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.

January 2025, Disagreeing Better Workshop

16 locals from multiple counties gathered to practice the art of "Disagreeing well." 

Hosted by the C. Burr Artz Public Library in Frederick, MD 


January 2025, Family Estrangement Epidemic - Part 1

Have you seen relationships strain over political topics? Have you experienced this yourself? 


December 2024, Agenda 47 Discussion

A conversation around the plans of the incoming administration and checking sources.

November 2024, 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

Hopes for a Trump Presidency

Fears of a Harris Presidency

Fears of a Trump Presidency

November 2024, Depolarizing Within Workshop at McDaniel College

 Respecting others and ourselves amidst a world full of differing opinions.

October 2024, Families and Politics Workshop at Carroll Community College

In partnership with 

Democracy Lab

 A workshop about how to talk about politics with loved ones in a way that brings you closer together — not farther apart.  

October 2024, 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 2024, Hood College Debate: "Resolved: Should colleges disallow controversial speech that could be construed as hate speech?" 

60 attendees debated respectively in Braver Angels' parliamentary style, which is designed to produce understanding on both sides rather than partisan bickering.

September 2024, 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 2024, Voter Ed Fair - Carroll Community College

Sponsored by Democracy Lab 

Attendees: 

Carroll County Republican and Democratic Central Committees

Central Maryland Braver Angels

League of Women Voters

Voter Drive by Carroll Community College

September 2024, 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. 

August 2024, Walk a Mile in My News (Part 1)

July 2024, Trump Rally Shooting + holding our leaders accountable

“I am thinking of you, my fellow Americans” - Official Statement of Melania Trump

June 2024, "Is Economic Equality the Goal?"