Braver Angels: Bridging the Political Divide Through Dialogue

In an era marked by increasing political polarization, organizations like Braver Angels are emerging as vital forces for depolarization and constructive dialogue. Founded in 2016, Braver Angels (formerly known as Better Angels) is a non-partisan national movement dedicated to bringing Americans with differing political beliefs together to foster understanding, and collaboration. As of February 2026, the organization is expanding its reach through local alliances and initiatives, including direct engagement with political leaders.

The Braver Politics Initiative

Recognizing the need to address political division at all levels, Braver Angels has launched Braver Politics. This initiative focuses on empowering politicians to perform more effectively with colleagues and constituents across the political spectrum. In December 2025, Braver Angels conducted a workshop for representatives of the Granite Bridge Legislative Alliance (GBLA) in New Hampshire, designed to facilitate them navigate challenging conversations. The GBLA is a bipartisan caucus inspired by Braver Angels’ principles.

Workshops, Debates, and Town Halls

Braver Angels employs a variety of programs to achieve its goals, including workshops, debates, and town halls. These events provide structured opportunities for individuals to engage in respectful dialogue, explore shared values, and build trust. Workshops like “Depolarizing Within” and “Families & Politics” aim to equip participants with the skills to navigate challenging conversations with loved ones and colleagues. Vision Forward 2.0, a recent event, specifically addressed the challenges of political discussions within families.

Local Chapters and Community Engagement

The organization’s impact extends beyond national initiatives, with active local chapters like the Northern Minnesota Braver Angels Alliance. Minnesota Braver Angels, for example, is working to bridge the political divide through workshops and debates designed to foster understanding within the community. These local alliances host a variety of free events, often promoted through platforms like Facebook.

Building a United Front

Braver Angels’ approach is rooted in the belief that constructive dialogue is essential for a healthy democracy. The organization actively seeks to involve citizens, candidates, elected officials, and staff in its programs. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, Braver Angels aims to create a more unified nation. As one former New Hampshire state legislator noted, understanding different cultures and encouraging cross-difference collaboration are key to finding solutions and making a positive impact.

Getting Involved

There are numerous ways to get involved with Braver Angels:

• Join as a Member: Support the organization’s mission and gain access to exclusive events and resources.
• Volunteer: Help organize debates, neighbor conversations, or recruit candidates.
• Attend an Event: Participate in workshops, debates, or town halls to learn and engage with others.
• Host a Workshop: Bring a Braver Angels workshop to your community or organization.

More information about events, membership, and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Braver Angels Eventbrite page or by contacting the Braver Politics Team at braver-politics@braverangels.org.