By Julia Gokalp
(Note: Author is a member of the Braver Angels organization)
“Without further ado, I call this debate to order.”
With the announcement and the swing of a gavel, the string of messages in the Zoom chat slowed to a halt, and the attendees turned their attention toward the Director of Debates.
The next hour and a half was spent with attendees sharing their political opinions, asking and answering clarifying questions, and reflecting on the experience.
This was a debate hosted by Braver Angels. The nonprofit organization’s goal, as described by their website, is to “inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skill-building, convening, and collaborative action.”
In short, they are dedicated to bridging political divides.
They have hosted debates on current issues from Artificial Intelligence to conflict in the Middle East to immigration, aiming to bring participants together in constructive and civil disagreement.
Members have emphasized that the goal of these debates is not compromise or persuasion. Instead, they encourage curiosity and mutual understanding.
With branches across the country (including one in Southeast Pennsylvania), they host monthly debates and workshops for addressing differences of opinion, among other events.
This month, in anticipation of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Braver Angels will host a convention in Philadelphia. Their annual gathering will take place from June 25th – 28th at Temple University.
The event will feature a variety of activities, such as debates, workshops, panel discussions, movie screenings, and music.
One of these workshops will be led by Larry and Sadie Rosen from The Enemies Project, a series where people who disagree strongly are brought together for a conversation that encourages understanding between them.
Maury Giles, the organization’s CEO, said in a promotional video that the conventions are “one of the most amazing things that we’ve done at Braver Angels over the years,” bringing together “a thousand people from across the political spectrum — equal numbers of red, blue, and in between — practicing the concept of courageous citizenship, renewing civic culture, and building trust across political differences.”
The theme of this year’s convention is “A Pledge Renewed” — a reference to the founding of the country.
Wilk Wilkinson, Director of Media Operations, shared his hopes for the convention in an interview. He hopes that it will involve “taking this pledge renewed and turning it into collaborative action and skill-building and convening with people we may or may not agree with.”
