Bridging the Divide Workshop: Skills for Disagreeing Better

Frustrated with friends and family who don't share your political views?

Wareham for Law and Democracy is hosting a two-part workshop series aimed at helping community members to navigate political disagreements constructively.

Named “Bridging the Divide: Skills for Disagreeing Better,” the free sessions will be led by Daphne Burt of Braver Angels, a nonpartisan group focused on reducing political polarization. The workshops will be Tuesday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 28, at the Wareham Free Library, 59 Marion Road.

Each session begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs about 90 minutes.

The first session will introduce techniques for engaging in respectful political conversations, while the second, “Depolarizing Within Skills Workshop,” will focus on recognizing personal reactions and habits to improve dialogue and lower tensions.

Burt will lead presentations followed by small group exercises designed to give participants hands-on practice.

"We are divided from our friends, our neighbors and our families because we disagree with one another and the disagreements have become so noisy that we can't hear each other's hearts. The goal of Skills for Disagreeing Better is not to learn how to change each others' minds but how to reach across our divisions with humility and respect." Burt wrote. 

Participants are encouraged to attend with someone who holds differing political views. The events are free, though donations are accepted, and registration is suggested.

Register for the April 7 workshop at https://mobilize.us/s/iEmNfJ and the April 28 at https://mobilize.us/s/KEa9Jt. For more information email warehamforlawanddemocracy@gmail.com.