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

ONGOING SIGN-UP - Pairs to the Polls

Red-Blue pairs (or Red or Blue individuals willing to be paired) are needed to represent the Braver Angels Way outside polling places this November.

Read about how it worked in 2024 by going to Election Day Recap.

Interested? Visit Practice Courageous Citizenship on Election Day to sign up.

Oct. 5  - Encouraging Courageous Citizenship -- Finding Community Across Differences Before and After Elections - Woodbury

Monday, Oct. 5   6:30-8 p.m.

Woodbury Central Park
8595 Central Park Place

Woodbury, MN 55125

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

In a time of deep ideological and political divides, building community across differences is challenging. In this 90-minute interactive Braver Angels session, participants will explore the sources of today's polarization and learn skills for respectful dialogue and finding common ground--especially during seasons when elections further polarize us.

Participants will also leave with information on voting access and where to find background on candidates as well as general organizational materials and resources.

This event is a collaboration of Braver Angels, Woodbury Cottage Grove Area League of Women Voters and The Grove United Methodist Church. The invitation is open to people in the Twin Cities metro area and beyond.

The event will be led by Bill Doherty,  an emeritus professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota where he taught marriage and family therapy. He focuses on couples on the brink of divorce and on political stress in relationships. Following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization and restore the fraying social fabric in American society. 

Donations support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

Oct. 6 - Skills for Disagreeing Better  - Plymouth

Tuesday, Oct. 6-7-8:30 p.m.

Plymouth Community Center-Education Wing

14800 34th Avenue N, Plymouth, MN, 55447

(763) 509-5280

SIGN UP

Is political tension hurting your family and friendships? Learn how to understand the values and concerns of people who see politics differently. Explore simple, practical skills for listening so others feel heard, and for sharing your own views in a way others can receive, even if they disagree. Participants will: 

• Better understand the values and concerns of people with different beliefs

• Develop listening skills that help others feel respected and understood

• Practice sharing your own views in a way that encourages connection instead of conflict

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

Oct. 13 - Finding Community in Our Differences - Rochester

Tuesday, Oct. 13  6:30-8 p.m.

RCTC Heintz Center

1926 Collegeview Road East, Rochester, MN 55904

RESERVE A SPOT   The West Lot is the best place to park. Enter through door H15. 

In a time of deep ideological and political divides, building community across differences is challenging. In this 90-minute interactive Braver Angels session, participants will explore the sources of today's polarization and learn skills for respectful dialogue and finding common ground. 

This event is a collaboration of the three Rochester Rotary Clubs, which are: The Rotary Club of Rochester, Rochester Risers Rotary Club  and Greater Rochester Rotary Club.   

The event will be led by Bill Doherty,  a co-founder of Braver Angels and an emeritus professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota where he taught marriage and family therapy. He focuses on couples on the brink of divorce and on political stress in relationships. Following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization and restore the fraying social fabric in American society. 

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

Oct. 13 - Managing Difficult Conversations with Constituents - Rochester

A Braver Politics workshop that lowers the stress of difficult conversations with constituents across divides and helps you find common ground.
(For elected officials and administrative staff in Olmsted and surrounding counties)

Tuesday, Oct. 13    9-11 a.m.

Rochester Public Utilities

4000 East River Road Northeast, #2813 

Rochester, MN 55906

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

With communities becoming more politically polarized and public dialogue becoming more confrontational, new skills are required for leaders to better navigate disagreements and encourage a more constructive environment for doing business.

This workshop will equip you with practical tools you can use immediately when a constituent or colleague challenges you on a policy or course of action. As an elected official, you will learn skills to help lower the stress of difficult conversations and help you proceed with more confidence in your role. You will come away with strategies to better soften critics and find common ground in an increasingly divisive environment.

Questions? Contact Melinda Voss, mvoss@braverangels.org

Oct. 13 - Skills for Disagreeing Better - Rochester

Tuesday, Oct. 13     1-2:30 p.m.

Rochester Community and Technical College

1926 Collegeview Road East, Rochester, MN 55904 

RESERVE A SPOT  -- The West Lot is the best place to park. Enter through door H15.  
*Tickets are free. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations help support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

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

Questions? Contact Melinda Voss, mvoss@braverangels.org

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

Oct. 13 - Depolarizing Ourselves - Rochester

Tuesday, Oct. 13  3:30-5 p.m.

