Events from 01/01/2020 – 01/23/2021 – Braver Angels

Braver Angels Tampa Bay Alliance Meeting

Louis Tsien — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Alliance Monthly Meeting

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Depolarizing Ourselves

Louis Tsien — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Restricted Attendance: USF Staff and Students
Local Focus: University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg Campus
Note: This free* event is to be attended in person.

About this event

Polarization is fueled by how we talk about those on the other side of an issue. Too often, we ridicule, dismiss, or stereotype our fellow citizens. When Braver Angels addresses “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy. We are addressing how we regard and talk about large groups of people — people who happen to be on the other side of the political aisle.

Goals

In this 1.5 hour session participants will learn:

How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”
How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

Who Can Attend?

Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others.

*Tickets are Free, Donations Help As a spam prevention measure, you must use promo code BRAVER during registration to secure your spot in the workshop. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3. Braver Angels does not ask for a donation if the participant is making one to their faith organization.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Braver Angels Wilmington Monthly Social

Sandy Grant — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Come grab a beer and wings with locals from across the political spectrum. We’ll tell you a little about what Braver Angels is up to, kick back and enjoy each other’s company. Everyone is welcome.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Alliance/Members Meeting

Louis Tsien — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Local Focus: Ely Area

Alliance Gathering

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Cross-generational Dialogue and Networking Social with BridgeUNC and Braver Angels

Louis Tsien — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Join us for a dialogue about generational differences in relationships, work, protest and more; with pizza and a chance to network.

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Braver Angels Resolution Development Workshop

Sandy Grant — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Do you want to bring a Braver Angels Debate to your
Alliance?

It’s not as hard as it seems — but there’s one thing you’ll want to put extra time into, and that’s your resolution. In this online workshop, the Braver Angels Debate Team will help you ensure your resolution is about a question that people on both sides want to talk about.

You will be debating in the Braver Angels Way in no time!

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Immigration 101

Louis Tsien — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An evening of myth-busting and meaning-making.

Before we can find common ground on immigration, we first need to speak the same language. Too often, the national debate on immigration gets tangled in emotion and misinformation. What does it actually mean to be an asylum seeker? Is overstaying a visa a crime? What’s the difference between Temporary Protected Status and Humanitarian Parole? How many Green Cards does the U.S. issue each year — and through which categories?

Join us for “Immigration 101” — a lively, good-humored evening of myth-busting and meaning-making. We’ll start with a fun, interactive Q&A to test what we really know about immigration law and policy — from refugees to green card holders to birthright citizenship. Then, we’ll move onto a moderated discussion, exploring how these definitions shape our personal values, political beliefs, and hopes for America’s future.

Whether you lean Red, Blue, or somewhere in between, this event invites curiosity before judgment — and understanding before persuasion.

Come ready to learn, listen, and connect across differences — one definition at a time.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Braver Angels Indiana Red/Blue Weekly Lunch

Christopher Cook — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Local Focus: Indiana

Weekly lunch meeting of the BA IN Red/Blue lunch group.

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SCIN BA Lunch Group (2026)

Kelly Zimmerman — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

** Local Focus: Indiana focus. All BA members and subscribers are welcome.

Weekly discussion meeting of the SCIN BA Lunch group. All BA members/subscribers are welcome to join us for a discussion on a variety of topics. Participation in previous BA workshops is encouraged!

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Skills for Disagreeing Better

Louis Tsien — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Note: This event is to be attended in person.

In this polarized time, we lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves–their core values and central concerns–but instead as we choose to see them. We are tempted to regard our own side as principled and the other side as self-interested.

When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack the skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing our perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding.

We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.

Goals

More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear — even if they disagree

This workshop is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels as part of our mission to depolarize America. Braver Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax-deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America. Click here to donate.

