. 26   7 - 8:45 pm
Host: Minnesota Braver Angels

RESERVE A SPOT   Note: This free* event is to be attended online. 

Understand the values and concerns of those who differ politically and learn skills for communicating differences and finding common ground.

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.

Goals

• More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically

• Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard

• Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear -- even if they disagree

March 4 – Depolarizing Ourselves - Bayport

Wednesday,  March 4  6–7:45 p.m.
Bayport Public Library, 582 Fourth St. North, Bayport, MN

Host: St. Croix Valley Alliance

REGISTRATION

Much of today’s polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies. This free, 90-minute workshop offers participants:

• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”

• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

• Strategies for intervening constructively in social conversations with like-minded peers when these conversations veer into contempt and ridicule for people who hold other political views.

Who can benefit? Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others.

The Depolarizing Ourselves Workshop is designed to help you lessen the effects of polarization when you encounter them in your political conversations.  Note that by “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy. We are talking about how we regard and talk about large groups of ordinary people on the other side of our own politics as if they were enemies.

March 7 - Depolarizing Ourselves - Minneapolis

Saturday, March 7 - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

The Basilica of St. Mary, 1600 Hennepin Ave., The Basilica School, Room LL7, Minneapolis 

SIGN UP

Polarization is fueled by how we talk about those on the other side of an issue. Too often, we ridicule, dismiss, or stereotype our fellow citizens. When Braver Angels addresses “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy. We are addressing how we regard and talk about large groups of people — people who happen to be on the other side of the political aisle.

Goals

In this 1.5 hour session participants will learn:

• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”

• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population.

Who Can Attend?

Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others.

March 10 - Minnesota Fraud: Public Funds, Public Trust? - Apple Valley

Tuesday, March 10, 7- 8:30 p.m.

Host: Dakota County Alliance

Location: Falcon Ridge Middle School, 12900 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley, 55124

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.

Gain insight into how people who think differently view Minnesota fraud.

Would you like to gain insight into how people who think differently than you view the recent fraud cases in Minnesota?

This discussion is designed to foster common ground through respectful conversation, deepen insight into differing perspectives, and explore the connection between public funds and public trust. Join a civil exchange focused on listening, learning, and strengthening community understanding.

Questions? Contact Kraig Finwall, kfinwall@braverangels.org

March 10 - Minnesota Fraud: Public Funds, Public Trust  ONLINE

Tuesday, March 10, 7:8:30 p.m.

Host Organization: Dakota County MN Alliance 

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.

Live stream the event, then join breakout rooms for your own discussion.

A live online discussion held alongside the in-person event.

Participants will watch the conversation in real time, then join separate breakout rooms for their own small-group discussions.

While the online and in-person groups will not interact, both will focus on respectful dialogue, gaining insight into differing perspectives, and exploring the connection between public funds and public trust.

Questions? Contact Kraig Finwall, kfinwall@braverangels.org

March 16 - Citizens’ Commission on Immigration - Brooklyn Center

Monday, March 16, 6-8 p.m.

Host Organization: West Suburban Alliance-MSP 

Location: Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, #800, Brooklyn Center, 55430

RESERVE A SPOT

State Coordinators Melinda Voss and Scott Schluter will discuss:
– The national Braver Angels Citizens Commission on Immigration, which will gather common ground solutions to present as recommendations to Congress;
– Organizing a WSA Immigration Common Ground Exercise;
– Organizing one of four “Alliance in a Box” presentations in conjunction with America’s 250th anniversary.

March 19  - Depolarizing Ourselves - ONLINE

Thursday, March 19   7-8:45 p.m. 

Host Organization: State 

State/Region: MN

RESERVE A SPOT 

Note: This free* event is to be attended online. 

About this event
Polarization is fueled by how we talk about those on the other side of an issue. Too often, we ridicule, dismiss, or stereotype our fellow citizens. When Braver Angels addresses “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy. We are addressing how we regard and talk about large groups of people — people who happen to be on the other side of the political aisle.

Goals
In this 1.5 hour session participants will learn:

• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”

• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

Who Can Attend?
Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others.

March 24 - Depolarizing Ourselves - Woodbury

Tuesday, March 24, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jerry's Foods, 7760 Hargis Pkwy, Woodbury, MN 55129

Host Organization: Twin Cities East Metro 

Note: This free* event is to be attended in person.

SIGN UP  
*Tickets are Free, Donations Help 

About this event
Polarization is fueled by how we talk about those on the other side of an issue. Too often, we ridicule, dismiss, or stereotype our fellow citizens. When Braver Angels addresses “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy. We are addressing how we regard and talk about large groups of people — people who happen to be on the other side of the political aisle.

Goals
In this 1.5 hour session participants will learn:

• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”

• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

Who Can Attend?
Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others.

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

March 25 - Voting Regulations - Ely

Wednesday, March  25 - 6 p.m.
Ely Community Center, 27 S. 1st Ave

The Ely Alliance meets every 4th Wednesday through 2026.

National Events - Online

Feb. 19 - National Debate: ICE   -    ONLINE

Thursday, February 19, 2026

7-9 p.m. CST

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.  After registration, you will be emailed the zoom link to attend the event. Keep an eye out!

Overview

Should the United States abolish ICE? Join Braver Angels to debate.

On January 7, 2026, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent named Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good in the course of ICE’s deployment to Minneapolis to conduct immigration enforcement operations.

In the hours and days following, video footage capturing the shooting from different angles proliferated, sparking protests in Minneapolis and other American cities. At the same time, events in Minneapolis sparked a national conversation about ICE, President Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics, and the limits of federal authority. Was Ross’ use of force legal? Are ICE immigration raids in major metropolitan areas justified? Are protesters unlawfully obstructing federal agents in the execution of their duties? Should ICE be abolished, or is it necessary?

What do you think? We want to hear all perspectives on this matter of pressing public concern. Join the Braver Angels Debate Team on Thursday, February 19 for a debate on Resolved: Abolish ICE.

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.

Questions? Email debates@braverangels.org.

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

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.

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 or Zoom meeting assignment.

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. 

Feb. 21 - Red/Blue Workshop - All Day   -  ONLINE

Saturday, Feb. 21    10 a.m.-4 p.m. CST

RESERVE A SPOT

Ready to cross the Red/Blue divide?
 

2026 is off to a polarizing start, with no break in sight. What a great time to join us online for a classic Braver Angels' facilitated Red/Blue Workshop! Share your viewpoint across the divide, discuss without judgement, and get real answers to sincere questions as you work to understand the viewpoints of others. Think of it as a much-needed opportunity to catch your breath. 

Questions? contact yboyd@braverangels.org.

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

Feb. 28 - Families and Politics   ONLINE

Saturday,  Feb. 28 - 1-4 p.m. CST

SIGN UP   *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.   Please be on time. Because this is an interactive workshop, latecomers may not be admitted.

Overview

Family relationships can be casualties of a toxic political environment. Preserve important family bonds while staying true to your values.

Family relationships can become casualties of a toxic political environment. Family members are having bitter political arguments, avoiding each other, or even cutting off lifetime relationships.

If you want to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this workshop will offer you:

• Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging

• Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations

• Strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way

Although the focus is on family relationships, you can use learnings in this workshop with any loved one. You’ll laugh and have some fun in this workshop—it won’t be all serious. After all, we all come from quirky families.

Questions? Contact paige@braverangels.org

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