Events
Upcoming Alliance Events
Global Conflicts: When Should the U.S. Get Involved? (Monthly Alliance Meeting)
Thursday, April 17, 2025
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Online (Zoom)
From military interventions to diplomatic efforts to material aid, the role of the U.S. in global conflicts has long been debated. When does involvement serve national interests, and when does it keep us from addressing more pressing concerns at home? Should the U.S. be a leader that tries to ensure global stability or should we just mind our own business? Where do humanitarian interests or moral obligations factor in? Whether you believe in a strong international presence or a more restrained approach, this is an opportunity to explore tough questions and engage in a respectful, balanced conversation about America's role in the world.
Recommended pre-reads:
The Perspective: Should the US Intervene Militarily in Foreign Conflicts?
Pew Research Center: Views on America's global role diverge widely by age and party
Williamsburg Meet-up
Tuesday, April 29, 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! Find us in one of the private rooms at the back. Contact: jfisler@braverangels.org
"The Coddling of the American Mind" (Monthly Alliance Meeting)
Saturday, May 10, 2025
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Richmond Friends Meeting Community Room (4500 Kensington Ave -- park on Commonwealth Ave)
Join us to discuss "The Coddling of the American Mind," a documentary film based on the best-selling book by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. Through interviews with students, mental health professionals, and the book's authors, the film explores how a culture of groupthink and race/gender orthodoxies at American universities has contributed to the mental health crisis among the young adults of Generation Z. Watch the film ahead of time (available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play or Substack) or just come for the conversation.
Williamsburg Meet-up
Tuesday, May 27, 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! Find us in one of the private rooms at the back. Contact: jfisler@braverangels.org
Upcoming National Events
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 Series: Trump's First 100 Days - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
April 22, 2025
8:00-10:00 p.m. (ET)
Register here (use promo code "BRAVER" to unlock free tickets)
This is the latest in a 6-part debate series about actions President Trump has taken in his first 100 days. The topic for this debate is Resolved: Defend DEI.
Unlike debates you may have seen elsewhere, a Braver Angels debate 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.
Film Discussion: Populism
April 23, 2025
8:00-9:30 p.m. (ET)
What is populism and why is it rising around the world? Please watch three pieces in advance:
The Rise of Populism (7 min documentary), To watch it, click here, then scroll down until you see the video “The Rise of Populism.”
Why Right-Wing Populism is on the Rise (12 min documentary).
The Rise of The Rise of Populism and the Backlash Against the Elites, with Nick Clegg and Jonathan Haidt (89 min). Jonathan Haidt is a member of the Braver Angels Board of Directors.
We choose films that address social, political or cultural issues that are relevant to society today. They may highlight liberal-leaning, conservative-leaning or independent themes, or feature actors or directors from opposite sides of the political spectrum. Note that the discussion of this film and its inclusion on the Braver Angels website does not imply promotion of the subject matter or the persons involved in the creation of this film.
National Debate Series: Trump's First 100 Days - Making America Great Again
May 1, 2025
8:00-10:00 p.m. (ET)
Register here (use promo code "BRAVER" to unlock free tickets)
This is the final debate in a 6-part series about actions President Trump has taken in his first 100 days. The topic for this debate is Resolved: President Trump Is Making America Great Again.
Unlike debates you may have seen elsewhere, a Braver Angels debate 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.
How to Become Politically Anti-fragile
May 3, 2025
2:00-4:00 p.m. (ET)
Take a deep dive into how colliding worldviews separate us, how our brains trick us into seeing those that disagree with us as enemies, and how these very same brains can create new constructs in which "they" become part of "us." Join us to discuss strategies for gaining emotional control, reframing difficult conversations, and building strength by meeting challenges head-on.
Outreach Activities
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