Braver Angels 2025 tour
Worthington

Reduce the Rancor Minnesota Bus Tour

(Worthington, Willmar, Kerkoven, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Bemidji and Brainerd)

April 24-May 3, 2025

Six Events for Worthington and Surrounding Areas
Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025

SAVE THE DATE! REGISTER NOW!

Local citizens in Fergus Falls and surrounding areas are working with Braver Angels Minnesota to offer several events in your area. Begun in 2016, Braver Angels is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit with a particularly strong base in Minnesota dedicated to reducing unhealthy polarization without either side compromising its values. BA offers proven methods and strategies that people can use immediately to forge better relationships. By using these tools and supporting efforts to reduce the rancor, we can strengthen our communities and our democratic republic.   


Questions? John Stewart, pastorjohnstewart@gmail.com, Julie Lopez, juliealopez83@gmail.com, Holli Arp,  arpxx001@umn.edu or Melinda Voss, mvoss@braverangels.org


Healing Polarization in Faith Communities with Braver Angels
For pastors and lay church leaders

8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 25
Living Waters Covenant Church, 1645 S Shore Dr, Worthington, MN 56187


Register here


 Join us for a discussion to explore how Braver Angels works to bridge political and cultural divides, particularly within faith communities. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of polarization’s impact and discover tools to promote healing within your congregation, your community, and even your own emotional well-being. Whether you're navigating political tensions among parishioners or seeking ways to foster connection in a divided world, this workshop offers hope, insight, and actionable resources.

The presentation will feature Rev. Jeff Thiemann, a retired ELCA pastor and former president & CEO of Portico Benefit Services. His commitment to bridging divides extends to his volunteer leadership with Braver Angels at the local, state, and national levels. Rev. Thiemann serves as co-chair of the Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota campaign, a groundbreaking effort to lower the temperature of political discourse and foster respectful dialogue across differences. With his deep experience in faith-based leadership and conflict resolution, Rev. Thiemann offers unique insights into addressing toxic polarization in faith communities and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a movement of reconciliation and renewal. Together, we can rebuild the ties that bind us.  Register here

Managing Difficult Conversations with Constituents and Colleagues Workshop
 For elected officials and administrators who deal with the public (Space is limited. No charge for any event.)
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, Worthington Fire Hall, 830 2nd Avenue, Worthington, MN 56187


Register for the workshop and/or luncheon catered by Jon-e-1 BBQ by Monday, April 21

 

In a time when norms of civility and compromise have broken down, this lively and interactive 90-minute workshop offers elected officials and public administrators a way to build additional skills for managing conversations when constituents or colleagues are frustrated, angry, or locked in their viewpoints. Led by a national Minnesota-based Braver Angels leader, the workshop includes four specific skills and guided practice around common scenarios that elected officials encounter. The focus is on one-to-one conversations rather than large public meetings. The goals are for you to:


There is no charge for this workshop, which has been conducted around the state for the last several years after being endorsed and supported by the Minnesota School Boards Association, the League of Minnesota Cities, the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Minnesota Association of Townships.  


Leadership Luncheon on Bridging Divides in Today's World                 
 For community leaders and elected officials and senior administrators (Lunch is provided.)
11:45 – 1:15 p.m. Friday, April 25, Worthington Fire Hall, 830 2nd Avenue, Worthington, MN 56187

Register for the luncheon catered by Jon-e-1 BBQ by Monday, April 21.

 Across the country, political and cultural polarization is straining communities, making it harder to overcome differences and collaborate on issues that matter most. Join us with other local leaders for lunch and a guided discussion with a national Minnesota-based Braver Angels leader on how Worthington leaders can create a future where:

As a key community leader, you have the power to set the tone—modeling constructive dialogue and fostering trust. By collaborating with other key leaders who share this goal, you can enhance your impact and advance your organization's mission by fostering understanding across differences and discovering common ground.  Connect with other leaders to exchange ideas and explore practical ways to build bridges in the Worthington area and beyond.

Braver Angels, a national nonpartisan nonprofit with deep Minnesota roots, is dedicated to reducing polarization without asking anyone to compromise their values. BA focuses on shifting how people see each other — turning tension into respect and disagreement into opportunity for solutions.



A Braver Angels Open House
For anyone interested in or struggling with bridging cultural and political divides
2 p.m.-4 p.m. Friday, April 25
JBS Field House Recreation Center, 700 2nd Ave, Worthington, MN 56187

Stop in for a chat with Braver Angels leaders to learn more about how Braver Angels is bridging the divide and renewing civility across political and cultural differences. Learn how you can acquire skills – at no cost – for building stronger relationships in your life and your community.  No registration required.



 Hopes and Concerns for the New Administration
For anyone concerned about unhealthy polarization
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.  Friday, April 25, Minnesota West Community and Technical College Commons
1450 College Way, Worthington, MN 56187

 Register here. (Registration requested; Walk-ins welcome)

Reactions to the last election are as divided as the election itself. Feelings range from excited and hopeful to concerned and fearful. We don't need to agree, but our country will be stronger if we can at least understand and respect people in our community who differ from us. In this 90-minute interactive session, Braver Angels welcomes and encourages different perspectives to be heard. Participants will form small groups and volunteer to share hopes and concerns while others listen and learn. By listening and expressing various views, participants on all sides typically walk away surprised by what they hear and learn. The goals are to: 


Parenting in a Time of Polarization

For anyone interested in children
9 am - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26,
 JBS Field House Recreation Center, 700 2nd Ave, Worthington, MN 56187

Register here. (Registration requested; Walk-ins welcome)

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 a new Braver Angels offering developed by Bill Doherty, a co-founder of Braver Angels and retired University of Minnesota professor of family and marriage therapy. Goals include: