Braver Angels’ mission: To bridge the partisan divide and promote active listening

With the 2024 election approaching, Braver Angels, a non-profit organization, is working to bridge the partisan divide and bring Americans together by teaching them how to listen. 

Political polarization has always been part of American politics, but not enough effort has been made to ease that tension, says Chuck Stone, a blue-leaning state coordinator for Illinois at Braver Angels. 

“Everyone agrees that [polarization] is a destructive force and it’s sort of corrupting our politics but we are not talking as a problem to be solved,” Stone said. 

That’s why Braver Angels focuses on promoting listening through their workshops.

On Tuesday, Braver Angels East Central Illinois Alliance held a meeting at the Champaign Public Library. About two dozen people were in attendance.

Two attendees performed a skit, playing the roles of two individuals with different political ideologies. They showed what ought not to happen in such a dialogue, such as name calling.

Participants then broke into small groups, discussed what was wrong with the conversation, and talked about how they could do it better. 

Local chapters of Braver Angels host workshops that provide opportunities for people to actively listen to those they disagree with. Stone said people are often surprised to discover similarities – and common ground – with their conversation partners.

“A part of everyone’s education should be: How to talk to people who disagree with you,” Stone said. “I think that is sorely needed and it’s a skill that we need, to make sure our system of government works.”

Michael Trout, a blue-leaning coach for Braver Angels East Central Illinois Alliance, said the practice yields positive outcomes. 

“We do know that after debates, for example, audience members report a better understanding of both sides of the issue,” Trout said. 

Tony Schutz, the red-leaning coach for East Central Illinois Alliance, agrees.

“It’s kind of alarming sometimes that if you’re in anonymous chat rooms or through emails, how terrible people can be toward each other,” Schutz said. “If you can get someone involved in talking to someone, that really helps in understanding where they come from.”

Braver Angels will speak at Noon on Friday, Sept. 27, as part of the University YMCA’s Friday Forum + Conversation Café series.