Healing the Divides

Depolarization Resources

Many people have expressed how challenging it is to stay grounded and non-reactive in political conversations, especially with people who have different opinions, or even people on our “side” who react in ways we do not support.

We are happy to offer "Healing the Divides: Depolarization Resources for Challenging Times" to help you grow in your capacity and skill in having difficult conversations, bridging divides, growing compassion, and reducing hate.

Braver Angels

"At this time of crisis, we need more than civility, empathy, and goodwill. We need courage."

In December 2016, co-founders David Blankenhorn, Bill Doherty, and David Lapp started Braver Angels to reject normalizing of the extreme polarization experience during and after the 2016 Election.

Grounded in the use of marriage counseling techniques to bring Republicans and Democrats together, Braver Angels seeks to depolarize American politics.

The Braver Angels way is guided by the Braver Angels Pledge:

As individuals, we try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t agree with it.
In our communities, we engage those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together.
In politics, we support principles that bring us together rather than divide us.

Braver Angels offers a variety of free workshops, skills training, and events like Debates, Race Conversations, and their "Skills for Bridging the Divide," "Depolarizing Within," and "Family & Politics" training sessions.

To learn more and even get involved (to whatever level works for you and your other commitments):

Check out the Braver Angels website, view all of the great resources, and consider becoming a member.
If you haven't seen it yet, the Braver Angels "Reuniting America" documentary is exceptional at showing the process of its Red / Blue workshop for depolarization.
With increasing interest in Braver Angels here in our area, a Zoom meeting is being planned in the next few weeks to discuss starting a local Braver Angels Alliance. (A local Alliance will give us the means to customize Braver Angels workshops, skills training, and events to our local needs and issues. Email Doug Della Pietra at dougdellapietra@gmail.com if you would like to be included in updates and next steps.