Can We Bridge the Political Divide? Better Angels Red/Blue Workshop

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

Bridging the Political Divide: Listening and Understanding

Please join us for an interactive workshop that will bring together Red (Republican/conservative-leaning) and Blue (Democrat/liberal-leaning) citizens for structured conversations, with a focus on listening and reflecting rather than debating and persuading.

Goals:

• To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide.
• To seek out areas of common ground in addition to acknowledging and respecting differences.
• To gain insights that might help to heal the increasing polarization in our community and the nation.

Registration is required for this workshop.

Logistics: Participants will engage in small- and large-group discussions with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants must identify as “red” (Republican/conservative-leaning) or “blue” (Democratic/liberal-leaning).

We will strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 5 to 7 people on each side.

Beverages and snacks will be available. Free-will donations will be gratefully accepted. Participants can bring a brown-bag lunch.

Registrants signing up after the Participant list for their color is full will be placed on the Observer/Alternate list. Observers/Alternates will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen throughout the workshop, as well as to join the participants for conversations during the break. Observers/Alternates should be prepared to step in and participate in the event of last minute cancellations. Everyone who signs up will receive a confirmation email.

For more information or questions, contact Ruth  (lundeworld@yahoo.com).