Depolarizing Within

May 30, 2026 

10:00am to 1:00pm EDT 

Location: Catonsville Presbyterian Church

1400 Frederick Road

Catonsville, MD 21228

Host Organization: Central Maryland Braver Angels 

Partner Org: Catonsville Presbyterian Church

Much of today’s polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies.

This free, three-hour workshop teaches participants:

• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”

• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

• Strategies for intervening constructively in social conversations with like-minded peers when these conversations veer into contempt and ridicule for people who hold other political views.

Workshop Format: The 3-hour workshop is offered in person.

For more information contact Jordan Haegerich  - jhaegerich@braverangels.org or 443-798-8365.

Register Here

Disagreeing Better

June 7, 2026

2:00pm to 4:00pm EDT

Location:  Brunswick Branch Library

915 N. Maple Ave.

Brunswick, MD 21716

Host Organization: Central Maryland Braver Angels 

Partner Org: Frederick County Public Libraries

In this polarized time, we lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves–their core values and central concerns–but instead as we choose to see them. We are tempted to regard our own side as principled and the other side as self-interested.

When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack the skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing our perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding.

We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.

Goals

• More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically

• Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard

• Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear — even if they disagree

Workshop Format: The 2-hour workshop is offered in person.

For more information contact Jim Carpenter - jcarpenter@braverangels.org or 301-514-1356

Register Here