Here's a BA National event that will interest you if you've got a quirky family, and who doesn't?

Family relationships are becoming casualties of our toxic political environment. Family members are having nasty political arguments, avoiding each other, or even cutting off lifetime relationships. If you want to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this workshop will offer you:

• Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging

• Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations (for example, the Gladiator, the Defender, and the Sniper)

• Strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way

Click here to register for this online event.

Have we crossed a line?

Some worry that prosecuting a former president sets us on a course of future tit-for-tat politically driven prosecutions once our chief executive is voted out of office. They contend that we would inevitably fall into that class of failing democracies that make a habit of putting former heads of state in prison.

At the same time others contend that no person is above the law, and that holding our former president accountable for his actions is necessary to protect our system of government from future abuses.

Clearly we are heading into an election year unlike any other, and whatever your perspective on this issue...we need to talk!

Here are two interesting articles on the topic that we'll be discussing at the January meeting:

•    Our Weaponized Legal System Misfires

•    Retribution, Deterrence, and the Case for Prosecuting Trump

Please read through both prior to the meeting. 

Then, join us on Zoom!

Questions? Contact John Moran jmoran@braverangels.org  

Click here to register

“Resolved: Let Trump Run”

Come join us for this free national debate, in which all participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their questions. Tell us what you have experienced and what you think.

You probably haven’t experienced anything like a Braver Angels Debate. This is a highly structured conversation in which a group of people think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and perhaps changed by each other’s ideas.

This free, online event requires registration. After registration, you will be emailed the zoom link to attend the event. Keep an eye out!

Questions? Email debates@braverangels.org 

Click here to register

Braver Angels Organizers fill an essential volunteer function and are often the glue that holds BA workshops together. The four-week training schedule starts on the first Wednesday of each month. Two topics from the Organizer Step-by-Step guide are presented each week, and once you have completed the four-week series, you can sign up for a qualification review session.

• Week 1: Workshops & the ERF

• Week 2: ETS & Event Staff

• Week 3: Eventbrite & Event Promotion

• Week 4: Rehearsal & Event Day

Register for the Training, here.

NOTE: Trainees should register as a trainee Organizer before attending the first session, here.

A welcome social for new Braver Angels and potential Braver Angels.

Join us for an informal meet and greet, with an opportunity to ask questions about Braver Angels. We will open with a short intro about Braver Angels, then introduce our state's leading volunteers who are able to be with us.

Attendees will have an opportunity to introduce themselves as well as ask questions and meet one another in break-out rooms. Register yourself and feel free to invite a friend or family member to come along.

Questions? Contact Sandy Westin swestin@braverangels.org

Register here

In this polarized time, we lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves–their core values and central concerns–but instead as we choose to see them.

When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack skills – the skills for accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.

In a new 1.5 hour workshop, Skills for Disagreeing Better, you can learn 

• Better understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically

• Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard

• Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear -- even if they disagree

The Braver Angels Western Washington Alliance will host this workshop online, this month, in In lieu of the usual alliance discussion meeting. Join us!

Questions? Contact John Moran at jmoran@braverangels.org  

Register here

This free workshop brings together Red (conservative or Republican-leaning) and Blue (liberal or Democratic-leaning) citizens for moderated activities and structured discussions. We will reduce stereotyped thinking, clarify disagreements, build relationships and find common ground through listening and learning rather than declaring and debating.

This is an all day, online workshop with a one hour break for lunch. In the morning session, participants get to know one another and a foundation of trust is established. This paves the way for a deeper dive into authentic, respectful and thought-provoking questions and answers in the afternoon session. 

Workshop Goals

• To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide

• To seek out areas of common ground in addition to acknowledging and respecting difference

• To gain insights that might help to heal the increasing polarization in our community and the nation

Questions? Contact Yvonne Boyd at yboyd@braverangels.org

Register here

Our March discussion meeting will be on the topic of transgender issues, and there is no person better-suited to lead our conversation than our guest Zander Keig.  

Zander has a rich and varied background that includes being a nationally recognized Clinical Social Worker, a proud disabled veteran of the US Coast Guard, a community builder who has served in multiple leadership positions on various professional and patient advocate organizations, and many years of experience in the field of transgender care. 

He is also a red-leaning member of Braver Angels, and is national co-chair of the Equality Caucus. And on a personal level, Zander is himself a transgender man.

We hope you can join us on a Saturday for this interesting conversation. Bring your questions! 

Please note that the time of day, and the day of the week, are different for this discussion meeting, to accommodate our guest speaker who will be joining us from the east coast. Hope to see you then.

Questions? Contact John Moran jmoran@braverangels.org

Register here.

