On Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, Braver Angels will hold a Depolarizing Within workshop that teaches participants to look at their own attitudes towards the political “other,” and develop strategies for engaging in politics without demonization or disparagement of the other. It will be held at the Central Lincoln County YMCA, 525 Main St, Damariscotta. 

Recent polls show that most Americans feel our country is more divided than ever, and that people increasingly view members of the opposite political party as not just wrong—but bad people. At the same time, Americans are increasingly divided into bubbles and echo chambers with limited exposure to “the other side,” consuming only news that confirms their opinions and stereotypes.  

In our current political climate, much of our conflict stems not from healthy disagreement over policies, issues, or philosophy. Instead, it’s created by the often emotional, rancor-escalating, and highly polarizing conversations that we typically have with others. Braver Angels has created our Depolarizing Within Workshop to build your skills around lessening the probability and magnitude of polarization in your conversations when differences inevitably arise - as well as to help you reframe how you view the other side in the face of disagreements around politics.  

Launched in 2016, Braver Angels is a non-profit bipartisan citizen’s movement to unify America.  By bringing Red and Blue Americans together into a working alliance, Braver Angels is building new ways to talk to one another, participate together in public life, and influence the direction of the nation.  

By creating opportunities for meaningful discussions, Braver Angels works to dial down the heated rhetoric that gets in the way of real conversations and accurate understanding of our differences. The objective is not to push an agenda or change participant’s minds, but rather to provide a safe place for deeper understanding.  

The workshop is free however, registration is required. Anyone interested in attending can use one of these methods to register: 

• Contact Wendy Miller at 860.478.2495 or email wendydowmiller@gmail.com. 
• Click this link https://DepolarizingWithinMaine.eventbrite.com