My Presentations at the Braver Angels National Convention in Gettysburg, PA

Braver Angels (https://braverangels.org/) envisions an America with respectful embrace of political disagreements, where civic friendship flourishes and competing perspectives strengthen our nation. At its national conference in Gettysburg, PA last month, the nearly 700 delegates were asked why we came. I wrote, “I worry that my grandchildren will not enjoy the benefits of this country that I have.” Are we headed to another civil war as happened on that very soil? Hopefully not, which is why I volunteer with this national movement for civic renewal. 

I had the honor to address the delegates about changing our politics based on my experience organizing workshops for the NH House of Representatives. I quoted Gandhi -- if we want to change the world, we need to change ourselves. Vision, relationship building, and persistence are required. Take a risk, put yourself out there, bring your whole authentic self, positive energy, a willingness to learn and grow, and a dose of humility.

I recalled a lesson from many years of mountaineering: its essence is less about getting to the top and more about embracing the experience. A country where people with different opinions treat each other respectfully may be a very high summit these days, but each step makes a difference.

Jonathan Rauch, a  conference speaker, observed: “Helping people to feel empowered and not feel helpless is the core of the Braver Angels work.”  

I found similar inspiration from author Amanda Ripley on the “On Being” podcast, suggesting ways to overcome conflict and build trust. Interviewer Krista Tippett called this spiritual work that can bring hope, dignity, faith, joy, and wonder to situations where there is intolerance of others.  

You can find my 7-minute talk on persistence at 27:30 minutes on this video: Braver Politics.

At 0:54 minutes on this video, you can find the presentation Patricia Higgins and I did on our work with the NH House of Representatives:  Community Impact.