Red/Blue Workshop - Session One

Note: This Free event is to be attended online (Promo Code "BRAVER").

Please join us for an intensive online workshop that will bring together Republican-leaning and Democrat-leaning citizens for structured conversations, with a focus on listening and reflecting rather than debating and persuading. We will facilitate collaborative discussions and the sharing of ideas.

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.

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:

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

This event includes the Stereotypes and Fishbowl exercises.

Workshop Details: There are two ways to join a Red/Blue Workshop: as a Participant or as an Observer/Alternate.

• 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 or leaning conservative) or “blue” (Democrat or leaning liberal). We will strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 6 to 8 people on each side.
• Observers/Alternates can identify as red, blue, or independent (not leaning either way). They 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 "color" in the event of participant cancellations.
• In areas that have a geographic "color" imbalance, allowing for up to 25 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Red/Blue workshop.
• The workshop is 3 to 3.5 hours long.

Leading up to the event, participants will receive a phone call, text, or email from the organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

*Tickets are Free, Donations Help As a spam prevention measure, you must use promo code BRAVER during registration to secure your spot in the workshop. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

Questions? Contact Yvonne Boyd, yboyd@braverangels.org.