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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
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN MINNESOTA
May 18 - Depolarizing Ourselves - Bayport
May 18 - Depolarizing Ourselves - Bayport
Monday, May 18 6-8 p.m.
Bayport Library
582 N 4th St, Bayport, MN 55003
RESERVE A SPOT
*Tickets are Free, Donations Help As a spam prevention measure, you must use promo code BRAVER during registration to secure your spot in the workshop. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3. Braver Angels does not ask for a donation if the participant is making one to their faith organization. Note: This Free event is to be attended in person (Promo Code: "BRAVER").
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.
We don't have to agree on everything to treat each other with respect! Join us for this Depolarizing Ourselves Introductory Workshop.
Questions? Contact Paul Suszko at psuszko@braverangels.org
Tuesday, May 19 6-8 p.m. CDT
Eagles Club
210 E 4th St. Winona
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.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is one of the most debated and polarizing institutions in American public life today. For some, it represents the rule of law and national sovereignty. For others, it raises urgent concerns about civil liberties, humanitarian treatment, and government accountability.
How do we talk about an issue like this—across real differences—without it turning into division?
Braver Angels Winona will hold a two-hour discussion so people with diverse perspectives can come together not to debate or persuade, but to better understand one another and see if we can outline a path together that serves our country. Through small-group conversations and structured dialogue, participants will explore the values, concerns, and experiences that shape how we each see ICE and immigration enforcement. This is a space for curiosity over judgment, listening over talking points, and connection over conflict.
In this workshop, you will:
• Gain a clearer understanding of ICE’s role and the controversies surrounding it
• Leave better informed — not just better opinionated
• Clarify your own principles
• Hear perspectives you don’t normally encounter
• Walk away with language that elevates the conversation
• Contribute to creating a stronger civic culture
Whether you feel strongly about this issue or are still forming your perspective, you are welcome. Come be part of a different kind of conversation—one that builds understanding, even where agreement may not exist.
*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.
Questions? Contact Melinda Voss at mvoss@braverangels.org
May 19 - The Meaning of Liberty: A Braver Angels Conversation - Woodbury
May 19 - The Meaning of Liberty: A Braver Angels Conversation - Woodbury
Tuesday, May 19 7-8:30 p.m.
East Ridge High School Media Center (2nd floor)
4200 Pioneer Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129
(Enter the school’s front doors by the flag poles, parking lot is adjacent; elevator to the left after entering the building)
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 19 - Minnesota Alliance Open House "*ONLINE**
May 19 - Minnesota Alliance Open House "*ONLINE**
Tuesday, May 19 7-8 p.m.
Host: Minnesota State Alliance
The Minnesota State Alliance Open House is a place to bring the curious questions that you wonder about, but might not have someone on the other side you feel safe asking. Our hope is that you feel OK to be “Open and Honest” with your curious questions, to better know ourselves and others’ stories behind our beliefs.
And if you’re new to Braver Angels, this is also a great opportunity to ask about BA programs, workshops, skills training or explore volunteering your skills and experience with new Braver Angels’ teams in education, politics, faith and more. We would love to talk with you!
May 21 -The Meaning of Liberty: A Braver Angels Conversation
May 21 -The Meaning of Liberty: A Braver Angels Conversation
**ONLINE**
**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
May 27 - Braver Coffee and Conversation - Stillwater
Wednesday, May 27 10:30-12 a.m.
Zvago, 114 Brick St. S, Stillwater
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
May 27 - Ely Alliance Meeting: What Does Patriotism Mean to You? - Ely
Wednesday, May 27 6 p.m.
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 28 - Local Community Debate - Two Harbors
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
NATIONAL EVENTS - ALL ONLINE
May 16 - Workshop to Address Unauthorized Immigrants in U.S. Today *ONLINE*
May 16 - Workshop to Address Unauthorized Immigrants in U.S. Today *ONLINE*
Saturday May 16 1-5 p.m. CDT
RESERVE A SPOT Click on the link for more details. After registration, you will be emailed the zoom link to attend the event. Keep an eye out!
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. More information on the registration page.
This Common Ground Workshop on Immigration will bring together equal numbers of Reds and Blues take a deep dive into a problem and work on proposing solutions-- together.
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.
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