National Debate: Reds & Blues
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Since its founding, BA has used the Red/Blue terminology to designate Republican/conservative and Democratic/liberal members. As we invite more people to join us on the journey to courageous citizenship, we’re wondering: are those categories working? Do they help or hinder communication across the divide? Or do they exclude people who don’t align with either category? But if not Red/Blue, then…what? Click here to join us online May 5 from 8-10pm ET and debate Resolved: The Red/Blue dichotomy is the best way to ensure viewpoint diversity at Braver Angels. As usual, our resolution does not represent Braver Angels' stance on any issue, and we alternate between speeches for and against the resolution.
Bonus content: How does BA define Red and Blue? It's on our webpage. How did those terms become the norm anyway? Here’s the history.
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Help us crowdsource our resolutions for upcoming national debates!
It only takes a minute to click here and take the poll.
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The Citizens Commission on Immigration is WORKING!
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The Citizens Commission on Immigration has been BUSY. In-person discussions, online workshops, constituent conversations– you name it, and they’re doing it. And at every juncture, points of agreement are emerging, lighting the path towards 2027’s Report to the Nation. You'll hear more about it at the Convention in June, but meanwhile, track the Commission’s work on their webpage (scroll down!), or take this shortcut to see each event and the points of agreement it’s produced.
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Nominate a Great Volunteer!
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At this year’s National Convention, we’re introducing the Alliance Volunteer Impact Spotlight—an opportunity to highlight volunteers whose work is strengthening their communities and advancing courageous citizenship across our Alliances. These spotlights will elevate real examples of impact, so Alliance Co-Chairs, please take a moment to nominate an outstanding volunteer. The nomination window is open May 1- 15. For details, including how to submit a nomination, click here.
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We're Hiring a Senior Manager
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Our fundraising team is searching for a Senior Manager of Development Operations & Donor Engagement. Could this be you or someone you know? This person will play a central role in advancing BA’s fundraising efforts by managing technical donor systems, supporting major gift strategy, and executing annual fundraising initiatives. This role combines relationship-building, data-informed fundraising, and operational leadership, ensuring that donor engagement is strategic, personalized, and well-coordinated across the organization. Deadline to apply is May 15. Visit our website for more information and job description, then apply at the Idealist.org portal.
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ONLINE EVENT CALENDAR
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Film Club Discussion: Eighth Grade (2018) April 29, 8-9:30pm ET
A riveting depiction of the isolation and anxiety caused by social media. Watch on your own then join us online for discussion.
Click here for details and sign-up.
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Braver Faith National Day of Prayer Observance May 7, 8-9:15pm ET
Faith-based bridge builders gather online to reflect on the Gettysburg Address and pray for healing.
Click here for details and sign-up.
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Common Ground Workshop: Unauthorized Immigrants May 16, 2-6pm ET
Equal numbers of Reds and Blues work together to find points of agreement. Online space available for OBSERVERS ONLY.
Click here for details and sign-up.
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Tickets are free, donations help. Use promo code BRAVER during registration.
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DEBATE CALENDAR
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Debate Volunteer Monthly Forum May 13 from 8-9:30pm ET
The monthly hangout for debate volunteers takes up the question of how to bring debate to new audiences.
Click here for details and sign-up.
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Debate Resolution Workshop May 28 from 7-8:30pm ET
Great debates start with great resolutions! Workshop yours here.
Click here for details and sign-up.
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Our resolutions never represent Braver Angels' stance on any issue,
and we alternate between speeches for and against the resolution.
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IN THE NEWS
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Julian Adorney is a little closed-minded and he knows you are too-- but no judgement! What matters to him is how you work with the mind you have.
Read: Heal the West: “Should We Be More Open-Minded?”
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Illinois State Coordinator Maryanne Colter talks about being “where the magic happens, when we can sit across the table and treat people as human beings.”
Listen: Davies Content: “Why Workshops Bring Surprise and Hope”
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Federal overreach is in the news. But what about closer to home? Libertarian activist Spike Cohen talks about creating change outside the media spotlight.
Listen: Derate the Hate: “The Movement to Stop Local Government Abuse”
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If you wonder what it sounds like when BA is on a college campus, now’s your chance to listen in. Could be the last opportunity before the kids graduate!
Listen: The Spark: “Workshop on Civil Discourse at Penn State Harrisburg”
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WHAT SHE SAID
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The capacity to take up another person’s perspective on a collaborative activity is not just about imagining their line of sight on something-- as if we were hunting an antelope together. It’s about identifying which things in the landscape of the hunt have importance or value.
-- Krista Lawlor, Being Reasonable: The Case for a Misunderstood Virtue
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