Can We Bridge the Political Divide? A Better Angels Red-Blue Workshop

Can We Bridge the Political Divide? A Better Angels Red-Blue Workshop

Date & Time: Sat, September 28, 2019 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Where: Community Rooms, Lombard Condominiums, 101 Lombard St., San Francisco 94111

Cost: FREE
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Are you tired of the anger and hatred pervading American politics?

Have you lost friends or family relationships because of political differences?

Would you like to work on changing the polarized political climate?

Please join us for an intensive workshop that will bring together conservative-leaning (Red) and liberal-leaning (Blue) citizens for a day of structured conversations, with a focus on listening and reflecting rather than debating and persuading.

Goals:

--To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide.

--To seek out areas of common ground in addition to acknowledging and respecting differences.

--To gain insights that might help to heal the increasing polarization in our community and the nation.

Who can come? Anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of, and connection with, people whose political beliefs differ from their own. You should be able to answer "yes" to the following question:

“Are you willing to listen to the other side, and are you willing to speak to the other side with respect?”

Participants will engage in small- and large-group discussions throughout the day with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants must identify as “red” (Republican or leaning conservative) or “blue” (Democrat or leaning liberal). We will strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 5 to 7 people on each side.

Observers/Alternates Space-permitting, we may be able to include a number of observers. They will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen throughout the day, as well as to join the participants for conversations during lunch and break times. Observers/Alternates should be ready to step in and participate as their "color" in the event of participant cancellations.

BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO HAVE A RED-BLUE BALANCE FOR THIS WORKSHOP, YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE CONFIRMED BY EMAIL TO LET YOU KNOW IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE.

Hosted by The Better Angels Alliance of San Francisco (https://better-angels-sf.org)