In the fall of 2023, Braver Angels partnered with Interfaith Photovoice to launch a brand new initiative called Braver Lens: Amateur Photography to Heal American Divides. 

Using the photovoice technique, Braver Lens explores the American political divide through photography. In this program, participants learn how to take and share photographs as a method of starting dialogue with one another. The photographs can serve as a launching point for conversation and as an artistic expression of who we are and what we perceive.

We piloted this program with a group of 14 participants from all across America. Some were from rural communities, some were from urban cities. Some were boomers, some were zoomers. Some were red, some were blue – many were other. And over the course of five sessions, we learned about the ways in which we’re similar, the ways in which we’re different, and how we can create community given our diverse needs and beliefs. We even made an exhibit together, check out the gallery below.

Now, a handful of participants are going back into their own communities to do Braver Lens projects of their own. Check back for more details in the spring, we should have some pretty cool projects to show you.

If you’re interested in participating in Braver Lens, share with us. We’ll let you know the next time we’re offering the program.