Respectful Disagreement: How To Bridge The Divide
RESOURCES
Braver Angels
“We are more alike across differences than we realize, if we allow ourselves to try to understand people who differ from us.”
– Bill Doherty
We concluded the 2020 season of Accredited’s WiseLife™ Speaker Series with a timely discussion about navigating difficult conversations.
Bill Doherty, co-founder of the Braver Angels organization, joined Accredited CEO Ross Levin to explore how we can talk about polarizing topics in a more respectful and productive manner, and start listening to each other in a way that will move these conversations forward. They discussed real examples and shared some practical techniques to utilize when engaging in challenging or stressful conversations.
Bill’s organization was formed to help Americans try to engage those with whom they disagree, understand another side’s point of view, and support principles that bring people together rather than sow division.
In their conversation, Bill notes an important distinction – Braver Angels’ work is not focused on creating centrists, or on urging people to change their minds on deeply held beliefs and values. Rather, they seek to provide tools for everyone to fight “the right way” for their positions, and to do so without contempt or ridicule for others.
With political, cultural, religious, racial, and geographic differences that can all quickly turn to hot button issues, there is no shortage of topics with the potential to create harm and impair relationships. The global pandemic has added a host of new and potentially contentious topics around which tensions may abruptly escalate.
We feel there has never been a better time to focus on the skills needed to navigate these conversations, and we are pleased to share this insightful discussion.
You can see a recording of their discussion above.
If you are interested in learning more about the work of Braver Angels, go to braverangels.org
Bill Doherty is a family therapist and Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota where he directs The Citizen Professional Center. Bill combines a background in family therapy and community engagement, and in 2016 he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:
The facts, opinions, and analyses included in this presentation are current as of October 7, 2020, and may change at any time.
The information contained in this presentation is for educational purposes only and does not take into account your individual objectives, needs or financial situation. Accredited does not provide accounting, legal or tax advice.