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Connecting with Compassion: Rising from Reactivity to Response

Louis Tsien — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Local Focus: Eugene/Springfield, Oregon

These tumultuous times can overwhelm us and/or motivate us to rise from fight-flight-freeze reactivity to compassionate responsiveness. In this interactive workshop, we will explore obstacles to growth and then focus on insights and practices that can help us connect with greater compassion to ourselves and those around us.
** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Skills for Disagreeing Better

Sandy Grant — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

* Local Focus: Minnesota

Note: This event is to be attended online.

We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.

Goals

More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear — even if they disagree

This workshop is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels as part of our mission to depolarize America. Braver Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America. Click here to donate.

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Online Meeting

Louis Tsien — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Come participate in a respectful exchange of ideas with fellow members of your community.
No registration required.

For more information about this meeting and future events hosted by the Charlotte Metropolitan Braver Angels Alliance, visit charlotte-metro.braverangels.org/calendar.

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Coffee Talks – Salem, OR

Louis Tsien — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Join us at our monthly gathering in Salem – “Coffee Talks”. This is a casual event where you will get to meet some of your fellow local Braver Angels. The format changes month to month, but usually involves small group or individual discussions, while supporting our host, Ike Box Café, with your patronage. This event is open to everyone. No registration required, simply show up!

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Skills for Disagreeing Better

Louis Tsien — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Note: This event is to be attended in person.

We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.

Goals

More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear — even if they disagree

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Common Ground Workshop: Addressing Immigration

Louis Tsien — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Restricted Attendance – We aim for balanced participation: 4–8 Reds and 4–8 Blues and up to 10 spaces for observers/alternates. 2 moderators and approx. 4 other Braver Angels Volunteers

About this event

Join us for a Common Ground Workshop on the topic of immigration in the United States.

The Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop brings together equal numbers of Conservatives and Liberals – Reds and Blues (4-8 of each) – for a deep dive into a problem, such as addressing climate change, electoral reform or abortion. Together participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions. By the end of the workshop, participants have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and allows participants to go deeper into a single issue. Points of Agreement can be fleshed out at future group meetings, and when possible lead to joint Red-Blue actions such as op-eds, joint speaking and meetings with legislators.

Goals:

To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem
To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement
To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

Logistics:

There are two ways to join a Common Ground Workshop:

Participant: A participant will engage in small- and large-group discussions with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants must identify as “red” (Republican or leaning conservative) or “blue” (Democrat or leaning liberal). We will strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 4 to 8 people on each side.
Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen. Observers/Alternates should be ready to step in and participate as their “color” in the event of participant cancellations. In areas that have a geographic “color” imbalance, allowing for up to 15 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop. Observer/Alternates have found observing a workshop to be amazingly valuable.

Who can come? Anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of, and connection with, people whose political beliefs differ from their own. You should honestly be able to answer “yes” to the following question:

“Are you willing to listen to the other side, and are you willing to speak to the other side with respect?”

Everyone who signs up will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact the Event Organizer below.

This workshop is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels as part of our mission to depolarize America. Braver Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America. Click here to donate.

Local Focus: Residents of Fairfield County, CT

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Skills for Disagreeing Better

Sandy Grant — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Note: This event is to be attended in person.

We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.

Goals

More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear — even if they disagree

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Common Ground – Addressing Immigration

Louis Tsien — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

About this event

Join us for a Common Ground Workshop on Immigration.

Goals:

To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem
To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement
To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

Logistics:

There are two ways to join a Common Ground Workshop:

Participant: A participant will engage in small- and large-group discussions with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants must identify as “red” (Republican or leaning conservative) or “blue” (Democrat or leaning liberal). We will strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 4 to 8 people on each side.
Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen. Observers/Alternates should be ready to step in and participate as their “color” in the event of participant cancellations. In areas that have a geographic “color” imbalance, allowing for up to 15 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop. Observer/Alternates have found observing a workshop to be amazingly valuable.

“Are you willing to listen to the other side, and are you willing to speak to the other side with respect?”

Questions? Contact the Event Organizer below.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Depolarizing Ourselves

Louis Tsien — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Note: This free* event is to be attended online.

About this event

Goals

In this 1.5 hour session participants will learn:

How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”
How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

Who Can Attend?

Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others.

The post Depolarizing Ourselves appeared first on Braver Angels.

Braver Angels Alliance Meeting

Sandy Grant — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:30:00 +0000

Alliance Meeting

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Families and Politics

Louis Tsien — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Family relationships can be casualties of a toxic political environment. Preserve important family bonds while staying true to your values.

About this event

Family relationships can become casualties of a toxic political environment. Family members are having bitter political arguments, avoiding each other, or even cutting off lifetime relationships.

If you want to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this in-person workshop will offer you:

Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging
Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations
Strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way

Although the focus is on family relationships, you can use learnings in this workshop with any loved one. You’ll laugh and have some fun in this workshop—it won’t be all serious. After all, we all come from quirky families.

This workshop is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels as part of our mission to depolarize America. Braver Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America. To donate, click here.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

The post Families and Politics appeared first on Braver Angels.

Clackamas County Braver Angels February Meeting

Sandy Grant — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Do you listen only to argue back?

Can emotions highjack your ability to listen?

Have you pretended to listen to avoid discomfort?

Do you know how to listen to the other side with curiosity and to learn?

Let’s talk about–It’s free!

January’s meeting was very exciting. It was inspiring to see so many of us work on being aware of our emotions when stimulated by provocative videos of current polarizing issues. We learned that listening is a key part of bridging the divide of our country and emotions can highjack our ability to listen to others we disagree with. Join us for our February meeting to continue to explore how we can be better listeners.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Parental Rights in Public Schools: Seeking Common Ground

Louis Tsien — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:30:00 +0000

Local Focus: Snohomish and King Counties

Does current law regarding parental rights in public schools need a rewrite? Join local Red and Blue leaning community members to seek common ground on this issue. Participants will be provided with basic background information on the topic and then will engage in respectful, honest dialogue about their views on the subject. We will work together to create a list of statements we all agree with. We will then offer our common ground statements in writing to the Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.
** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Braver Angels Quarterly SongFaire

Louis Tsien — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Braver Angels SongFaire is a quarterly concert event for musicians to share original songs with one another and with a wider audience online, that connect well with the Braver Angels mission. Artists may perform live or present recorded songs. Our next SongFaire will be on Sunday, March 1, at 2-3:15 pm Pacific time (5-6:15 pm Eastern). We especially invite our monthly Song Square participants to come share new songs they have been working on and celebrate them together! Unlike Song Square, we will be performing completed songs and there will be no feedback – just a few comments from each artist to introduce their song. We can only accommodate 10 performers. You will be notified the day before the event whether you are a performer, on standby list or on top of the waiting list for the next Songfaire.
Of course you can register to be an audience member. Come and join us in this musical celebration!

*Tickets are Free, Donations Help. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)(3).

Deadline for performer registration – By Midnight (pacific), Friday, February 27, 2026

Audience registration – anytime before the event.

Questions? Contact Stephen Sherblom, sherbloms@gmail.com

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BA Music SongFaire

Sandy Grant — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

* Restricted Attendance: 100

Braver Angels SongFaire is a quarterly concert event for musicians to share original songs that connect well with the Braver Angels mission with one another and with a wider audience online. Artists may perform live or present recorded songs.

Our next SongFaire will be on Sunday, March 1st, from 2-3:15 pm (Pacific) / 5-6:15 pm (Eastern).

Unlike Song Square, we will be performing completed songs and there will be no feedback – just a few comments from each artist to introduce their song. We can accommodate only 10 performers. You will be notified the day before the event whether you are a performer, on standby list or on top of the waiting list for the next Songfaire.

Of course you can register to be an audience member. Come and join us in this musical celebration!

Tickets are free and donations help. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)(3).

Deadline for performer registration is before Midnight (Pacific), Friday, March 5, 2026

Audience registration – anytime before the event.

Questions? Contact Sherry Zitter at sherryzitter@icloud.com.

