Community Debate: Should Ridgefield support increased Housing Diversity?

Questions? Gary Holland at gholland@braverangels.org

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Media contact: Ciaran O’Connor, ciaran@braverangels.org.

This is a great opportunity to engage with your community and have your voice heard and learn from others on important issues.

We will be discussing:

Should Ridgefield support increased Housing Diversity?

and encouraging respectful dialogue and understanding between people of different viewpoints.

Like 99% of Americans, you probably haven’t experienced anything like a Braver Angels Community Debate. A Braver Angels Debate is a highly structured conversation wherein a group of people think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and perhaps changed by each other’s ideas. It’s not a political debate, where competing candidates attempt to win votes. Nor is it a raucous interchange where people advocate positions in which they may not even believe for the sole purpose of vanquishing their foes.

With a Braver Angels Debate, the goal is that everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of the validity in opposing views, and with tighter community relationships. This highly structured conversation provides a safe space in which a group of people think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and, perhaps, be changed by each other’s ideas. When done well, everyone emerges a bit nearer to the truth, with a deeper appreciation for opposing viewpoints, and strengthened community bonds.

To learn more about these debates, you can view this video of a sample debate (it lasts about 15 minutes). To learn more about Braver Angels Debates or view recordings of some of our past debates please visit: https://braverangels.org/what-we-do/debates/.

This debate is a free, in-person event brought to you by Braver Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit as part of our mission to depolarize America. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America.

You will have an opportunity to make a donation as you register, if you so choose. Your choice will have no bearing on your registration.

Braver Angels events may be recorded, and may be shared with media or used in Braver Angels publications, including web pages. Participants with any concerns about this should discuss them with the on-site Braver Angels staff at the event before it begins so that accommodations can be made, if possible.

Co-Sponsors of this event include the following local community organizations:

St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Ridgebury Congregational Church, The Meetinghouse, Poets & Prophets, and Compassionate Ridgefield.

The Debate will be facilitated by Braver Angels Connecticut Alliance.