Skills for Disagreeing Better with Braver Angels of East Central Illinois

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

Note: Mahomet Public Library is partnering with Braver Angels of East Central Illinois to offer this workshop.

Braver Angels is a strictly non-partisan group working to helping Americans bridge the divide and reduce the polarization we see so much of in our current political climate. The Champaign area is home to one of three Braver Angels Alliances in Illinois, Braver Angels of East Central Illinois. Immediately following this workshop, the East Central IL alliance will hold its regular monthly meeting. If you are interested in learning more or possibly joining the group, you are welcome to stay and attend that meeting.

Mahomet Library Director John Howard says this about Braver Angels: “In late 2023, I tried to create some workshops for the Library which would demonstrate how we as citizens could talk together better to find solutions to our society’s biggest issues. I feel that the public library should be a safe place in our community where we can productively have these hard conversations. While I was struggling to create these workshops from scratch, I found that there was an organization who was already doing the very same thing! After some research, I was proud to join Braver Angels, and I plan to bring their positive brand of non-partisan communications to our community. If, like me, you are frustrated with the nastiness that is so common in our political conversations these days, I encourage you to attend upcoming Braver Angels programs at the Library, or even become a member yourself.”

Adults. Please register.