Note: This event is to be attended in person.

Join us for an in-person Common Ground Workshop on Rebuilding Trust and Respect in Public Health.

Our vision is an America in which there is trust and respect between ordinary citizens and public health leaders. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, for many that trust is at an historic low. Trust must be restored. Without it, we could face disastrous outcomes in the future. For those who have felt voiceless, this is a chance to make your voices heard.

The Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop brings together equal numbers of individuals (those supportive of the public health Covid-19 response and those critical of the public health Covid-19 response) (4-8 of each) - for a deep dive into a problem. In this workshop, the problem of how to rebuild trust and respect in public health after the Covid-19 pandemic will be addressed. Together you will talk about your connections to the issue and your opinions on solutions. By the end of the 5 hour event the participants will have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and allows participants to delve deeper into a single issue. Points of Agreement can be fleshed out at future group meetings, and when possible lead to joint actions such as op-eds, joint speaking and meetings with legislators.

Goals:

To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem
To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement
To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation and to propose solutions to rebuild the Community-Public Health relationship.

Logistics:

There are two ways to join a Common Ground Workshop:

Participant: A participant will engage in small- and large-group discussions with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants must identify as "predominantly supportive of the public health Covid-19 response" or "predominantly critical of the public health Covid-19 response". We will strive for an equal balance of "supportive" and "critical" participants: 4 to 8 people on each side.
Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen. Observers/Alternates should be ready to step in and participate as their position (supportive or critical) in the event of participant cancellations.

Who can come? Anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of, and connection with, people whose political beliefs differ from their own. You should honestly be able to answer "yes" to the following question:

"I agree that I will work with those who see public health actions differently than me to rebuild respect and trust between ordinary citizens and people in leadership in public health. I am participating in this workshop to find solutions we all agree upon.”

Lunch will be provided. Please indicate if you have dietary restrictions when registering for the workshop.

Everyone who signs up will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact Tom Ploski at tploski@braverangels.org

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Media contact: Ciaran O'Connor, ciaran@braverangels.org

Registrations are closed

Common Ground - Rebuilding Trust and Respect in Public Health