Menomonie, WI – Braver Angels, a national nonprofit organization made up of Republican, Democrat and Independent members with a mission of “bridging the partisan divide,” will conduct three workshops at two Menomonie churches on Saturday mornings in September and October. Workshops are free and open to the anyone with a genuine interest in contributing to depolarization by learning and practicing communication strategies. Registration is required. Participants may register for one, two, or all three workshops. RegisterHERE. You will receive email confirmation of registration.

Light snack and beverage provided. Childcare available upon request.

The first workshop, “Christian Response to Political Polarization,” will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 420 Wilson Ave, Menomonie on Saturday, Sept 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. This workshop focuses on understanding why political polarization is a serious moral problem for Christians and non-Christians alike. We will identify how our faith or spiritual teachings can help address polarization and specific ways we can act as peacemakers.

The second workshop, “Depolarizing Ourselves,” will be held at Menomonie United Methodist Church, 2703 Bongey Drive, on Saturday, Sept 27 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This workshop teaches participants how to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer,” and how to interact without demonizing, dismissing, or stereotyping large groups of the population.

The final workshop, “Skills for Disagreeing Better,” will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This workshop helps participants understand the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically and teaches essential skills for communicating across differences and finding common ground.

Register HERE for one, two or three workshops.

For more information contact Karen Miller, Director of Faith Formation, First Congregational United Church of Christ, [email protected] 715-235-5838