National Film Club: Eighth Grade

April 29, 2026

8:00-9:30 p.m. (ET)

Register here 

Eighth Grade (2018) is a modern, realistic, coming of age drama that explores what life is like for a struggling teenager growing up in an American suburb today, at a time when social media is both an emotional outlet AND a source of anxiety. The film follows 13-year-old Kayla during 8th grade as she deals with feeling like an outsider and her own social anxiety by creating motivational vlogs on YouTube, striving for views and acceptance even as she is often ignored by peers. Many audience members and critics alike praised the film for its extremely authentic (and awkward) portrayal of growing up in today's society.

We have explored the themes of social isolation as well as social media usage with Braver Angels Film Club in recent years, but this film discussion will give us a chance to more deeply understand how these problems affect young people.

Be sure to watch the film in advance!

National Debate: Red/Blue at Braver Angels

May 5, 2026

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

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Since its founding, Braver Angels has relied on the Red/Blue framework to bring Americans together across the partisan divide. Proponents argue that the framework is a vital tool that ensures viewpoint diversity in all we do---creating structured environments where diverse perspectives can be heard and challenged with civility. Critics, however, worry that this binary approach is outdated amidst an increasingly complex political landscape. They argue that the Red/Blue divide may simplify or even erase the viewpoints of those who don't fit neatly into either category.

What do you think? Is Red/Blue balance the best way to ensure true viewpoint diversity, or is it time to look beyond the dichotomy? In this debate, we will use our model to turn inward and explore the future of our movement. Join us to share your perspective on Resolved: The Red/Blue dichotomy is the best way to ensure viewpoint diversity at Braver Angels.

Our resolutions never represent Braver Angels' stance on any issue, and we alternate between speeches for and against the resolution.

Reflections on the Gettysburg Address on the National Day of Prayer

May 7, 2026

8:00-9:15 p.m. (ET)

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A National Day of Prayer was established by President Truman in 1952 and set as the first Thursday of May by President Reagan in 1988. Braver Angels will convene a growing number of faith-based bridge-building groups to honor the occasion. Leaders from several faith-based bridge building groups – Braver Faith, One America, Interfaith America, faith250, Listen First Project and others – will offer short reflections on the Gettysburg Address.

Facilitated breakout sessions will invite attendees to respond to Lincoln’s 272-word speech and how it might offer hope and healing during this polarized time. Space for silence will be provided, prayers from various religious traditions will be offered, and "America the Beautiful" will be sung.

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.