Peace building Network Encouraging Conversation

Encouraging Conversation!

Politics! Social Issues! DEI! Blue vs Red! Apple vs Android! Cards vs Hawks! Just when we hope for a calming of these storms another disagreement seems to arise. We can still have quiet conversations about the last two on that list, but the first four?...not so much.

Your D5495 Peacebuilder Net is dedicated to helping build Positive Peace in our communities. One of the ways we are helping do that is through encouraging respectful conversation and a resource we offer to facilitate this is the organization, Brave Angels (formerly Better Angels)( https://braverangels.org/).

Brave Angels: ”Today, there is evidence to suggest that we are now as polarized as we have been since the Civil War. We are in what some are calling a “cold civil war…” “Braver Angels was formed 4 years ago with a goal to depolarize American politics. Our work is rooted in grassroots organizing. From the grassroots however, our volunteer leaders (supported by a small staff) leverage Braver Angels programs and unique organizing structure to impact community life and American institutions.” The Braver Angels Pledge:

As individuals, we try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t agree with it.
In our communities, we engage those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together.
In politics, we support principles that bring us together rather than divide us.

One of your D5495 Rotary brothers, Patrick Walsh (walsh.patrick47@gmail.com), is now a certified Brave Angel Facilitator and he would be happy to talk with you and your club about Braver Angels and also help you set up a Brave Angels workshop at your club or in your community.

During our recent election night, Brave Angels offered a couple of opportunities to help lower our collective anxiety level. One of these took place November 4^th, the day after voting ended. An hour and a half of conversations and stories in which Blues, Reds…and Independents shared their friendships and their united dedication to “getting along”. Your D5495 Peacebuilder Network highly recommend that you take a look (https://youtu.be/K0xFsqL3xiE). The hour and a half will zoom by.

In this YouTube video, I (Steve Bjornstad) was especially impacted by a young Seattle journalist, Monica Guzman Preston (min 42:00 to 51:45), a woman who is a Democrat Hispanic immigrant and who's parents are Republican Hispanic immigrants. Some of you may recognize her name as she is a former Seattle Times reporter. I would love for you all to look into this Braver Angels video...and, especially, to listen to Monica's heart.