Red/Blue Workshop – Sessions 1 & 2 – In Person

A Workshop on the National Public Health Response to the Pandemic

Note: This event is to be attended in person.

Across our country, public response to national public health COVID policies has been divided, and contentious. “Supporters“ of national public health policies have generally been in favor of national guidelines and mandates, and have trusted prominent experts and institutions. “Skeptics” of national public health policy have generally been concerned by the guidelines and mandates, and have felt some distrust of prominent experts and institutions. Both sides seem to feel that moving forward, something needs to change.

When, if ever, should public health experts and institutions have the power to control our individual actions and the decisions we make for our families? Should the public be willing to sacrifice some individual liberty for the sake of the community? What is to be done when the principles of individual rights and public responsibility seem irreconcilable?

The magnitude of the COVID pandemic, and the related national public health responses, were a life-changing experience which caused deep fractures and great pain in our country. Much of the conflict came down to questions of TRUST: Where do we place our trust, and how does our lived experience inform those decisions? How are experts and institutions responsible for earning and being deserving of trust?

Workshop Details

This workshop brings together a small, evenly divided group of supporters and non-supporters for a series of exercises designed to help participants clarify disagreements, reduce stereotyped thinking, and discover common values.

During the Workshop, participants gather together in structured conversations. Two moderators trained by Braver Angels lead the workshop, ensuring that ground rules are followed and that everyone is treated respectfully.

You must declare as either a supporter or a non-supporter to participate. There is usually room for a limited number of observers. Observers do not participate in the discussions but will have the opportunity to watch and listen.

Through participation, attendees explore:

• Harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about each “side”
• The core values and aspirations behind their viewpoints
• Their reservations and concerns about their own side
• Important questions to ask for building better mutual understanding

During this full day workshop, participants have the opportunity to engage with individuals of both sides in small-group and large-group discussions. Participants will also engage in one-on-one conversations (one skeptic and one supporter) to discuss what they learned.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Media contact: Ciaran O’Connor, ciaran@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.