Dear Newsletter,
We have been through so much as a nation over the last ten years, and longer. But the United States of America still stands. Many of us feel that we are teetering on the edge of disaster, while many of us feel our country is doing quite well. That is, to a degree, a simple political question after all. Politics is politics, and in politics there are always those who think the sun is rising just as there are always those who say the sky is falling. The only true judge of such things is time.
But set aside the question of politics and policies per se and look at something deeper. There is a great deal more unity between us than meets the eye. We share a recognition of the troubling undercurrent of disaffection from our institutions and from each other that has defined this period of American life — and that undercurrent is far more alarming than the price of gasoline. It is from this undercurrent that political violence arises, electoral legitimacy is undermined, shared information collapses, and the bonds of affection between families and friends are forgotten. This is the tragedy of modern American life that all of us can recognize.
And yet, one can become complacent with this too. One can think, well, at least my political party will be victorious in the end and so things will be fine. One can think, well, I am insulated from the worst effects of this culture of tribalism, so I will be okay. Or, one can think that this cancer of contempt and confusion in our society truly is an evil, but that there is nothing to be done about it…and make peace with powerlessness in the face of trouble and despair.
That is the way many of us feel in America. But those are not the feelings that predominate here in Braver Angels. We hold the ground for a stronger conviction. And we hold the ground for a greater hope.
Abraham Lincoln famously admonished Americans to remember that a house divided cannot stand. We know that this is true at Braver Angels. And we know the day is coming in which Americans of all parties and none will realize that the preservation of the American dream lies in the courage of its citizens to reject the tribal cynicism which says that our party and our politics are what define and condemn us to one another.
When that day comes, (and it has already come for many), there will be those who fear that it is already too late to rebuild trust between the American people.
But we will know better at Braver Angels. Because we will have held the ground for goodwill in America. We will have held the ground for understanding, friendship and collaboration across the divide. We will have held the ground for hope.
You are holding the ground for the America of tomorrow, my friend. For an America that realizes the promise of her ancient creed, that out of many we are one.
For those of you who are joining us in Philadelphia, that is the America you will see. I look forward to joining you there.
—John Randolph Wood Jr., National Ambassador, Braver Angels
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[Special note:]
Our Sunday newsletters have become a place to share big ideas, thoughtful reflections, deep dives, and stories from the field about the work of bridging America’s divides. Many of you have told us how much these essays and conversations have meant to you. As we prepare for the upcoming Braver Angels Convention and take a strategic look at how we communicate and connect with our members and subscribers, we are pausing the Sunday newsletter in its current form. This pause will give us space to explore new ways of sharing thoughtful content in the future, including possibilities like an expanded blog, Substack, video storytelling, and more. In the meantime, we will continue sending important announcements and invite you to stay connected through our midweek newsletter, where you’ll find a rich calendar of events, opportunities, conversations, and ways to engage in the work ahead.
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Continue the Conversation at the 2026 Braver Angels National Convention
This June in Philadelphia, thousands of Americans from across the political spectrum will come together for the 2026 Braver Angels National Convention to practice what so many people think is impossible: honest conversation across deep divides. Join us for workshops, debates, storytelling, and conversations designed to help us see each other more clearly and rebuild trust where it’s been lost. Learn more and register here!
Coming Up
Great debates. If you want to bring a debate to your BA Alliance, one thing you'll want to put extra time into is your resolution. Learn how to choose the right wording and pose great questions.
✅ Sign up Braver Angels Resolution Development Workshop
Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. ET
National debate. Is separation between church and state a fundamental pillar of American democracy, or does it ignore our nation’s heritage? Join this debate and tell us what you think.
✅ Sign up National Debate: Christianity & Politics
Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET
Get organized. As we head into the convention, our online organizer training is in full swing. Join us for several sessions or one crash course to learn how to become a qualified BA organizer.
✅ Sign up for as many sessions as you’d like Registration for Organizer Week Session(s) OR
one crash course session Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. ET Registration for Organizer Crash Course Training
Get organized. Are you a BA debate volunteer? Curious about becoming one? Or looking to gain some wisdom about what it takes? If so, join us for our monthly Debate Volunteer Forum.
✅ Sign up Debate Volunteer Forum: June 2026
Wednesday, June 10 at 8 p.m. ET
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🔔 Join us in Philadelphia. On America’s 250th Anniversary—and Braver Angels’ 10th Anniversary—we will convene on hallowed ground in Philadelphia to renew the pledge the founders took 250 years ago. Our 2026 National Convention is a call for courageous citizens to deepen their commitment to democratic principles and strengthen their bonds with each other. Join us for inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, stirring debates, and many more exciting programs. Learn more and submit your application to attend through our 2026 National Convention website.
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Beyond contempt. Do you ever feel conflicted about doing the hard work of opening yourself up to hear different political viewpoints? Is it easier to be an activist than a bridge-builder? If so, you’re not alone. Read more here.
📖 Read The Arc of Outrage
BA in action. Read how BA helped the entire city of Wichita, KS decide on whether or not to approve a 1% sales tax. This wonderful real-world application of BA principles is a delight to read about. Attendees at the BA-hosted BA said it “raised the bar for civil discourse”.
📖 Read We were killing ourselves with logistics
BA in MN. Read about a fascinating BA-led conversation in the town of Ely, MN on whether the town is thriving or dying, and what common ground residents found.
📖 Read Braver Angels discussion was on: Is Ely is dying or thriving?
BA in WA. Read this interview with the red co-coordinator of the Spokane, WA BA chapter on why she first engaged with BA and what she’s hoping to accomplish.
📖 Read Braver Angels work to bridge Washington's Cascade divide, one discussion at a time
A new discipline. Read BA’s CEO’s thoughts on why, instead of exploring our differences with curiosity, we are often pulled into an outrage cycle, a system engineered to provoke us, and why, in such a world, choosing not to react is an act of self-mastery.
📖 Read Civic duty
Reconciliation. Listen to Wilk talk to Corey Nathan — entrepreneur, podcast host, and bridge-builder — about the forces that divide us and the choices that can bring us back together.
🎧 Listen Your Brain on Tribalism: Why It Derails Relationships & What You Can Do About It
A new civic path. Listen to Wilk talk to Rich Harwood about the yearning for something better he is seeing on the ground in communities across the country.
🎧 Listen America Has a Crisis of Belief - The Answer is a New Moral Vision
Conversations across differences. The Spark recently hosted a live taping at Penn State Harrisburg following a “Skills for Disagreeing Better” workshop facilitated by BA. Listen to it here.
🎧 Listen The Spark Features Braver Angels Workshop on Civil Discourse at Penn State Harrisburg
An illuminating talk. Two BA members, a liberal and a conservative, talk about what those terms mean to them…without using expletives.
🎥Watch Braver Angels Katherine Cadwell and Steve Saltwick
Not a member? Join today!
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