Braver Angels of Franklin County, VT

Our fearless leaders, Dan Pipes and Shanna Ratner appeared with Lincoln Centers on yesterday's Vermont Edition! Listen here:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2024-08-13/5-tips-for-connecting-with-people-who-disagree-with-you-politically.

So glad that the Messenger is part of making a difference for our neighbors in need in Franklin County. I hope that you will read Bridget's article https://www.samessenger.com/things_to_do/in-their-shoes-set-for-saturday-fundraiser-to-show-daily-challenges-of-homelessness/article_11ae2f94-11f2-11ef-a30a-27a73b697a34.html and consider joining us on Saturday as we visit many of the organizations working so hard to help folks experiencing hunger, being unhoused, and other big challenges. You can also donate, as this is an annual fundraiser for CCVOEOprograms and services

'In Their Shoes' set for Saturday; Fundraiser to show daily challenges of homelessness ST. ALBANS CITY — Iona Grant’s life changed dramatically four months ago when a room opened up for her and her husband at Tim’s House, Franklin County’s only homeless shelter.

Check it out! Dan Pipes and Shanna Ratner talk about Braver Angels!

A Civil Discussion 01.25.23 – Guests, Shanna Ratner & Daniel Pipes Don Keelan and Andrew Mckeever talk with Shanna Ratner and Daniel Pipes about BRAVER ANGELS and how they help people find common ground.

In Seven Days this week!

'Braver Angels' in Vermont Want to Change Political Discourse Braver Angels, a national nonprofit that seeks to unite conservatives and progressives, has a new Vermont organizer and is holding a series of workshops as...

https://mailchi.mp/storycorps/tips-from-us-to-you-1351368?e=5af9eb2446

Thought this was worth sharing! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Navigating the holidays Dear Pam, This week many of us will gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving weekend. For some, this may lead to difficult conversations about topics that are stressful — like politics — or otherwise feel challenging. Perhaps we can help. StoryCorps' One Small Step initiative works to hel...

Hey, folks! We are hitting the big time! Check it out!

Field Leaders Portal - Alliance Stories Check out this space for alliance stories, as well as a periodic focus on specific alliances and best practices for alliances. If you'd like your alliance spotlighted, fill out this form or email [email protected].

Great training day for Braver Angels of Franklin County at Hard'ack today! A diverse and engaged group of Vermonters talking about the foundations of courageous conversations between folks with differing political points of view. A fitting exercise on 9/11.

Tired of political gridlock and polarization?
Concerned for the future of democracy and civil discourse?
Come and share a meal with us!

Braver Angels of Franklin County has been meeting quarterly since 2017. Partic-ipants from both sides of the political divide, and in the middle have held 16 productive, civil discussions focusing on issues from the opioid crisis to ac-countability in politics.

But it’s not just talk! Our dialogues are intended to spur creative thought and ac-tion by breaking through the gridlock caused by extreme partisanship. For ex-ample, we were able to engage Franklin County legislators from both parties in initiating legislation to protect privacy rights in short-term rentals.

We invite you to meet our eclectic group of Reds (conservatives/libertarians) and Blues (liberals/progressives) and the Vermont Braver Angels State Coordinator, learn how BA works and how you can start a local BA group of your own. In addition to a delicious meal, you can experience a taste of our training in skills for bridging the political divide.

When: Sunday, September 11, 3:30 – 6:30
Where: Greg Brown Lodge, Hard’ack Recreation Center,
179 Congress Street, St Albans City
What: Lasagna, Salad, Dessert…
How: Use the link below to register. All ages are welcome.

Franklin County, VT Braver Angels Gathering Join us for a meal and learn how to foster civil conversation across the political divide.

Dan and Shanna, founding members of Braver Angels of Franklin County, VT appeared on One Small Step. Check it out!

One Small Step Join us here November 18, 2021, at 7:00 PM EST for an evening of courageous conversations between Vermonters who bravely took one small step towards finding ...

Braver Angels of Franklin Coubty Co-Founders were featured on NPR!

Dan Pipes and Shanna Ratner Friends, Braver Angels colleagues and One Small Step conversation partners Dan Pipes (57) and Shanna Ratner (67) talk about their political values, government structure, influences and experiences that shaped their perspectives, and their personal views on racism and education.

Check out this piece that gets to the core of bridging the divisions in our politics and culture.

Opinion | ‘How Can You Hate Me When You Don’t Even Know Me?’ There's something to be said for talking, and listening, to even unreasonable antagonists.

We had a great group of folks interested in learning more about our Braver Angels experience from across VT! Newfane, Milton, Middlebury and more towns were represented at our Intro to Braver Angels meeting tonight.

We are all booked up for our Braver Angels Skills workshop Thursday 3/4. If you are pre-registered but are having any trouble logging on, message us here and we will get right back to you.

Braver Angels on WCAX!

Talking Politics: Braver Angels helps Vermonters find common ground ST. ALBANS, Vt. (WCAX) - Politics -- it’s one of the few things divisive enough to strain relationships, or polarize a whole country. But one organization says, it doesn’t have to be that way. Elissa Borden checked in with Braver Angels of Franklin County to hear more about their mission...

"This is radical, humane listening, perhaps not even compromise. In their search for common dreams and values, not stakes in the ground for opposing beliefs, Ratner and Pipes want to draw the poison from political exchanges."

https://vtdigger.org/2021/01/28/mares-in-this-polarized-time-how-can-we-learn-to-talk-with-one-another-again/

Mares: In this polarized time, how can we learn to talk with one another again? - VTDigger This commentary is by Bill Mares, who has been a journalist, high school teacher and member of the Vermont Legislature. He is the author or co-author of 16 books ranging from the Marine Corps to workplace democracy, from desert travel to brewing. He is on the board of the Vermont Journalism Trust, t...

Braver Angels of Franklin County in the Saint Albans Messenger!

https://www.samessenger.com/news/braver-angels-look-past-political-divide-in-franklin-county/article_d3638e2a-1c75-11eb-a833-5b9369a24e4b.html

Braver Angels look past political divide in Franklin County FAIRFIELD – Fairfield neighbors Shanna Ratner and Dan Pipes will be the first to tell you they agree on almost nothing when it comes to politics.