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

June 6 - Common Ground Workshop on Immigration, Congressional District 1

Saturday, June 6  1-5 p.m.
Rochester Public Library

101 2nd St SE, Rochester, MN 55904 

Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 1 (CD1) who are interested in more information on registering for the workshop, go to Braver Angels MN-01 - Common Ground Immigration Workshop - Participant Request then please complete the request form before June 3.

The Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop brings together equal numbers of Conservatives and Liberals – Reds and Blues (4-8 of each) – for a deep dive into a problem, such as addressing climate change, electoral reform or abortion. Together participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions. By the end of the workshop, participants have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and 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:

• To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem

• To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement

• To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

Logistics:

There are two ways CD1  registered voters may  join this  Common Ground Workshop:

• Participant: A participant 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: 4 to 8 people on each side.

• Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate 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 15 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop. Observer/Alternates have found observing a workshop to be amazingly valuable.

Who can come?  Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 1  who are 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?”

Everyone who signs up will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact Tim Gustafson at  tgustafson@braverangels.org

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

June 9 - Skills for Disagreeing Better

Tuesday, June 9  6:30-8 p.m. (1.5 hours)   Doors open at 6 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
13600 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344

RESERVE A SPOT - Free

This interactive Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop offers four specific skills that help participants deepen their understand of the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically. Led by a trained Braver Angels moderator, this 90-minute workshop offers participants ways to:

● Deepen your understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically

● Acquire skills for listening in a way the other person feels heard

● Learn skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree

About Braver Angels
Braver Angels envisions an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm in civic life. Courageous citizenship is practiced, not proclaimed. We inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skill building, convening and collaborative action.

Questions? Contact Joan.Palmquist@outlook.com or mvoss@braverangels.org

June 9 - Join us! Braver Angels Social & Team Building - Worthington

Tuesday, June 9    7-8 p.m.

Nobles County Heritage Center,  225 9th Street, Worthington 56187 

Come and join us, ask questions and see what we can do together. 

If questions, please contact, Julie Lopez juliealopez83@gmail.com or the MN Coordinators

June 10 -  What Does AI Mean for Democracy?

Wednesday, June 10    6:30-8 p.m.
East Ridge High School Media Center
4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury 55129
(Enter through the front doors by the flag poles. Park in the adjacent lot. The Media Center is on the 2nd floor. An elevator is to the left through the double doors.)

RESERVE A SPOT*

Join the Braver Angels East Metro Alliance for an interactive evening exploring the questions around Artificial Intelligence.

Is AI a trap, a tool, or something in between? Will opinions on AI split down party lines? How will the media ecosystem change with AI? And perhaps the biggest question of all... What does it mean to be human?

Come ready to think, write, reflect, and discuss! This is a first-time offering developed by a Braver Angel who is an educator and who has led several successful East Metro events in the past on the news media.

*Tickets are Free. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations support Braver Angels, 501(c)3. We have no paid staff in Braver Angels Minnesota.

Questions? Contact Melinda Voss, mvoss@braverangels.org

June 13 - Common Ground Workshop on Immigration MN Congressional District 3

Saturday, June 13    12:20-4 p.m.

Hennepin County Library - Ridgedale

12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305

Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 1 (CD3) who are interested in more information on registering for the workshop, go to Braver Angels MN-03 - Common Ground Immigration Workshop - Participant Request then please complete the request form before June 3, 2026.

The Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop brings together equal numbers of Conservatives and Liberals – Reds and Blues (4-8 of each) – for a deep dive into a problem, such as addressing climate change, electoral reform or abortion. Together participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions. By the end of the workshop, participants have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and 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:

• To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem

• To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement

• To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

Logistics:

There are two ways CD3  registered voters may  join this  Common Ground Workshop:

• Participant: A participant 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: 4 to 8 people on each side.

• Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate 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 15 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop. Observer/Alternates have found observing a workshop to be amazingly valuable.

Who can come?  Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 3  who are 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?”