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Being a Braver Angel When the Going Gets Tough

Louis Tsien — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Do you struggle to apply your Braver Angels skills in challenging, real-world conversations? Whether it’s navigating political differences with family, friends, or colleagues or even engaging with those who share your political leanings but differ in their approach to the other side this small-group experience will offer support and insight.
In a moderated discussion, participants will share challenges when using Braver Angels skills in difficult moments. Designed by Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty, the session will focus on two participant-generated scenarios, with group members sharing what they’ve learned from experiences in similar situations.

Note: Participants must be Braver Angels members who have taken a skills workshop, such as Depolarizing Within, Skills for Disagreeing Better, or Family and Politics.

Come connect, reflect, and strengthen your ability to have constructive conversations across political differences even when the conversation gets tough.

There is a limit of 10 participants, so please only sign up if you are confident you can attend.

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Grounds for Dialogue – Cultivating Understanding Across Divides

Louis Tsien — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Local Focus: Houston, TX

Grounds for Dialogue – Cultivating Understanding Across Divides

Our nation is experiencing deepening political polarization, leading to social division, frustration, erosion of trust, and increasing difficulty in addressing shared challenges. Grounds for Dialogue responds to these conditions by creating a structured, welcoming space for honest and courageous conversation across political differences.

This event is not a debate and not an exercise in persuasion. Instead, it is designed to foster connection, understanding, and the rebuilding of social cohesion. Participants will engage with one another as fellow community members, practicing careful listening, reflecting on personal values, and exploring complex issues with curiosity rather than defensiveness.

Through moderated roundtable dialogue, participants will:
– Practice deep listening skills that reduce defensiveness and increase understanding
– Explore challenging civic issues while remaining grounded in shared human values
– Build relationships across political and social divides
– Strengthen the foundations for civic cooperation, trust, and community safety

Grounds for Dialogue is part of an ongoing effort to help Houstonians reconnect with one another and develop the skills needed for more constructive personal and civic conversations.

Event Details
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: IM Houston – Great Hall, 3303 Main Street, Houston
Format: Structured, facilitated dialogue in small groups with trained, neutral moderators
Hospitality: Coffee and pastries provided
Admission: Free (free parking available)
Topic: To be announced

Hosts & Partners
Grounds for Dialogue is co-hosted by Chief of Staff Leah Wolfthal, Houston City Council Members Julian Ramirez, and Sallie Alcorn, in collaboration with IM Houston, an organization committed to bringing people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration, and service.

Participants of all viewpoints are welcome.
** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Eyes Wide Open: Navigating Modern Media

Louis Tsien — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Join us for an 8-week seminar on the media skills we all need to stay grounded in reality and capable of connecting across our differences

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Alliance/Members Meeting – Mid-Missouri Braver Angels Alliance Discussion (MO – Mid-Missouri Braver Angels Alliance)

astillman@gmail.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:30:00 +0000

Local Focus: Mid-Missouri

Public policy discussion on national, state, or local topic.
** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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Local Community Debate – Resolved: End Birthright Citizenship

Sandy Grant — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:30:00 +0000

Join Braver Angels for a debate on the topic – Resolved: End Birthright Citizenship

Remember, our resolutions never represent Braver Angels’ stance on any issue, and we alternate between speeches for and against the resolution.

Join us for this free Local Community Debate, where participants from across the ideological spectrum will have the opportunity to speak and ask questions. Tell us what you have experienced and what you think.

You probably haven’t experienced anything like a Braver Angels Debate. This is a highly structured conversation in which a group of people think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and perhaps changed by each other’s ideas. When done well, everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of the validity in opposing views, and with tighter community relationships.

To learn more about our debates, you can take a look at our Quick Start Guide and this video about the spirit of a Braver Angels Debate. For further information, including to find additional upcoming events or view recordings of some of our past debates, please visit: https://braverangels.org/what-we-do/debates/.

This debate is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit as part of our mission to depolarize America. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax-deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America.

Braver Angels events may be recorded and may be shared with media or used in Braver Angels publications, including web pages. Participants who object to this may disable their video.

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org

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