About Braver Angels
Braver Angels is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging political divides by fostering respectful dialogue and mutual understanding among individuals with differing perspectives. Through workshops, debates, and community events, the organization aims to reduce polarization and promote civil discourse. Braver Angels seeks to strengthen democracy by encouraging empathy, collaboration, and constructive engagement across ideological lines.
About the Braver Angels of Washington State
Braver Angels Washington is working in our local communities by holding workshops, debates and public presentations designed to bridge the polarizing political divide we experience in our country. This page provides basic information about our organization.
What We Do
We introduce citizens to the Braver Angels process of depolarization and civil discourse through:
Attendance at free workshops
Current event discussions
Town hall debates
Civic discourse events
Book talks
1:1 conversations
Speaking engagements
Alliance meetings
and more…check upcoming events here
We respectfully engage in political and public policy discussions about issues important to us and our country. We invite you to join us!
Ongoing Braver Angels Experiences
Braver Angels Podcast: Hosts Ciaran O'Connor and John Wood Jr. use their years of experience working on opposite sides of the aisle to host a podcast focused on bridging the divide. They bring on guests with varied political backgrounds and use these perspectives to provide a nuanced understanding of some of the most pressing issues facing our country today.
1:1 Conversations: A novel way for people to connect personally and as citizens who are concerned for their country. The process involves two structured 1-hour conversations between two people using an online platform.
YouTube Recordings: The Braver Angels YouTube channel includes a variety of content ranging from online debates, public forums, podcasts, and even common ground themed musical performances. A great resource to learn more about and from Braver Angels and to watch an event you couldn’t attend live
Debates
If you haven’t experienced it, a Braver Angels Debate 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 relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions and answers are here.
Washington State Leadership
To contact the state coordinators, please email wa-coordinators@braverangels.org
Sharmin Banu
Washington State Coordinator - Blue
Pacific Regional Coordinator - Blue
Sue Lani Madsen
Washington State Coordinator - Red
The Alliances of Braver Angels in Washington
Western Washington
Western Washington Curious Conversations Workshop with Mónica Guzmán - June 2022
The Braver Angels in Western Washington Alliance started in late 2018. Mary Beth Stibbins, Will Clemmer, and a few others got together and produced our first event, the Red-Blue Workshop in Jan 2019 in Everette.
Today, the Co-Chairs of the Alliance are Mary Beth Stibbins (B), and Elizabeth Doll (R).
The Western WA Alliance meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at 7:00-8:30 PM PT.
Questions? Email us at western-wa-alliance@braverangels.org
At the Statewide retreat - October 2023
Eastern/Central Washington
At the Statewide retreat - October 2023
Rocking the rural. Members of the Central/Eastern Washington Alliance pose at a meet up. (L-R): Janice Dickinson, Raven Odion, Liz Wise, Byron Odion.
The Eastern/Central Washington Alliance covers a large geographical area, but that doesn't stop us from connecting every month via Zoom calls. This active group formed in March 2021 and consists of three Red and three Blue Co-Chairs and a membership that spans from Winthrop to White Salmon and Spokane to Walla Walla. We hold a meeting each month, often with guest speakers and ongoing programs to help members practice communication skills and ask Questions of Curiosity. In addition, Braver Angels workshops are planned two or three times a year, often attracting participants from all over the country.
We usually meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm. For more information or to contact our co-chairs, please email central-eastern-wa-alliance@braverangels.org or click below to join our mailing list!
Columbia Gorge
Washington has a new Braver Angels alliance! Formed in July 2023, the Columbia Gorge Alliance, supports communities and rural areas from Washougal through The Dalles and Goldendale on both sides of the Columbia.
Tom Aspitarte (Blue Co-Chair) and Doug Roof (Red Co-Chair) will host programs and events that are open to residents of Washington and Oregon. They look forward to meeting you, and working together to bridge the political divide within our communities, our families and ourselves.
Check out their press release, here, for contact information.
HELP WANTED
We are looking for volunteers to help us advance the mission of Braver Angels. There are lots of ways to help. We can help you figure out how to dive in, or just dip your toes in the water, given the time and skills you have.
Please contact us to learn more.
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
— John F. Kennedy