Featured Events
Transformative Listening and Other Essential Skills for Facilitating Civic Conversations will combine lecture, experiential exercises, and resource sharing for people interested in engaging in more meaningful conversations in their everyday life. Participants will learn the art of listening and more specifically, what reflective listening is and how to be an intentional listener. They will have opportunities to practice this skill with other participants. Participants will also learn about the facilitator’s role and how to support good conversations no matter the topic. Participants will walk away with new listening skills, resources, and will gain skills for facilitating conversations in their communities.
Register here: https://peacethroughactionusa.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/peaceful-dialogues-registration-form-may-16-2022
When noted political scientist Francis Fukuyama predicted the “end of history,” it seemed that the Western form of traditional classical liberalism and democracy–rule of law, equal treatment, individualism, and political freedom–was on the march in countries around the world, and that a new political order would be established around the globe. However, as the Russian attack on Ukraine shows, the battle between autocracy and classical liberalism will continue to shape global relations in the present and the future, and as history it will tell the story of this complicated period in world history.
In his latest book Liberalism and Its Discontents, Fukuyama explains the troubled history of the American realization of classical liberalism here in the United States, and the challenges from both sides of the political spectrum arising in recent decades. With the right demanding economic freedom above all else, and the left making its core ideal the elevation of identity above the universality of humanity, Fukuyama argues that both approaches miss the mark in grasping classical liberalism, and the consequences can be disastrous both at home and around the world.
At this critical time, Fukuyama proposes a bold new defense of classical liberalism, and explains that failing to do so will continue to fragment America’s civil society, and will influence global pushback on democracy itself.
Join us as Fukuyama engages in a critical and timely discussion on classical liberalism, why it remains one of the most influential political ideologies of the past millennium, and why battles around it will determine the path of the 21st century for the United States and the world.
This program is presented in collaboration with the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and is supported by the Ken & Jaclyn Broad Family Fund.
Featuring:
[Moderator] Courtney Joslin, Resident Fellow, Competition Policy, R Street Institute
Eileen Huck, Government Relations Senior Deputy Director, National Military Family Association
Lory Manning, Director, Government Relations, Service Women’s Action Network
Few Washington debates get as heated as those about birth control and insurance. The Affordable Care Act contraceptive mandate maintains that women receive birth control prescriptions without cost-sharing with limited exceptions. Yet a surprising cohort of U.S. citizens do not enjoy the same privilege: Some military service members, their dependents and veterans do not get the same contraceptive coverage as do their civilian counterparts. And while partisan politics historically divide policymakers on contraceptive coverage, there is a growing bipartisan effort to correct what many view as a discrepancy in how we treat the contraceptive needs of those who have served our country.
How did we get here and what is the solution? On May 17, join Courtney Joslin of the R Street Institute as she moderates a panel of experts to discuss contraceptive coverage policies for service members, why coverage has lagged and what solutions Congress is proposing.
The United States faces a number of generational challenges, including high and rising national debt and the increasing effects of climate change. The Build Back Better agenda reflects one approach to address climate change through new spending and tax breaks. In addition to or in place of this approach, policymakers could consider carbon pricing as a means to reduce carbon emissions.
Please join us for Fiscal Solutions to Climate Change, a virtual forum that will include a panel of experts and discussion with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The event will examine what role fiscal policy can play in mitigating climate change and what it would mean for the economy and the budget.
We will be joined by:
Keynote Discussion:
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Maya MacGuineas, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
Expert Panel:
Marc Goldwein, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
Jon Huntley, Penn Wharton Budget Model
Catrina Rorke, Climate Leadership Council
Date: Tuesday, May 17
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
Location: via Zoom, a link will be sent upon registration
In the wake of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s fate has become tightly linked to the future of democracy and a liberal world order. How did Ukraine become a champion for democracy? What are the prospects for an end to the war? What is driving policy in Moscow and Kyiv? Our experts will discuss how things got to this point, what we know so far, and what might happen next.
The question of abortion touches on the heart of Braver Angels’ mission: How do we find common ground and build up our country together when we disagree on grave moral issues?
Our debate is an opportunity to make the case for your own beliefs to those who disagree with you and still want to find a way to live alongside each other. We ask that you come with your passion for justice and also your curiosity about how to have a better disagreement with us than you’ve had elsewhere.
We particularly hope, whether you give a speech, ask a question, or simply observe, that this debate helps you have better conversations with people who you love and disagree with.
So, we’d urge you to come to the debate with your strongest arguments, but also with this question in mind: What do I need to learn from the other side in this debate in order to talk to someone I know who I disagree with?
Join Braver Angels Thurs May 19 @ 8 pm EST for a debate on the topic – “Resolved: The rights of an adult woman take precedence over the rights of a fetus.”
Come join us for this free national debate, in which all participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their questions. Tell us what you have experienced and what you think.
Register here. After registration, you will be emailed the zoom link to attend the event. Keep an eye out!
Questions? Email debates@braverangels.org.
You probably haven’t experienced anything like a Braver Angels Debate. This is a highly structured conversation in which a group of people think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and perhaps changed by each other’s ideas. When done well, everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of the validity in opposing views, and with tighter community relationships.
To learn more about these debates, you can view this video of a sample debate (it lasts about 15 minutes). This file might help you understand the debate process that we use.
This debate is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit as part of our mission to depolarize America. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America.
You will have an opportunity to make a donation as you register, if you so choose. Your choice will have no bearing on your registration or Zoom meeting assignment.
Braver Angels events may be recorded, and may be shared with media or used in Braver Angels publications, including web pages. Participants who object to this may disable their video.