Rochester Community and Technical College
1926 Collegeview Road East, Rochester, MN 55904 

The West Lot is the best place to park. Enter through door H15.

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

A free in-person session to become more aware of your "inner polarizer" and to learn methods for disagreeing without contempt and ridicule.

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.

Questions? Contact mvoss@braverangels.org, Melinda Voss

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

Oct. 13 - How Do We Find Community in Our Differences - Rochester

Tuesday, Oct. 13 - 6:30-8 p.m.

RCTC Heintz Center

1926 Collegeview Road East

Rochester, MN 55904

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.

Explore how to engage in respectful dialogue across differences

In a time of deep cultural and political divides, building community across differences is challenging. In this 90-minute Braver Angels interactive session, participants will explore how to engage in respectful dialogue, find common ground without compromising values, and strengthen relationships despite disagreements.

Questions? Contact Melinda Voss, mvoss@braverangels.org

Oct. 19 - St. Croix Valley Alliance: Election Integrity Discussion - Bayport

Monday, Oct. 19  6 p.m. refreshments; 6:30-8 p.m.

Bayport Public Library Conference Room
582 4th Street North

Bayport, MN 55003

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

Elections: What We Hope For, What We Fear, and How We Keep Them Fair

You don't have to choose between blindly trusting elections and assuming they can't be trusted. This session offers a chance to better understand how elections work, explore what can go wrong, and what safeguards are in place. You can hear genuine concerns from both sides and practice having a more constructive conversation about one of the most important—and divisive—issues in American democracy.

This workshop brings community members together to explore how elections are administered, examine real evidence—including recent findings from the Minnesota Legislative Auditor's report—and discuss safeguards with local neighbors.
  

We'll start with a short 3-minute video from Washington County election officials, hear brief 7-minute perspectives from local speakers Doug Menikheim and Michael McCarthy, and move into small breakout group discussions.

We hope you’ll join us for this timely, non-partisan conversation!!

Questions? Contact Paul Suszko, psuszko@braverangels.org; jlanning@braverangels.org, rlarson@braverangels.org

Oct. 21 - Skills for Disagreeing Better - West St. Paul

Wednesday, Oct.. 21    7-8:30 p.m.

Thompson Park Activity Center
1200 Stassen Ln, West St. Paul, MN 55118

Sponsored by District 197 Community Education on behalf of Dakota County Braver Angels Alliance

ENROLL NOW  Registration is $20  (a maximum of 20 people)

In our current political climate, individuals with differing political viewpoints not only hold contrasting opinions on various matters but also exhibit a growing animosity toward one another. This discord is detrimental to our communities, our nation, and the well-being of our children. This workshop teaches simple, practical skills for listening so others feel heard and sharing your views in a way others can receive. Decorum will be expected to attend this class.

Oct. 22 - Elections — What We Hope For, What We Fear and How to Keep Them Fair - Winona

Thursday, Oct. 22    6:30-8  p.m.
Eagles Club

210 E. 4th St.

Winona, MN 55987

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.

Elections: What We Hope For, What Our Concerns Are, 
and How We Keep Them Fair.

You don't have to choose between blindly trusting elections and assuming they can't be trusted. This 90-minute session offers a chance to better understand how elections work, explore what can go wrong, and what safeguards are in place. You can hear genuine beliefs from both sides and practice having a more constructive conversation about one of the most important—and divisive—issues in American democracy today.

Why Attend?
By the end of this 90-minute session, participants will:
- Identify what they hope elections accomplish.
- Articulate concerns about how elections could go awry.
- Learn some basic facts about how American elections are administered and safeguarded.
- Explore what citizens can do to strengthen confidence in elections—even when their preferred candidate loses.

Questions? Contact Melinda Voss, mvoss@braverangels.org or drycementmixer@aol.com

NATIONAL EVENTS - ALL ONLINE

Sept. 26 - Skills for Disagreeing Better    **ONLINE**

Saturday, Sept. 26  1-2:30Central 

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 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

Questions? Contact Paige Swartz, paige@braverangels.org

Oct. 7 - When the Going Gets Tough    **ONLINE**

Wednesday, Oct. 7  6-7:30 p.m.

