“Turning down the heat”: conversations across our ideological divides

In our society, which is currently deeply polarized on political (and other) grounds, the barriers to discussion and conversation across our ideological divide can feel impossibly high. Is this sort of talk worth pursuing? How much effort should we invest in overcoming these barriers? If meaningful interactions can take place, what would they be like?

The Jefferson Center invites members and guests to discuss this topic and related strategies on Sunday afternoon, April 21st, from 4 to 6 pm at the Jefferson Center in the Old Ashland Armory. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Bruce Borgerson, who is active with the national organization “Braver Angels” and who will assume a statewide coordinator role in May, will join us as an invited discussant. Launched in 2016, Braver Angels (http://www.braverangels.org) is a national movement to bring people holding diverse political views together in order to understand each other beyond stereotypes, form community alliances, and reduce the vitriol that poisons our civic culture. Braver Angels does not endorse any political candidates nor take positions on any political issues.
Both Braver Angels and the Jefferson Center espouse values and strategies for open conversations that bring people together, instead of rehearsing or sharpening our divisions. What can we learn from each other’s experience?

Contact person for the press (do not publish): Joseph Graf (graf@sou.edu) 541-227-8632