Political Conversations

Center for Civic Engagement is proud to have staff trained to facilitate Braver Angels programs. This model of dialogue invites conversations between those of differing political identities. The overall goal is not centrist compromise, but to reduce vitriolic civic culture at a grassroots level.

Red/Blue Workshops

students having a conversation Through either a 3-hour or 6-hour workshop, 5–8 Republican-leaning (Reds) and 5–8 Democratic-leaning (Blues) come together to participate in moderated exercises to move beyond stereotypes and restore bonds as Americans. The goals of the workshop are:

To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide.
To see if there are areas of commonality in addition to differences.
To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

If you would like to learn more or schedule a workshop for your class, department, or organization, please email the Center for Civic Engagement.

Bridging the Divide Skills Workshop

Through a 2.5-hour workshop, this session teaches skills for having a respectful conversation that clarifies differences, searches for common ground, and affirms the importance of relationships. The session will help participants overcome dread often associated with political conversations. The goals of the workshop are:

To learn about the perspectives, feelings, and experiences of someone you care about who differs from you politically.
To have a sense of satisfaction about how you conveyed your own perspective, feelings, and experiences.
To discover some common ground, if it’s there.

This session is for anyone. Special sessions for just Reds or Blues can be held.

If you would like to learn more or schedule a workshop for your class, department, or organization, please email the Center for Civic Engagement.