Embedded Files
Upcoming Alliance Events
Upcoming Alliance Events
Declaration Book Club
Sign up by August 1
As part of its commemorations of the country’s 250th birthday, Monticello recently launched its Declaration Book Club, a reading and discussion toolkit that delves into “the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and their relevance today.” This is a wonderful opportunity to come together in the spirit of Braver Angels to explore key ideals of our common American heritage.
The Declaration Book Club consists of a free, downloadable kit that is designed to be used over three meetings.
Meeting 1: 1776 — Participants will explore the creation of the Declaration, analyzing Jefferson's original drafts, Congress’s revisions, and the revolutionary ideals that shaped the nation's birth.
Meeting 2: 1826 — This session reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration and the legacies of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who both died on July 4, 1826, by then well aware of the document's evolving significance.
Meeting 3: Legacies — The final session examines how the Declaration's ideals have inspired movements for equality and self government, from Elizabeth Cady Stanton at Seneca Falls to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Want to participate? The CE-VA Alliance will organize and lead the meetings using the materials provided by Monticello. All are welcome! We will schedule the three discussion sessions around the availability of the participants. Email jfisler@braverangels.org by August 1 to express interest.
How Powerful Should the President Be? (Monthly Alliance Meeting)
Saturday, August 16, 2025
1:30-3:00 p.m.
Richmond Friends Meeting House (4500 Kensington Ave -- park on Commonwealth Ave)
Recent presidents of both parties have stretched their authority, relying on emergency powers and executive orders rather than Congressional action to get things done. More executive power allows presidents to make changes quickly and keep their promises to voters more easily, but what are the tradeoffs? How much executive power is too much? Join a conversation where conservatives, liberals, and independents come together to share their views on how our system is working—or not. No shouting, no spin—just real talk about the Constitution, accountability, and what’s best for the country.
Williamsburg Meet-up
Tuesday, August 26, 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
Upcoming National Events
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.
Workshop: Skills for Disagreeing Better
July 26, 2025
2:00-3:45 p.m. (ET)
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.
We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.
Goals:
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
Fishbowl: What Are We Afraid Of?
July 28, 2025
8:00-9:30 p.m. (ET)
A deep dive fishbowl exercise for mixed reds and blues to learn about each other's political fears and understand how we might better respond to fears that inhibit working political relationships.
NOTE: It will be a better experience if you have completed at least one Braver Angels workshop.
Debate: RFK Jr. and Health
July 31, 2025
8:00-10:00 p.m. (ET)
With trust in public health and medical care the lowest it has been in decades, we Americans have to decide whom we believe and whom we trust—with our lives and our children’s lives. We want to hear what YOU believe in our debate on the topic – Resolved: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will advance the health of the American people.
Come join us for this free national debate, in which all participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their questions. Tell us what you have experienced and what you think.
You probably haven’t experienced anything like a Braver Angels Debate. This 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.
To learn more about our debates, you can take a look at our quick start guide and this video about the spirit of a Braver Angels Debate. For further information, including to find additional upcoming events or view recordings of some of our past debates, please visit: https://braverangels.org/what-we-do/debates/.
Outreach Activities
Outreach Activities
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
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