RESERVE A SPOT Restricted Attendance: You need to have taken at least one Braver Angels skills course, in person, online or ecourse.
*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.

A moderated peer group meeting to discuss challenging situations

Join fellow Braver Angels members in a small group setting to discuss challenging situations you’ve encountered. Share your experiences, reflect together, and strengthen your Braver Angels skills through peer learning.The event is carefully and kindly moderated. This is a space for personal reflection and supportive connection—not for giving advice to others.

Questions? Contact Paul Norris, pnorris@braverangels.org

Oct. 10 - National Red/Blue Workshop    **ONLINE**

Get beyond the stories we tell about each other and create a forum to discuss our viewpoints without judgment.

Saturday, Oct. 10,    12-3:15 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.  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.

Please join us for an intensive online workshop that will bring together Republican-leaning and Democrat-leaning citizens for structured conversations, with a focus on listening and reflecting rather than debating and persuading. We will facilitate collaborative discussions and the sharing of ideas.

Goals:

• To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide.

• To seek out areas of common ground in addition to acknowledging and respecting differences.

• To gain insights that might help to heal the increasing polarization in our community and the nation.

Who can come? Anyone 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?”

This event includes the Stereotypes and Fishbowl exercises. 

Workshop Details: There are two ways to join a Red/Blue Workshop: as a Participant or as an Observer/Alternate.

• Participants 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: 6 to 8 people on each side.

• Observers/Alternates can identify as red, blue, or independent (not leaning either way). They 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 25 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop.

• The workshop is 3 to 3.5 hours long.

Leading up to the event, participants will receive a phone call, text, or email from the organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact Yvonne Boyd, yboyd@braverangels.org.

Oct. 11 - Faith in America: Pray for Free, Fair, Safe Elections **ONLINE**

Sunday, Oct. 11, 3-4:15 p.m. CDT

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.  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.

At a time of deep political division and declining trust, Praying for America brings people together across faith traditions and political perspectives in a nonpartisan, multi-faith gathering to pray for our country and champion free, fair, and safe elections.

A coalition of faith-based organizations will host two 75 minute national online gatherings on October 11 and November 1. Drawing on the wisdom and traditions of America’s many faith communities, we’ll come together around shared values, mutual respect, peace, and honoring the will of the people.

Praying for America is nonpartisan. It is not about candidates, parties, or policy positions. People across the political spectrum and from all faith traditions are warmly invited.

The events are part of the broader Faith in America initiative, which also includes local faith-community engagement and the grassroots “I Have Faith in America” video campaign.

Join us in bringing the healing grace and shared civic values to the forefront by expressing support for free, fair and safe elections. Voting is a fundamental and sacred civic practice, and Praying for America is a wonderful way to celebrate citizens expressing their will by casting ballots and having them counted.

Questions? Email Cheryl@civildiscourseinstitute.org

Oct. 29 -   Monthly National Debate (Coliseum Style)  **ONLINE**

Thursday, Oct 29, 6-8 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.

A Zoom webinar link will be emailed to you a few days before the event, All guests will have the opportunity to submit questions via registration and during the event. The event will be conducted as a webinar format on Zoom.

Should the US provide humanitarian or development aid to other nations?  Join Braver Angels to debate. Decide for yourself at our online Coliseum-style debate on the United States’ role in international development. Our panelists differ on American “soft power,” but agree on accurate disagreement and productive debate. Guests will be able to submit questions at registration and during the debate.

Should the United States fund international development?

At the start of his second term in office, President Trump and his administration withdrew funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with a small portion of USAID's functions being transferred to the Department of State. These extensive changes prepare the way for accurate disagreement and productive debate about the United States' proper role in supporting the development of foreign nations.

Does the US have an obligation to provide humanitarian aid to other nations? Should funding for USAID be restored? How should the US extend its soft power influence around the globe?

Our resolution will be developed to generate disagreement amongst our panelists.

Speakers include:

• Alice Albright - former CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation

• Max Primorac - Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation

• Emily Brearley - Founder, Solution42 and developmental economist

• + More coming soon!

Questions? Email debates@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 these debates, you can view this video of a sample debate (it lasts about 15 minutes). This file might help you understand the debate process that we use.

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.

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