On Doggedly Sustaining Connection
Each one of us can, and should always seek to, keep growing and changing for the better. But our only hope is for others to give us the space, and the grace, to do so.
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General posts
The Golden Rule Doesn’t Apply to Them, right?
Again, the Golden Rule is radical. And so is the mission of Braver Angels.
An Improbable Dinner
I had brought my family of five, longtime residents of deep-blue Brooklyn, NY, to meet a new friend and his family, longtime residents of solidly-red Simpsonville, SC. We only knew each other through video chats and phone calls, as if we had met through an online service for taboo political friending. Not too far from the truth.
‘The atmosphere is electrifying’: How Braver Angels debates are lighting up college campuses
Much like how the conception of Braver Angels was a natural response to what American people needed and yearned for, this debate program is “driven by the demand that’s surging in the higher ed space.”
Colleague of the Week: Wilk Wilkinson
The host of the “Derate the Hate” podcast wants more people across America to be heard.
Colleague of the Week: Dan Pipes
Retired Army colonel Dan Pipes enters a new phase of service as Braver Angels colleague of the week.
‘Most of us have never met in person’: How the rural Central/Eastern Washington Alliance built a community from afar
According to the United States Census Bureau, close to 60 million people – or one in five Americans – live in rural areas like this one. Here’s how they stay glued together.
Colleague of the Week: Jennifer Hall-Witt
Learn about Jennifer Hall-Witts, co-director of volunteer engagement for the Office of Field Operations.
Will Trump Run in 2024? | Robert Gibbs and Rick Wilson with Ciaran O’Connor
Will Donald Trump run again in 2024? Former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and Lincoln Project Co-Founder Rick Wilson join Ciaran O’Connor for a wide-ranging discussion.
Will Trump Run in 2024? | Robert Gibbs and Rick Wilson with Ciaran O’Connor Read More »
Colleague of the Week: Jeannie Burrus
Learn about Jeannie Burrus, an inspiring Braver Angel in Arkansas.
Colleague of the week: Darcy Crosman
Learn about Darcy Crosman – an all-star Braver Angels volunteer building our house united from the ground up.
From the Depolarization Movement to the U.S. Senate? | Steven Olikara with John Wood Jr.
U.S. Senate candidate Steven Olikara has already had an impact on American democracy. He joins John Wood, Jr. on the Braver Angels Podcast.
From the Depolarization Movement to the U.S. Senate? | Steven Olikara with John Wood Jr. Read More »
A former New Hampshire state legislator is working against ‘knee-bashing politics’
No matter what part of the world he was stationed in, Doug knew in order to find solutions and make a positive impact, he had to understand the culture of the local community and encourage people to work across differences.
A former New Hampshire state legislator is working against ‘knee-bashing politics’ Read More »
Braver Politics is Live! Plus: Seeing the Unseen | Rev. Mark Beckwith with Ciaran O’Connor
Ciaran O’Connor introduces Braver Politics and interviews the former bishop of Newark about religion and politics.
Colleague of the Week: Lenny Mirra
Get to know the Republican representative for Massachusetts’ Second Essex district!
‘A faith restoring example’
Following their debate at Denison University in Ohio, students agreed that something profound took place and that the experience had changed them. “I’m asking myself how I can carry this forward to other students,” one student said, “and even more, I’m wondering how we can expand and bring it to a multiplicity of campuses.”
Leader Spotlight: David Lapp
About this work, David says, “I think it’s key to be intentional about opening a conversation. Over the next year I’m really excited about increasing our focus on working-class voices and guidance, leveraging the strength of the current We the People’s Project leadership team, and growing ways in which members can share their views and values.”
We Are All God’s Fearful Children
We must go beyond the anger and vengeance of those who see us as the sinners, and focus on the narratives that create it.
President Trump, Ukraine, & the Future of Conservatism: Reds Discuss | Steve Saltwick, Marc Ang, & Paul N. with April Kornfield
Four Reds with different views of President Trump debate how conservatives should think about the former president.
Introducing the Braver Angels Guidelines on Tolerance
We cannot trust each other if we cannot tolerate the differences in our points of view. Still, aren’t some views wrong and perhaps dangerous as well? Braver Angels members and followers deserve a clear understanding of the principles that guide us. That is why we have published these Braver Angels Guidelines on Tolerance so that everyone who participates in and observes Braver Angels may understand exactly what informs our editorial and programming decisions.
Introducing the Braver Angels Guidelines on Tolerance Read More »
‘Braver Angels plays a role in protecting our national security’: A military intelligence analyst shares his perspective
Ted said “when you put trust back into democracy, you can face difficult problems,” because a tightly-knit society is harder to penetrate. “This is how you prevent foreign governments from pushing buttons, elevating extremism, and driving people further apart.”
He’s a southern conservative. She’s a midwestern-turned-east coast liberal. They can’t stop talking about politics.
“Being exposed to someone with totally different values and trying to see the world through their lens is invigorating,” David said.
Bridging the Divide in the North Carolina General Assembly | John Torbett & Becky Carney with Ciaran O’Connor
Representatives Becky Carney (D) and John Torbett (R) of the North Carolina General Assembly discuss how politicians can work together to foster trust, citizenship, and goodwill.
The Musical Life of Coleman Hughes | with Alma Cook
You may know of Coleman “Coldxman” Hughes as a podcaster and writer—but have you heard his music? Alma Cook asks him about his musical past, present, and future.
The Musical Life of Coleman Hughes | with Alma Cook Read More »
Racism, Colorism, & the Complicated Legacy of Hollywood | Joy Donnell with John Wood Jr.
The racial dynamics of American life have been reflected—or perhaps distorted—by entertainment. Joy Donnell and John Wood Jr. explore this legacy of Hollywood.
Racism, Colorism, & the Complicated Legacy of Hollywood | Joy Donnell with John Wood Jr. Read More »
From 11 to 1,500: How a Braver Angels Alliance expanded its reach and made a national impact
The key to the Central Texas Alliance’s success is its flexibility. “We try to be responsive and meet our members’ needs,” Norman said. “That’s how we keep people engaged.” And they’re always brainstorming ways to reach out.
Colleagues of the Week: The Dev team
Get to know Mary Thomas-Vallens, Blue co-chair of Braver Angels’ Orange County/South Bay Alliance!