A welcome social for new Braver Angels and potential Braver Angels.

Join us for an informal meet and greet, with an opportunity to ask questions about Braver Angels. We will open with a short intro about Braver Angels, then introduce our state's leading volunteers who are able to be with us.

Attendees will have an opportunity to introduce themselves as well as ask questions and meet one another in break-out rooms. Register yourself and feel free to invite a friend or family member to come along.

Questions? Contact us at wa-coordinators@braverangels.org  

Register here

Most states hold parents civilly liable for misdeeds of their children. But what about criminal liability? 

Last month the parents of a Michigan teenage school shooter were both convicted on four counts of manslaughter, having been found guilty of negligence in not recognizing signs of their son's mental distress and purchasing him a handgun.

Also last month a horrific traffic crash in Renton was caused by the reckless high speed driving of a teenager, resulting in the deaths of 3 children and one adult. This was the 3rd high speed crash caused by the young man in less than a year. Should the parents have taken away the keys? Are they liable for negligence in this 3rd, lethal "accident."

Parental accountability will be the topic under discussion at this month's meeting. 

Questions? Contact Joe Pratt at joseph.c.pratt@live.com or Larry Wydro at lpwydro@earthlink.net 

Register here

A Braver Angels Youth Listening Session 

Join us for a powerful evening of dialogue and discovery at the "Words Matter Listening Session," hosted by Braver Angels Youth. 

As we navigate the complexities of our times, the words we choose to express our thoughts and beliefs hold immense power—power to unite, to heal, to inspire, but also to divide.

This event is a heartfelt invitation to both youth and adults to engage in meaningful conversation about the impact of language on our lives and freedoms in America.

Questions?  Contact Janelle Burke at jburke@braverangels.org 

Register here

Join us for this in-person event at the Cross Sound Church Office, on Bainbridge Island.

This free workshop brings together Red (conservative or Republican-leaning) and Blue (liberal or Democratic-leaning) citizens for moderated activities and structured discussions that reduce stereotyped thinking, clarify disagreements, build relationships and find common ground through listening and learning rather than declaring and debating.

This is an all day, in-person workshop. In part 1, participants get to know one another and a foundation of trust is established. This paves the way for a deeper dive into authentic, respectful and thought-provoking questions and answers in part 2. NOTE: It is important to be available and committed for both parts.

Workshop Goals

• To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide;

• To seek out areas of common ground in addition to acknowledging and respecting difference;

• To gain insights that might help to heal the increasing polarization in our community and the nation

Questions? Contact Elizabeth Doll at edoll@braverangels.org 

Register here

The recently released Braver Angels Trustworthy Elections Report summarized the outcome of a series of 26 workshops with a total of 196 equally divided red and blue participants. All told this group was able to generate some 727 points of agreement, which have been distilled into 23 implementable solutions.

For this month's discussion meeting we will have a look at that report, and to help us we will be joined by one of the national organizers of the project, Bill Carberry. Bill is also a Western WA Alliance member.

Before the meeting we would ask you to review either the Trustworthy Elections full report or the executive summary.

We hope you can join us for this interesting discussion. This meeting will be held on Zoom.

Questions? Contact John Moran jmoran@braverangels.org

Register here

A welcome social for new Braver Angels and potential Braver Angels.

Join us for an informal meet and greet, with an opportunity to ask questions about Braver Angels. We will open with a short intro about Braver Angels, then introduce our state's leading volunteers who are able to be with us.

Attendees will have an opportunity to introduce themselves as well as ask questions and meet one another in break-out rooms. Register yourself and feel free to invite a friend or family member to come along.

Questions? Contact us at wa-coordinators@braverangels.org  

Register here

Are you ready to put politics aside, break down barriers, and have some serious fun? Join us for a free night of laughter, camaraderie, and friendship! 

At this in-person event, you’ll enjoy delicious snacks, get a brief introduction to Braver Angels, and then dive into games that will have you laughing out loud. It's the perfect opportunity to connect beyond political labels and forge meaningful relationships. Kids are welcome to participate in games with their parents.

Whether you're a die-hard Republican, a staunch Democrat, or somewhere in between, please join us! 

• Robert J. Drewel Building

• 3000 Rockefeller Avenue Everett, WA 98201

Questions? Contact Lisa Stettler at lstettler@braverangels.org or tel: 425.923.6136

Register here

A welcome social for new Braver Angels and potential Braver Angels.

Join us for an informal meet and greet, with an opportunity to ask questions about Braver Angels. We will open with a short intro about Braver Angels, then introduce our state's leading volunteers who are able to be with us.

Attendees will have an opportunity to introduce themselves as well as ask questions and meet one another in break-out rooms. Register yourself and feel free to invite a friend or family member to come along.

