Birth of Braver Angels (formerly Better Angels)
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The surprising results of the 2016 election touched off days of tumult across much of America. A couple of days after the election, David Blankenhorn called his friend David Lapp in Ohio to run an idea by him. He asked him if he could bring a handful of Trump supporters and an equal number of Clinton supporters together there at Lapp's place in Ohio with a goal of seeing whether they could find common ground.
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First Braver Angels (formerly Better Angels) Group – Ohio
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Noted family therapist, Bill Doherty, who also happened to be a community organizer was asked to help develop a structure and program for that weekend.
That weekend in December of 2016 they brought together 10 Trump supporters and 11 Clinton supporters for what became the first Red/Blue Workshop. As hoped, by the end of their time together participants had learned to discuss and disagree while maintaining respect – and even had come to like each other!
From that first core group, the desire to come together across viewpoints spread rapidly, and Braver Angels, originally named Better Angels, was formed. This grassroots movement now has a presence in all 50 states, and Braver Angels is approaching 10,000 members.
That weekend in December of 2016 they brought together 10 Trump supporters and 11 Clinton supporters for what became the first Red/Blue Workshop. As hoped, by the end of their time together participants had learned to discuss and disagree while maintaining respect – and even had come to like each other!
From that first core group, the desire to come together across viewpoints spread rapidly, and Braver Angels, originally named Better Angels, was formed. This grassroots movement now has a presence in all 50 states, and Braver Angels is approaching 10,000 members.
Braver Angels Central Texas emerged in 2018
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In August 2018, 11 people met to launch the Central Texas chapter of Braver Angels (originally Better Angels). We wanted to promote unity and civility over partisanship and name calling. We wanted to break through the stereotypes held about both reds and blues and find some true common ground.
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By August 2019, Braver Angels Central Texas (BACT) boasted 52 active members and had held more than 12 workshops, skills classes and debates. Four years later there are almost 400 members and at least another 1000 mail list subscribers.
Since January 2020 the Alliance has hosted over 200 events, virtual and in-person.
Since January 2020 the Alliance has hosted over 200 events, virtual and in-person.
We’d love to see you at our next Alliance meeting. Come hear what we are doing to build unity for red and blue Texans. Or join us at an upcoming workshop or debate.
The Alliance
Our Secondary Mission in the Braver Angels Central Texas Chapter is to put to good use all that we have learned from workshops, townhall debates, one-on-one conversations and more. Some of our event attendees are now ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuff done! The BACT Alliance meetings are the place to do just that. We explore how Red / Blue and yes some Purple folks can tackle local public policy initiatives.
Attendance at Alliance meetings have no prerequisite - all are welcome to visit! Come on down and check us out.
A Pre-requisite to actually participating in Alliance projects is the completion of a Red/Blue workshop - so you understand the Better Angels model of balance between Red / Blue / Purple points of view.
Workshops are free. Alliance meetings are free too.
Attendance at Alliance meetings have no prerequisite - all are welcome to visit! Come on down and check us out.
A Pre-requisite to actually participating in Alliance projects is the completion of a Red/Blue workshop - so you understand the Better Angels model of balance between Red / Blue / Purple points of view.
Workshops are free. Alliance meetings are free too.