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

Jan. 5 - Minnesota 2026 State Legislature Preview, Plymouth

Mon, Jan 5, 6-8pm In-person

Minnesota 2026 State Legislature Preview

Host: West Suburban Alliance

Location: Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447

REGISTER

Please attend our special event on Monday January 5th, from 6 to 8 pm, in the Aspen Room of the Plymouth Community Center,

14800 34th Avenue N., Plymouth. The West Suburban Braver Angels Alliance will be hosting a unique opportunity for citizens

to learn more about the Minnesota Legislature.

Minnesota State Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash and DFL Executive Director Jim Heighington will

present their perspectives on the upcoming 2026 state legislative session, and a question and answer session will follow.

In the Braver Angels Way, these political party officials will present their respective party’s positions but not debate the issues.

The audience will have the opportunity for improved understanding by asking about the principles and past events

that guide each party’s policy positions.

Take notes during January’s meeting because at our next meeting, January attendees will share key insights from the presentations.

Participants will also have time to draft and discuss letters to their state representatives and to DFL and Republican party

legislative leaders on the topics covered. That event is scheduled for the Hennepin County Ridgedale Branch Library,

12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, on Monday, February 9 at 6 p.m.

Registration is required because of room capacity.

Use this link to register for the January meeting: REGISTER

The February meeting will be posted soon!

Jan. 10 - Skills for Disagreeing Better, Minneapolis

Sat, Jan 10,  8:30-10:30 a.m.  In-person

 Host: Minnesota Braver Angels

Partner: The Basilica of St. Mary, 1600 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis MN 55402

Workshop location: The Basilica School,  Room LL-7, located behind the church. For information about parking options, visit  Parking

SIGN UP

Note: This event is to be attended in person.

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

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.

Jan. 12 - Skills for Disagreeing Better, Bayport

Mon, Jan 12,  5:30-7:30 a.m.  In-person

 Host: St. Croix Valley Braver Angels

Workshop location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 490 4th St N, Bayport, MN 55003

RESERVE A SPOT   Note: This *FREE* event is to be attended in person (Use promo code: BRAVER). You will not need physical or virtual tickets in order to attend this event.

Learning to see where we differ and where we share common ground through civil discussion.

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.

Workshop Goals

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

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

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

*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:
Karen Keller: kkeller@braverangels.org
Rhys Larson: rlarson@braverangels.org

Jan. 13 - MAHA: GLP-1s Are to Food Dyes as Immunizations Are to Pesticides, Apple Valley

Tue, Jan 13,  7-8:30 p.m.  In-person
Host: Dakota County MN Alliance 

Falcon Ridge Middle School, 12900 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124

SIGN UP

Join us for a lively discussion where participants will have the opportunity to share their values and opinions on these important topics. Engage in meaningful conversations, listen to others’ perspectives, and exchange ideas.

Discussion Topics and Example Questions:
1. GLP-1 Treatments: How do you feel about the growing use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss and diabetes management?
What are the potential benefits or risks of these treatments?
2. Food Dyes:  Do you believe food dyes affect children’s behavior or health?  Should there be more regulation on artificial food coloring
3. Immunizations:  What role do vaccines play in public health today?  Should there be a limit to personal choice when it comes to vaccination requirements?
4. Pesticides:  How do you balance the need for pesticides in agriculture with concerns over environmental and health impacts? What steps, if any, should be taken to reduce pesticide use?

This event is designed for open, respectful dialogue, where everyone’s voice matters.

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

Jan. 22 - Braver Angels Debate-The Minnesota Somali welfare fraud case

Thursday  Jan. 22, 6-8 p.m. (online)
Host: National Braver Angels

RESERVE A SPOT

Join us January 22 online for a friendly and intellectually engaging experience you won't find 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!)

Here's the night's topic:

Resolved: The Minnesota Somali welfare fraud case demonstrates that an acceptance of immigrant multi-culturalism is a threat to assimilation based on a shared national culture.
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 or Zoom meeting assignment.

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 disable their video.

Questions? contact Herb Lape, hlape@braverangels.org

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

Jan. 22 - A Braver Angels Conversation: How Do We Find Community in Our Differences?  Shorewood

Thursday  Jan. 22, 6:30-8 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)

Shorewood Community & Event Center

5735 Country Club Road
Host: West Suburban Alliance 

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

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.

Join Dr. Bill Doherty, who helped found Braver Angels in 2016 and University of Minnesota professor emeritus of Family Science, for this surprising and

enlightening session.

Questions? Contact Melinda Voss at mvoss@braverangels.org

Jan. 22 - Skills for Disagreeing Better, Winona

Thursday  Jan. 22, 6:30-8 p.m.

Location: Fraternal Order of Eagles, 210 East 4th Street, Winona, MN 55987
Host: Winona Alliance 

REGISTER  Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

Note: This *FREE* event is to be attended in person (Promo code: BRAVER).

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

*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 or Scott Schluter at sschluter@braverangels.org

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

Jan. 29 - Ely Alliance Social Event

Thursday, Jan. 29, 5-7 p.m.
The Boathouse

Social Event with free food and beverages and plenty of conversation. Watch for details.

National Events - Online

Jan. 3 - Families and Politics

Sat, Jan 3    1-4 p.m. CST

Host Organization: BA National - Workshops

State/Region: - National

Setting: Online

RESERVE A SPOT

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 in-person 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.

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

Jan. 24 - Depolarizing Within

Sat, Jan. 24   1-4 p.m. CST

Host Organization: BA National 

State/Region: - National 

Setting: Online

RESERVE A SPOT 

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, 3-hour workshop teaches 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.

Workshop Format: The 3-hour workshop is offered online over Zoom.

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

See you there!

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

Jan. 27 - National Debate: The American Dream

Tue, Jan. 27,  7-9 p.m. CST

Host Organization: BA National 

RESERVE A SPOT    Note: This Free event is to be attended ONLINE. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.
You will not need physical or virtual tickets  to attend this event.  After registration, you will be emailed the zoom link to attend the event. Keep an eye out!

Is the American Dream alive and well? Join Braver Angels to debate: Resolved: The American Dream is alive and well.

The ideal of the American Dream was introduced into popular discourse early in the 20th century in the wake of the Great Depression. By the 1950s, alongside economic prosperity and the expansion of home ownership in the United States, the American Dream had come to symbolize Americans’ collective optimism about upward mobility.

As 2026—the year of our nation’s 250th anniversary—begins, the future of the American Dream is contested. The share of Americans who own a home continues to rise, but at the same time, the share of Americans who rent their housing is rising faster. Is it still the case that, regardless of background, anyone can achieve success if only they have the will? Some argue that a modern economy characterized by the hollowing out of the middle class makes the American Dream less relevant than in the past. Others, however, argue that rapid technological progress is accompanied by increased opportunity for success. Does this ideal still hold promise in our modern economy? Does the American Dream need an update?

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.

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.

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