Bending the Arc

Troubled by polarizing political conversations with friends and family? Help is on the way!

I recently attended my first virtual national debate with an organization called, Braver Angels. The mission of Braver Angels is simple—to bring America together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.

The February 8 debate topic was “Resolved: Close the Border.” Nearly 200 participants attended this 2-hour debate via Zoom. The debate was led by a chairperson who laid out the rules: 1) There is no hierarchy; all have the right to share opinions. 2) Only say what you truly believe. 3) There is a special procedure for asking questions; you only ask the chair and not address the giver of the speech. 4) Speeches are limited to 4 minutes each. This is “The Braver Angel’s Way.” The resolve is introduced and individuals go back and forth to state their reason why they affirm or not affirm the resolve. This allows both sides to hear one another and hopefully be touched by the other's response/experience. There is no intent to change minds.

I sat as a silent observer, only tempted to respond a couple of times, but I never did. I cannot express how refreshing and humbling this experience was, and how grateful I am to have had it. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear what “the other side” thinks and why. You find there are valid points you had not considered. You find there is hope in people bridging their differences.

The next debate is Thursday, February 29, at 7 pm CT. The topic: “Resolved: My Vote Doesn't Count.” I encourage you to register and experience this. When you register, you have the opportunity to sign up as a speaker, if you’d like. Otherwise, if so moved during the debate, you can chat with your assigned “whip” and let them know you’d like to be considered as a speaker, if time allows. These debates are offered for free or appreciate donations. You can also become a Braver Angels member for $15 and participate in the debates and many other helpful training sessions and webinars at a reduced or no cost.

Now, Braver Angels is not the only organization doing this type of work. There are others that I have not yet looked into. I welcome anyone to look into others and let me know what you think! tabler@csasisters.org

Check these out!

• Starts With Us - Overcoming Extreme Division Starts With Us
• The International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR)’s EXTENSIVE list of Organizations Transforming Polarization & Division

CSA’s latest Chapter statement calls us to: Strengthen the bond that unites us. We deepen the bond by:

• Acknowledging and owning our historic and current realities.
• Addressing our unexamined narratives.
• Moving forward with creative resolutions toward reconciliation and justice
• Committing to develop mutual relationships through synodality, education, and awareness of culture, history, and politics.