Williamsburg Meet-up
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Center Street Grill (5101 Center St, New Town)
An opportunity for casual conversation and refreshments (pay as you go). All are welcome, and RSVPs are greatly appreciated. Contact: jfisler@braverangels.org
Election 2025: Virginia Voter Fishbowl
Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Online (Zoom) - Register here
Virginia is one of only two states electing a governor in 2025. In this fishbowl-style program involving Braver Angels alliances from all across Virginia, hear from supporters of Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger about why they are voting for their chosen candidate. The goal is not to persuade, but to understand each other’s choices. Observers are welcome (from Virginia and beyond).
Workshop: Skills for Disagreeing Better
November 8, 2025
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
First Unitarian Universalist RVA
1000 Blanton Ave, Richmond
In this polarized time, we lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves–their core values and central concerns–but instead as we choose to see them. We are tempted to regard our own side as principled and the other side as self-interested. When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack the skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing our perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding.
This free 90-minute workshop teaches participants:
More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear -- even if they disagree
Workshop: Skills for Disagreeing Better
November 9, 2025
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists
3051 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg
Workshop: Families & Politics
December 13, 2025
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
James City County Library
7770 Croaker Rd, Williamsburg
The Family & Politics workshop teaches participants how to preserve family bonds while staying true to their values and political beliefs. Although the focus is on family relationships, you can use these strategies with any loved one. You’ll have some fun in this workshop – it won’t be all serious. After all, we all come from quirky families. A light lunch will be provided.
Goals
Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging
Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations
Strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way
The workshop is free, but donations toward lunch are much appreciated!
This is not a complete list. Visit braverangels.org/events to see all events being offered by Braver Angels National and other alliances around the country. Most national events are recorded and made available on the Braver Angels YouTube channel within a few days.
National Debate: Israel & Palestine
October 21, 2025
8:00-10:00 p.m. (ET)
Who is responsible for the crisis in Gaza? What information about the region should we trust? What role should the US play in the future of the conflict?
On October 7, 2023, militants from Hamas left the Gaza Strip and launched a deadly attack across the border in southern Israel. Since then, Israel has conducted a military campaign in Gaza that has generated significant international controversy. Some accuse Israel of violating the laws of war and perpetrating genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Others condemn Hamas for fueling the crisis and endangering civilians. Few forums exist for productive disagreement about what has become one of the most polarizing and complex conflicts in recent global history. The Braver Angels Debate team sought to create such a forum.
**NOTE** To keep up with the evolving nature of this conflict, the resolution for this event will be announced within 1 week of the debate. Stay tuned for our resolution, and reach out with any questions.
Hidenwood Presbyterian Church
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Newport News
Oyster Point Rotary Club
Friday, August 8, 2025
James River Country Club, Newport News
Monticello's Civic Season
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Monticello Visitor Center, Charlottesville
Colonial Heritage Democrats
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Colonial Heritage Clubhouse, Williamsburg
James City County Satellite Rotary Club
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Riverside Doctors Hospital, Williamsburg
An Introduction to Braver Angels
Monday, February 17, 2025
Northampton Fire & Rescue, Nassawadox
James City County Breakfast Rotary Club
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg
Grace Episcopal Church
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Yorktown
Historic Triangle Rotary Club
Wednesday, August 24, 2024
Colonial Heritage Clubhouse, Williamsburg
Would you like us to speak to your organization? Email us!
Photo credit: Scott Biondi, HTRC