Green County Leaders 2021-2022 Civil Leadership for Vibrant Communities

Leaders who lead and foster civil conversations and welcome diverse perspectives make better decisions. That’s particularly important now, when communities, non-profits, and businesses are making decisions in a historically unique time of transition.

Green County Leaders is partnering with Braver Angels to provide an engaging way to learn and lean into civil leadership to build vibrant communities by honing civil leadership skills.

Click here to register by 5pm on Friday, September 17. Tuition costs $150. Scholarships are available (see below).  All classes are virtual.

Scholarships Available
Scholarships through Green County Leaders
If you live or work in Green County, you can apply for a scholarship through Green County Leaders. Contact Victoria Solomon at victoria.solomon@wisc.edu or 608-328-9440 for more information.

Scholarships through Leadership Wisconsin
If you are an alumni of the Leadership Wisconsin program or the Wisconsin Local Government Leadership Academy program, you can apply for a scholarship through Leadership Wisconsin. Scholarships are worth $50. Contact Shelly Missall at mj.missall@gmail.com for more information.

Civil Leadership in Today’s Divided World: An Introduction

11am – 12:30pm on Wednesday, September 29, 2021

This first step on the journey explores the forces of polarization in our nation and how we can counteract them in our local communities. We will discuss the challenges to working together across differences and learn about proven strategies to for communicating and working productively with people who see the world differently. Local leaders can show the way for their communities and the nation.

Skills for Bridging the Divide

11am – 1pm on Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Learn about the perspectives, feelings, and experiences of someone you care about who differs from you politically; have a sense of satisfaction about how you conveyed your own perspective, feelings, and experiences; and discover common ground, if it is there.

Growing Your Inner Bridge Builder

9am – 11am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Much of today’s polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those we disagree with on the other side.  Community leaders can learn to expand spheres of empathy and regard a wider range of people as potential partners, including when talking to like-minded peers, creating more durable solutions benefiting a wider range of people.

Families and Politics Workshop

11am – 1:30pm  on Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Families and Politics shows you how to talk about politics with your loved ones in a way that brings you closer together — not further apart. You’ll discuss why family political discussions can be uniquely challenging, and how to handle the unique roles that family members often play in those conversations.

Common Ground Workshop

You will be able to choose between one of the following times; you will also have the choice to participate or observe:

  • 10am – 1pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 OR 2pm — 5pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022
  • 10am – 1pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 OR 2pm — 5pm on Wednesday, January 19, 2022

While the training workshops focus on skills for better interactions, Common Ground lets you put these into practice in real discussions around a single issue with those with opposing views, showing us how productive conversations about beliefs and policies can look. Participants will identify points of agreement that can lead to action on that issue.

One-to-One Conversations

February 2022 — Flexible scheduling

To continue your dialogues and go deeper on issues that are important to you and the life experiences that have formed your views, Braver Angels will match you with a member of a group with whom you may have differences for 1-to-1 conversations about these differences in experiences and beliefs, helping you develop ideas for community action.

Civil Leadership in Action

9am — 10am on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 OR 9am — 10am on Wednesday, April 13, 2022

You will be trained to run these sessions within your communities and organizations. Prior to the orientation event, you will complete a self-paced training comprising videos and written guides, and have access to personal coaching. You will also be eligible for additional training to run online events.

Looking Forward and Graduation Celebration!

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

You will reflect on what they have learned during this shared journey and what next steps, as an individual and as a community member, you may wish to take.


Civil Leadership for Vibrant Communities is possible because of a partnership with Green County Leaders, Braver Angels, and Leadership Wisconsin. For more information about:


Questions? Contact Victoria Solomon, Community Development Educator with Extension Green County at victoria.solomon@wisc.edu or (608) 328-9440.

Green County Leaders provides equal opportunity in education and programming.

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