Local Happenings
Across Carroll, Frederick, and Howard Counties, the work of bringing Americans together to bridge the divide continues. See what topics and resources have been discussed.
November 17th, Election Debriefing
Locals gathered to discuss their hopes and fears of a would-be Harris Administration and the incoming Trump Administration
Hopes for a Harris Presidency
1st woman president
Decrease of housing prices
Reduction of divisiveness
Forward, not backward approach
Protection of reproductive rights
Hopes for a Trump Presidency
Restoration of power to the people
Resolutions to the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars
Transparency of government programs and fiscal accountability
Security of the southern border
Better information of chronic illnesses and healthier food
Fears of a Harris Presidency
Bureacratic business as usual
Increased spending and taxes
Divided government as there is a Republican Congress
Respect from world leaders will decrease
Endless wars
Fears of a Trump Presidency
Loss of Democracy
World War III
Loss of government checks and balances and the rule of law
Gay and trans individuals will become a target
Abolishment of vaccine standards and development
Project 2025 plans
Trump's political appointees
November 1st, Depolarizing Within Workshop at McDaniel College
In partnership with
Respecting others and ourselves amidst a world full of differing opinions.
October 22nd, Families and Politics Workshop at Carroll Community College
In partnership with
A workshop about how to talk about politics with loved ones in a way that brings you closer together — not farther apart.
October 13th, Celebratory Wine and Cheese
Central Maryland Braver Angels has grown in the last year!
Now offering workshops and meeting to Carroll, Frederick, and Howard Counties!
September 30th, Hood College Debate: "Resolved: Should colleges disallow controversial speech that could be construed as hate speech?"
In partnership with American Council of Trustees and Alumni
60 attendees debated respectively in Braver Angels' parliamentary style, which is designed to produce understanding on both sides rather than partisan bickering.
September 25th, Depolarizing Within Workshop - Frederick Community College
In partnership with MOSAIC Center
Depolorizing Within teaches participants how to identify their own triggering tendancies, and how to keep conversation constructive in their own tribes without getting thrown out!
September 16th, Voter Ed Fair - Carroll Community College
Sponsored by Democracy Lab
Attendees:
Carroll County Republican and Democratic Central Committees
Central Maryland Braver Angels
Voter Drive by Carroll Community College
September 8th, Walk a Mile in My News (Part 2)
"Best Practices for Consuming News" compiled by those who participated:
1. Don’t watch news sources which try to evoke reactions from viewers. Reading information limits the emotional impact sought by the presenters.
2. Be responsible for your own feelings.
3. Find more opportunities for watching opposite viewpoints.
4. Use critical thinking.
5. Consider the insights gained from news aggregators (like 1440, Allsides.com and GroundNews) that gather news reports and then categorize their content according to Blue/Center/Red.
6. Search for background on the issue. Siri or Google can assist in gaining deeper insight into issues.
7. Fact Check on multiple sources whenever possible.
8. Allow yourself the time needed to follow your Personal Best Practices.
July 14th, Trump Rally Shooting + holding our leaders accountable
“I am thinking of you, my fellow Americans” - Official Statement of Melania Trump
June 9th, "Is Economic Equality the Goal?"
“Here’s Where Democrats and Republicans Agree on the Issue of Poverty” - Allsides.com
“Cultural Issues and the 2024 Election” - Pew Research Center