This Spring, Summer, and Fall, the DMV Focolare Community is partnering with the Braver Angels DC-Area Alliance to offer a series of workshops centered on building bridges in these politically divided times.

The third workshop in this series is Braver Angel's signature Red-Blue Workshop.

Note: This event is an in-person  Braver Angels workshop co-sponsored by the Focolare Movement of the DMV area.

Venue

Spaces, 609 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Description

A free workshop that brings together Red (conservative or Republican-leaning) and Blue (liberal or Democratic-leaning) citizens for moderated activities and structured discussions that reduce stereotyped thinking, clarify disagreements, build relationships, and find common ground through listening and learning rather than declaring and debating.

Schedule

We will gather from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and the day will be divided in three parts:

1. Part 1 of the Workshop: Participants get to know one another, and a foundation of trust is established. 

2. Lunch and fellowship: There will be a potluck lunch in the middle of the day with a brief reflection offered by members of the Focolare Movement. 

3. Part 2 of the Workshop: A deeper dive into authentic, respectful, and thought-provoking questions.

NOTE: It is important to be available and committed to attending the full program. 

Who can attend?

Anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of, and connection with, people whose political beliefs differ from their own is welcome. There are two ways to join a Red/Blue Workshop: as a Participant or as an Observer.

• Participants engage in small and large group discussions with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants identify as “red” or “blue” leaning. We strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 6 to 8 people on each side.
• Observers watch and listen, but do not participate in the discussions.

Workshop Goals

• To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide;
• To seek out areas of common ground in addition to acknowledging and respecting differences;
• To gain insights that might help to heal the increasing polarization in our community and the nation

This is a free event. Donations are completely optional. They help cover costs and make future events possible.