Everyone who signs up will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact Tim Gustafson at  tgustafson@braverangels.org

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 mvoss@braverangels.org

June 13 - Common Ground Workshop on Immigration, MN Congressional District 7

Saturday, June 13   12-3:30 p.m.

Willmar Public Library
410 5th St SW, Willmar, MN 56201 

Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 7 (CD7) who are interested in more information on registering for the workshop, go to Braver Angels MN-07 - Common Ground Immigration Workshop - Participant Request then please complete the request form before June 6, 2026.

The Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop brings together equal numbers of Conservatives and Liberals – Reds and Blues (4-8 of each) – for a deep dive into a problem, such as addressing climate change, electoral reform or abortion. Together participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions. By the end of the workshop, participants have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and 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:

• To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem

• To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement

• To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

Logistics:

There are two ways CD7  registered voters may  join this  Common Ground Workshop:

• Participant: A participant 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: 4 to 8 people on each side.

• Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate 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 15 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop. Observer/Alternates have found observing a workshop to be amazingly valuable.

Who can come?  Registered voters who reside in Congressional District 7  who are 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?”

Everyone who signs up will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact Tim Gustafson at  tgustafson@braverangels.org

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 mvoss@braverangels.org

June 19 - 52nd Annual Juneteenth Jamboree - Duluth

Friday, June 19    1-6 p.m.

Central Hillside Community Center

12 E 4th St, Duluth

Join us at the Central Hillside Community Center for the 52nd Annual Juneteenth Jamboree. The street will be blocked off from 1-6 p.m. You are invited to stop by or spend some time at the table with us, sharing Braver Angels with others. Good food. Fun. Connect with community resources. 

For more information and to see about volunteering, see the invitation,  Braver Angels, 52nd Annual Juneteenth Jamboree - Duluth and 52nd Annual Juneteenth Jamboree.

June 24 - Ely Alliance Meeting  -  Ely

Wednesday, June 24    6 p.m.

Ely Community Center

27 E 2nd Ave, Ely, MN 55731

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

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

July 9 - July 1776-2026: The Declaration Then, Now, and in the Future - Minnetonka

Thursday, July 9  6:15-7:45 p.m.

Ladyslipper Room, Ridgedale Library

12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305

RESERVE A SPOT 
*Tickets are Free. Donations are welcome to support Braver Angels, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that envisions an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm in civic life.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, the United States Declaration of Independence still sparks big questions: What does liberty require? What does equality mean? Who decides what “the pursuit of happiness” looks like in a divided nation?

This 90-minute Braver Angels session invites participants to revisit the Declaration not as a relic behind museum glass, but as a living civic document that continues to shape our public life, our disagreements, and our shared future.

Together, participants will explore the ideals, contradictions, aspirations, and unfinished work embedded in America’s founding vision — not through debate or persuasion, but through reflection, curiosity, and respectful conversation across differences.

At a time when many Americans feel pulled apart, this workshop models Braver Angels’ commitment to courageous citizenship: listening carefully, speaking honestly, and remaining connected even when we see the country differently.

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Engage the Declaration of Independence as a living civic document, not simply a historical artifact

• Better understand why fellow Americans interpret founding ideals in different ways

• Build confidence discussing foundational civic ideas across disagreement

• Reflect on the promises — and tensions — at the heart of the American experiment

• Leave with a renewed sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the nation’s future

Courageous citizenship is practiced, not proclaimed. We inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skill building, convening and collaborative action.

Questions? Ask Tom Niedzielski at thomasniedzielski@braverangels.org

NATIONAL EVENTS - ALL ONLINE

July 11 - Skills for Disagreeing Better  *ONLINE*

Saturday, July 11    1-2:30 CDT

RESERVE A SPOT   
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.

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.

July 25 - Depolarizing Within   **ONLINE**

Saturday, July 25  1-4 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.

A free online workshop to become more aware of your "inner polarizer" and learn methods for disagreeing without contempt and ridicule

Note: This event is to be attended online.

Polarization can be 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 is offered online over Zoom and 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

• How to constructively intervene in polarizing social conversations with like-minded people

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

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

Questions? Contact Paige Swartz, paige@braverangels.org

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