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.

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.

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 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.

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.

• Addressing Covid and Public Health Precautions
• Addressing Poverty
• Teaching Public School Students about Race and Racism

Live Session – You will schedule your conversations directly with your assigned conversation partner. 

Session Description:
This is an opportunity to apply civil leadership skills in a different way – an opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with someone of a different perspective. 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 those differences in experiences and beliefs, helping you develop ideas for community action.

For more information about these sessions, check out 1 on 1 Conversations Across Differences. 

Session Description:
This is an opportunity to discuss and explore climate change. More details to follow. 

Session description
This will be an opportunity to discuss how to build bridges and increase civil leadership in Wisconsin to foster more vibrant communities. 

Session Description
You will be trained to run these sessions within your communities and organizations. Prior to the 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. 

More information about becoming a moderator will be posted shortly.

Session Description:
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.

Further information about this session will be posted at least two weeks prior to this session.