Braver Angels Pennsylvania

Braver Angels Pennsylvania is a volunteer, grassroots delegation of the national organization Braver Angels, which is focused on depolarizing American politics. When you see events in Pennsylvania, know that they were organized by regular Pennsylvanians who have volunteered their time to bring our Commonwealth together. From our State Co-Coordinators to our Alliance Chapter Leaders, our volunteers are building a network of people who plan and participate in activities that help us all find common ground together. We believe this will make our communities and our state stronger.

Through workshops, debates, film and book clubs, and much more, Braver Angels' approach is guided by this pledge:

• As individuals, we try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t agree with it

• 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.

Pennsylvania has over 1800 people on our mailing list! 

They represent 55 of our 67 counties, and range in age from high school students to retirees. The common thread we share is an open mindedness and curiosity to learn about people and views that are different from our own, and a desire to create a more unified country. We would love for more people from rural areas and others who feel disconnected to join us. 

Alliances are groups of Braver Angels who want to keep the Braver Angels conversation going at the local level through a variety of events.  Alliances must have at least one "red"-leaning and one "blue"-leaning leader who want to organize at the local level together. 

We currently have alliances in Lancaster and Bloomsburg, but we’re looking to create alliances throughout the state. The Lancaster and Bloomsburg Alliances hold both in-person and virtual events and encourage anyone interested to attend. 

Contact Heather and Lindy, our state co-coordinators, if you’d like to help grow BA in your community. We may be able to help you find a partner.   

Events within Pennsylvania are nearly always open to everyone, and event listings will indicate who may attend. For more information about upcoming events, visit the Calendar page.

There are 3 unofficial levels of Braver Angels Pennsylvania membership:

1. Some people only have the time and interest to subscribe to Braver Angels newsletters. We are grateful that they are aware of the organization and hope that they learn and share our good news as well as attend events or workshops.

2. Others go a step further and decide to financially support the organization with a national membership that starts at $12 a year. Doing this helps to fund the national paid positions that Braver Angels now supports and allows for growth within the organization. We hope that members at this level will also invite others to join, and find activities sponsored by BA that they can attend. We plan this year to start fundraising for the state, and the bulk of that money will go directly to our state's activities. 

3. Members at the third level choose to become active volunteers. Some work on projects at the national level, or become ambassadors to speak to others about our work. Some train to become organizers or moderators to run the workshops at the core of Braver Angels. Others help behind the scenes - writing newsletters, analyzing data, developing the website. For Braver Angels Pennsylvania to be effective, we need as much help at this level as we can get. Please consider becoming a volunteer. You'll be able to network with people across the state, and you'll find trainings and support for whichever role you take on. Contact Heather and Lindy, our state co-coordinators, if you’d like like to find a way to connect and volunteer.