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. To find a national event, 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

March 20 - Ely Alliance Talks DOGE - (In person)


Thursday, March 20     6 p.m.

Ely Senior Center

27 S 1st Ave E, Ely, MN 55731


Advanced registration is not required.

 

Millions of Americans are thrilled with the changes President Trump and his administration are bringing to our government.  Millions of others fear it’s an existential threat to this nation. If there’s one thing we can ALL agree on, it’s that something is amiss in our country and that things are happening quickly. We may not agree on how to deal with the changes happening, but at Braver Angels we agree to discuss it with those with whom we disagree.


On Thursday, March 20, The Ely Braver Angels Alliance will gather to discuss the topic of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), the agency created by President Trump with the purpose of streamlining government and eliminating waste.

In small groups we will discuss our impressions of the way DOGE has been taking action to accomplish its mission so far. In a respectful way, we will actively listen to the perspectives of others as we share our own perspective without judging the other side.

We invite everyone to consider the ways that the policies positively and negatively impact them personally, society in general, the community, family members, etc.

Please join us for this gathering on Thursday, March 20 at the Senior Center at 6 p.m. We welcome you whether you’ve been coming to the gatherings over the past year, or if you’ve never come before. We commit to listening to others with a goal of building trust within our community.

March 20 - Alliance/Members Meeting – Minnesota State Alliance Open House (Zoom) 

 

Thursday, March 20    7-8 p.m.

Host: Minnesota State Alliance

Online - Register to receive link


Your state coordinators want to know what’s on your mind. This is a BYOQ (Bring your own question). So bring your curious questions to share about political polarization. This is a casual, unscripted time for us to practice “open honest” questions among other Braver Angels practicing our LAPP skills: Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, Perspective.


Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to Braver Angels, this is a monthly event that offers connection with other Minnesotans interested in bridging the political divide and what we hope will be a thoughtful discussion that makes a difference for you. All are welcome!

March 23 - Pledges & Pronouns: When Civic Rituals Clash   (In-person)

Sunday, March 23 -3-5 p.m.
Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55805  Map

Host: Northern MN (Duluth area) Alliance
Please RSVP  to Northern MN + WI Braver Angels

For the month of March our local alliance is listening to the podcast Pledges & pronouns: When civic rituals clash. You are invited to listen to the 20 minute podcast at your convenience and join us in person to discuss.

March 29 - Parenting in a Time of Polarization  (In-person)

Saturday, March 29   10-11:30 a.m.

Oasis Park Building, 1700 County Road C2 West

Roseville, MN  55113


Register  Space is limited and registration required. 

Parenting is never easy, but how do we raise children in a time of anxiety, outrage, and partisan conflict over politics and the direction of our country? Learn strategies and skills to help our children feel safe but not oblivious, concerned but not fearful, and able to express their evolving values and views without demonizing others who disagree (some of whom are in their extended families!). 

This is the world premiere for a workshop that will spread around the country through Braver Angels.
Presenter: Bill Doherty, Ph.D., Roseville resident, retired University of Minnesota professor, and cofounder of Braver Angels. 

Hosted by Do Good Roseville

April 1 - Common Ground Workshop on Immigration (In-person)

Tuesday, April 1, 6-9 p.m.
Eastridge High School Media Center
4200 Pioneer Drive,
Woodbury, MN 55129

Host: East Metro Alliance
Register  - We need 5-7 Red and 5-7 Blue panel participants. Observers are welcome.

The Common Ground workshop 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 are to:

This workshop brings together equal numbers of Red and Blue participants (4-8 of each). Observers are welcome and do not need to identify their color or be balanced in numbers. Participants will engage in four exercises designed to identify personal connections to the issue, policy stances, discover common ground, and find unanimous Points of Agreement. A pre-read will be sent to registrants to acquaint them with some basic information that has been agreed to by both sides.

April 7 - Gather, Review and Discuss (In-person)

Monday, April 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Davanni’s Pizza
 3015 Harbor Lane N
Plymouth, MN 55447

Host:  West Suburban Alliance

Because we haven’t met for a while, we will introduce and review our skills for disagreeing better and discuss an article that will be sent to you after you send an RSVP email to: bpomerantz@braverangels.org. All are welcome.

To preview the skills ahead of time, read  Braver Angels Participant Guide: Skills for Disagreeing Better.