We offer free presentations and workshops!
Might your organization, club, or church like to hear more about Braver Angels Arkansas or learn about research on political polarization and possible solutions? We are happy to speak with your group or leadership, and we can tailor the content and length to suit your group's needs. We can also provide training in skills for engaging across the political divide through a variety of Braver Angels workshops. Email: ar-coordinators@braverangels.org
"Can We Talk? Respectful Conversations on Difficult Topics"
In an effort to bridge the political divide and foster constructive dialogue, Braver Angels Arkansas will host a special event titled "Can We Talk? Respectful Conversations on Difficult Topics" as part of Arkansas Peace Week. The presentation will be held on Monday, September 15th, from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located at 12415 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223.
The event will feature a presentation by Braver Angels Arkansas leaders, Glen White and Ray Hanley. Drawing on Braver Angels' approach, White and Hanley will provide information on Braver Angels, polarization, and communication and conflict resolution skills for engaging in respectful and productive conversations, particularly on politically charged topics.
"In today's climate, it's easy to feel like we're always talking past each other, especially when it comes to politics," said Glen White. "This presentation will help attendees learn how to listen better, understand different perspectives, and find common ground without sacrificing personal values."
While the event will focus on navigating political disagreements, the principles and skills taught are applicable to any difficult conversation, whether with family, friends, or colleagues. The discussion will offer tools to help individuals move beyond gridlock and hostility, and toward genuine understanding.
"We believe that a healthy democracy depends on our ability to talk to one another, even when we disagree," added Ray Hanley. "Our goal is to give people the tools to have those conversations in a way that is less stressful and more productive. The skills we'll share are useful in any situation where there's tension or misunderstanding."
Braver Angels is a national non-profit organization dedicated to bringing conservatives and liberals together to bridge the partisan divide. The organization hosts workshops, debates, and community events designed to help Americans of different political persuasions understand each other beyond the stereotypes.
The event is open to the public, and all who are interested in fostering more civil and respectful conversations are encouraged to attend.
Event Details:
· What: "Can We Talk? Respectful Conversations on Difficult Topics"
· Who: Presented by Braver Angels Arkansas leaders Glen White & Ray Hanley
· When: Monday, September 15, 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM
· Where: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 12415 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223
· Cost: Free and open to the public
Fill out the "Contact Us" form to let us know you are coming!
Civil Conversations in Hot Springs on September 7, 2025 will be on Media and Polarization.
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Civil Conversations series:
Co-sponsored by Braver Angels Arkansas & Garland County Library
Braver Angels Arkansas (BAAR) and the Garland County Library present Civil Conversations, a monthly series of conversations about politics and related topics. We welcome citizens who seek a respectful, safe environment in which to listen with curiosity to others and to speak effectively about their own views. Moderators from BAAR, trained by Braver Angels, will provide skills training and coaching while encouraging all to maintain a civil and respectful approach to our conversations. Anyone willing to commit to respectfully listening to others, and to sharing your own views with respect, is welcome. We will follow a specific format, and moderators will help ensure all participants follow guidelines for civil discussion. No registration is needed to attend. Email cathi@fiberpipe.net for details or questions.
Series schedule: We meet 2-4 pm on the 1st Sunday of each month at the Garland County library at 1427 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Come join us and bring a friend with different political views to learn effective communication skills and to practice respectful dialogue.
Goals of this series:
Engage in respectful and honest conversations with fellow citizens in the community
Elevate respect for individual differences; promote understanding and tolerance
Identify common points of view or interest
Develop and practice communication skills
Community Civil Conversations: Carroll County
Braver Angels Arkansas in Carroll County invites you to join us for our monthly meeting August 24, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Eureka Springs Community Center. Each month we meet to discuss ways to respectfully engage with folks who have perspectives that are different from our own.
In August, the topic will be recognizing our own internal polarization and how it impacts ourselves and those around us. Our agenda will include watching the Braver Angels' workshop video "Depolarizing Within", exercises to help us recognize our internal polarization and a time for questions and discussion.
Our meetings are open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. We seek to promote respectful conversation and community building, especially with folks who have perspectives that are different than our own. No registration is required to attend.
Questions: Call Dawn: 501-337-3582