November 2020 Hot Topic – Bridging the Political Divide

by karen wieckert | Nov 6, 2020 | Hot Topics

Speaker: Lynn Heady, Braver Angels

The past four years have stirred strong feelings on both sides of the political divide in the United States. Relationships between friends and family members have frayed, and sometimes broken, because of our nation’s polarization. Many people have come to view those of the opposite party as “the enemy” rather than fellow citizens with differing points of view.

Braver Angels (formerly Better Angels) is a bottom-up national organization focused on improving communication and reducing animosity between Republicans and Democrats. Lynn Heady, Co-Director of Field Operations and Tennessee State Coordinator for Braver Angels, spoke about her organization’s work. Braver Angels was birthed over coffee by two friends of opposite political parties. The organization’s goal is to encourage people to change how they think about each other and hopefully come to discuss their different views easier. By seeking understanding from “the other” the hope is that we can mend as a nation and even find middle ground to meet some of our challenges. Today, Braver Angels has about 15,000 volunteers and 20 paid staff.

For more information please visit the Braver Angels’ website at Braver Angels