Braver Angels: Local efforts to foster respectful dialogue in Washtenaw County
submitted by Bonita Singal, Braver Angels Alliance of Washtenaw County
In these times when our community faces important decisions, fostering respectful dialogue is crucial for preserving our shared values and local way of life. A national organization called Braver Angels is making a positive impact locally through the Braver Angels Alliance of Washtenaw County (BA-WA). Officially formed earlier this year, BA-WA is actively working to restore civility to political discussions right here in our community. In March several of the members convened for a beer at Over the Edge, looking for a lively place to hold an event in Manchester. In doing so, they hope to attract more members and volunteers from this area of the County. They are soliciting members of all political stripes who are fed up with the political discourse and who want to do something about it.
Braver Angels is the largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization in the country dedicated to decreasing toxic political polarization. All leadership positions in Braver Angels are shared by at least one Democrat and one Republican with other political views welcome. “I joined Braver Angels because I became discouraged with the way folks in my own party talked about people who voted with the other party, calling them ignorant, duped or worse. That was one of the reasons I left the party I had identified with for all my adult life. I believe that everyone has something to contribute, and all people should be listened to.” This is a quote from Bonita Singal, the purple Co-chair of Braver Angels Alliance of Washtenaw County. The red co-chair, Ed Karls told the Monitor “I became involved with Braver Angels because I wanted to help depolarize our politics. Each side has its extremes, and neither side has a monopoly on truth or wisdom. Those I disagree with may be political opponents, but they are not my enemies. They are my fellow citizens, and if I care to listen to what they say, I might learn a thing or two. In turn, I’ve never felt freer to state my own opinions without getting jumped on or beaten up. That’s been a surprising benefit for me, and it sure beats all the flaming on social media. Plus, I’ve made some new friends along the way.” Emily Twanmo, the Blue Co-chair said “I joined Braver Angels because I believe that for the future good of our community and our Nation, we must learn to listen to one another and find ways to work together. Braver Angels has programs that can help us get there.”
Braver Angels sponsors workshops, debates, 1:1 conversations and discussions about political issues, trying to engage people who disagree politically in an atmosphere of open and respectful dialogue, where no one is trying to change another person’s heartfelt views. Recent local events included debates over DEI, immigration, and which party represents the working class. This recent Colosseum Debate, held in Dearborn, MI brought together people who disagree passionately about this issue. The debaters included a trucking industry worker, a UAW auto worker, a conservative journalist and a progressive journalist. Watch the video and see how enlightening and civilized the debate turned out to be. It is so rare for most citizens to experience a way to express ideas and values without rancor or fear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEe5urEpJ-Q
BA-WA has presented Depolarizing Ourselves and Skills for Disagreeing Better Workshops for local churches and other religious and non-religious organizations. On June 17 they held a discussion on the pros and cons of Universal Basic Income at Homes Brewery in Ann Arbor. They are planning to hold an event in Chelsea in August called Politics and the Family, to train people to deal with political disagreements between family members. Another event, after Labor Day, will take place in Manchester on the topic of school choice. They will run announcements for those events in the Monitor and hope to see you there.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Braver Angels Alliance of Washtenaw County, please contact them at washtenaw-county-mi@braverangels.org. You can become a member for the whopping investment of $12 a year and learn more about the national organization here.
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