Braver Angels workshop in Northampton aims to teach civil dialogue skills
Eight area religious and educational organizations are co-sponsoring the event to help residents engage across differences.
NORTHAMPTON — Braver Angels in Western Massachusetts will host a free workshop on civil discourse aimed at helping residents navigate disagreements about contentious local issues without escalating into contempt or hostility.
The workshop, titled "Challenging Conversations: Turning Arguments into Discussions," takes place Sunday, Oct. 18 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at College Church, 58 Pomeroy Terrace. The session will teach participants how to disagree without demonizing or stereotyping, listen with genuine understanding rather than to persuade, and speak in ways that resonate with others.
The organizers say the workshop addresses how heated conversations about hot-button local issues can quickly deteriorate. Eight religious and educational organizations are sponsoring the event, including College Church, Edwards Church, First Churches, the Unitarian Society of Northampton & Florence, Congregation B'nai Israel, Beit Ahavah, the Insight Meditation Community of Western Massachusetts, and Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership.
The workshop is limited to 50 participants. Interested residents can register by visiting the workshop page or emailing depolarizewmass@gmail.com.