Braver Angels

Braver Angels is a bipartisan, primarily volunteer organization working to unify our divided nation. By bringing conservative, liberal, and independent Americans together into grassroots working alliances, we build ways to talk to one another, participate together in public life, and influence the direction of our nation. We help Americans understand each other beyond stereotypes and work to reduce the discord through workshops, debates, and local engagement.

Our Mission

We bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.

Our Philosophy

• As individuals, we try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we disagree.

• In our communities, we engage those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together.

• In politics, we support principles that bring us together rather than divide us.

For more information, please visit the national Braver Angels website

Northeast Ohio (NEO) Alliance

What is a Braver Angels Alliance?

Braver Angels local Alliances Groups consist of people from the community who want to actively be involved in building on the Braver Angels mission and services. Local Alliance Groups are made up of citizens who want to keep the conversation going to continue to find common ground and continue to grow involvement by others in their communities.

NEO Alliance Group Principles:

• We will seek clarity over agreement. We want to understand the differences between the respective positions without the burden of seeking agreement or compromise.

• We will assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don't.

• We will assess behaviors, not motives. We will not impugn the motives of those we disagree with but will assess what is said instead.

Our Structure

Co-Chairs

Dan Messina is the Red Co-Chair. Mary Ogden is the Blue Co-Chair. The Co-Chairs lead the local Alliance and work with the Ohio State Coordinator, National BA organization, and the local Alliance’s Steering Committee.

Steering Committee

The steering committee is a group of local community members who volunteer on a regular basis to help support the Alliance’s activities.  They consist of two teams:

• Program Planning: Assist with planning the Alliance’s discussions & programs

• Community Outreach: Help with community outreach and member engagement