Questions? Contact us at wa-coordinators@braverangels.org  

Register here

There have been plenty of plot twists and much drama in recent weeks, and who knows what more we’ll see between now and November 5th?  So, what are your thoughts, predictions, analyses about the presidential contest? What are your special hopes and concerns as the campaigns shift into high gear?

Come share your thoughts, and hear what others have to say.

Can we have a discussion on this topic and remain respectful of those whose views we disagree with, often passionately? I think we can. But I think we all need practice in how to do so. Words matter, and we all need to get better in how we use them.

In this meeting we’ll pay particular attention to participants’ comments. We’ll offer feedback when needed and will ask other participants to do so as well. Recall the advice from the Depolarizing Within workshop: imagine a friend or family member from the “other” side were listening to your comments, would he feel respected? 

Whatever your views, and whomever you support, the topic promises to be an engaging one. Hope you can join us!

Questions? Contact John Moran jmoran@braverangels.org 

Register here

Take a deep dive into how colliding worldviews separate us, how our brains trick us into seeing those that disagree with us as enemies, and how these very same brains can create new constructs in which "they" become part of "us." 

Join us to discuss strategies for gaining emotional control, reframing difficult conversations, and building strength by meeting challenges head-on.

Questions? Contact Janice Dickinson at jdickinson@braverangels.org 

Register here

Interested in hearing from fellow Americans about how they are grappling with the upcoming election? Join us to watch video clips of the Sept. 7 interview with Braver Angels Co-Founder Bill Doherty on surviving the 2024 election. 

We will discuss his ideas with fellow participants.

This is an opportunity to share your perspective on the hopes and challenges of this election season. We will be sharing short clips, so you do not have watch the interview ahead of time.

Questions? Contact Matt King mking@braverangels.org 

Register here

We have all witnessed the increasing divisions in our country and one of the major divides is between Rural and Urban communities. Washington state Braver Angels team is now working with the State of Oregon and West Virginia to collaborate in bridging that divide.

One big area of discussion is farm production. Do we really understand what it takes to bring farm products to market? 

On September 24th we will host a Town Hall meeting with these objectives

• Discuss the realities of bringing farm products to market

• Begin to understand the impacts of climate change on land and water usage

• Identify suggestions for follow-on steps where we can best reach common ground

Please join us!

For more information and to register for this event, click here.

For questions, contact Phil Gerson at pgerson_8@msn.com 

A welcome social for new Braver Angels and potential Braver Angels.

Join us for an informal meet and greet, with an opportunity to ask questions about Braver Angels. We will open with a short intro about Braver Angels, then introduce our state's leading volunteers who are able to be with us.

Attendees will have an opportunity to introduce themselves as well as ask questions and meet one another in break-out rooms. Register yourself and feel free to invite a friend or family member to come along.

Questions? Contact us at wa-coordinators@braverangels.org  

Register here

Join us in person to debrief in a respectful way our 2024 elections

Got things on your mind after the election? Join us for an in-person event to debrief in a civil and respectful way our federal and state elections. 

We will start with a short presentation on Braver Angels discussion skills to use in conversation. Whoever wins the 2024 elections, it will be up to us as citizens and community leaders to renew our commitment to building goodwill. Regardless of how we voted, this event will help us uphold our shared civic life and embrace Lincoln's "better angels of our nature”.

Note: The event registration asks participants to identify as Red, Blue or Other. This information is collected only to help us ensure a balance of participants and will not be shared publicly at any time. If you are uncomfortable answering Red or Blue, feel free to answer Other.

The location is:

• Drewel Administration Building

• 3000 Rockefeller Avenue Everett, WA 98201

Questions? Contact Lisa Stettler at lstettler@braverangels.org  

Register here

Join us for this in-person event at the Ellensburg Public Library in Ellensburg, WA. 

This free workshop will help you become more aware of your “inner polarizer” and learn methods for disagreeing without contempt and ridicule.

Polarization can be driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies.

This 3 hour workshop teaches participants:

• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”

• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

• How to constructively intervene in polarizing social conversations with like-minded people.

Who can come? Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others.

Questions? Contact Emily Jacobs at ejacobs@braverangels.org 

Register here

A welcome social for new Braver Angels and potential Braver Angels.

Join us for an informal meet and greet, with an opportunity to ask questions about Braver Angels. We will open with a short intro about Braver Angels, then introduce our state's leading volunteers who are able to be with us.

Attendees will have an opportunity to introduce themselves as well as ask questions and meet one another in break-out rooms. Register yourself and feel free to invite a friend or family member to come along.

Questions? Contact us at wa-coordinators@braverangels.org  

Register here