Common Ground Workshop: Unauthorized Immigrants in the U.S.

May 16, 2026

2:00-6:00 p.m. (ET)

Register here 

The Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop brings together equal numbers of Conservatives and Liberals - Reds and Blues (4-8 of each) - for a deep dive into a problem, such as addressing climate change, electoral reform or abortion. Together participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions. By the end of the 4 hour online event they have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and allows participants to delve deeper into a single issue. Points of Agreement can be fleshed out at future group meetings, and when possible lead to joint actions such as op-eds, joint speaking and meetings with legislators.

Goals:

• To delve into a single issue where citizens differ, and learn how each other sees the problem

• To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement

• To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

There are two ways to join a Common Ground Workshop:

• Participant: A participant will engage in small- and large-group discussions 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: 4 to 8 people on each side.

• Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen. Observers/Alternates should be ready to step in and participate as their "color" in the event of participant cancellations. In areas that have a geographic "color" imbalance, allowing for up to 15 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Common Ground workshop.

Who can come? Anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of, and connection with, people whose political beliefs differ from their own. You should honestly 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?”

Everyone who signs up to be a participant will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

National Debate: Christianity and Politics

June 2, 2026

8:00-10:00 p.m. (ET)

Register here 

Is separation between church and state a fundamental pillar of American democracy, or does it ignore our nation’s heritage? With the influence of faith in the public square a recurring focal point for both legal and social friction, the question of whether Christian practices belong in U.S. government has become a defining debate of our time.

Proponents of strict secularism argue that the U.S. government must remain a neutral ground to ensure true religious freedom for all citizens. Others raise concerns that excluding religious expression is an act of hostility and argue that "secularism" should not mean the erasure of religious identity from the public square.

What role should Christianity play in US politics? Join us for a debate on Resolved: Christian practices have no place in U.S. government.

Note: This resolution does not represent Braver Angels' stance on the issue. We will alternate between speeches in support of and against the resolution.