Braver Angels Minnesota

Braver Angels Minnesota is part of a national citizens' movement that brings together conservatives, liberals, independents and others to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics.

We seek not to eliminate our differences but rather deal with them head-on -- with respect and understanding -- for the betterment of our communities. In short, we do not try to change people's views on issues but on how they view the other side.

We offer workshops, debates and structured conversations - typically for no charge - that allow participants to learn and practice effective listening and speaking skills. 

Our volunteers share and model these skills because they believe that treating each other better is the answer to what's broken in America. 

There will always be differences. We believe the best way forward is to change how we deal with those differences.

Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt

In response to the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty was interviewed on WCCO-AM's Adam and Jordana Show about the need to tone down our political rhetoric. Bill offered three steps to bring down the current political temperature. Those three steps are:

1. The immediate priority is to not escalate an already precarious situation. Do not throw fuel on the fire through attacks and counterattacks over responsibility for the assassination attempt. We’ve gotten ourselves into a deep hole. The first thing we must do is stop digging.

2. We have to tone down the apocalyptic rhetoric that our democracy will not survive four years of President Trump or President Biden. When the survival of the American experiment is at stake, violence can seem justified and even heroic. We have to believe in ourselves that we can hold onto our democratic republic no matter who wins or loses an election.

3. We must use this time to soul-search what we’ve allowed to happen in our political culture, from the national to the local level, and in our families and friendships. Polarization is a “We the People” problem and not just a “those politicians” problem. We have a role to play.

To hear the interview or to read the transcript, go to News

Read:
2024 Election Survival Guide News Release

Braver Angels Minnesota offers Election Survival Guide
to reduce political rancor and preserve relationships

St. Paul, Minn. -- In a divisive election year, Braver Angels Minnesota, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to bridge the partisan divide, has developed the 2024 Election Survival Guide to support Minnesotans who feel uncertain about handling political differences with those around them.

The guide, which is free, offers a three-minute video and other resources with practical ideas on preparing for challenging political conversations with family, friends and neighbors…more…