What We Do
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At Braver Angels Central Texas, our trained Moderators, Organizers and Debate Leaders help people learn how to set aside preconceptions about each other and to have civil conversations with others in carefully designed programs.
Our goal is not to change anyone's mind or political beliefs. Our programs are designed to build the skills and relationships that help participants learn to respect others who do not share their beliefs, rebuilding our community and our friendships as we bridge our political divide. |
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Red/Blue Workshops
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Red/Blue Workshops bring together a small and balanced number of "Reds" (Republican or conservative-leaning citizens) and "Blues" (Democratic or liberal-leaning citizens) for a day of structured conversations. Here's what participants say a Red/Blue workshop gives them an opportunity to do:
• Gain a better understanding of the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide • Find areas of common ground and agreement in addition to differences • Learn perspectives that are helpful to you and to others in your community and the nation |
Skills Training Workshops
Skills Training Workshops can be done with any size group and bring together a small and balanced number of "Reds" (Republican or conservative-leaning citizens) and "Blues" (Democratic or liberal-leaning citizens). Skills workshops offer the following:
• The knowledge of what it takes to have constructive, non-polarizing conversations between people who disagree politically
• The chance to practice the skills to have these conversations
• Motivation to have these conversations with people in your social network
• The knowledge of what it takes to have constructive, non-polarizing conversations between people who disagree politically
• The chance to practice the skills to have these conversations
• Motivation to have these conversations with people in your social network
Townhall Debates
A BraverAngels Townhall Debate is a unique experience. At each debate, we invite people to present their views on one specific topic such as gun control, immigration, healthcare and more. Participants address the whole room for four minutes. Each speaker directs comments to the Debate Moderator, not other participants.
Debate participants share that they enjoy considering the topic together, listening carefully to one another, and allowing their perspectives to be informed by their fellow participants. Participants report they grow a little closer to the truth, more aware of opposing views, and more hopeful about stronger community relationships.
Debate participants share that they enjoy considering the topic together, listening carefully to one another, and allowing their perspectives to be informed by their fellow participants. Participants report they grow a little closer to the truth, more aware of opposing views, and more hopeful about stronger community relationships.
Braver Angels Central Texas Townhall Debates:
• Encourage the passionate and energetic expression of ideas
• Allow for the expression of nuance and ambiguity
• Allow people to explore the topic - even to admit that they may not really be sure which side they support
• Encourage the passionate and energetic expression of ideas
• Allow for the expression of nuance and ambiguity
• Allow people to explore the topic - even to admit that they may not really be sure which side they support
Coffee & Conversations
At our quarterly Coffee & Conversation groups, Braver Angels members gather for a civil, moderated evening of conversations about national and local issues and the role of the media. The resulting session provides clarity on alternative views and hope for a better American conversation.
Alliance Meetings
Our Alliance is a group of folks who want to help unify America, participate together in public life, engage in more civil conversations and promote better public policy.