A Braver Way Podcast: Braving the unknown: Your election survival guide 

Link: https://braverangels.org/a-braver-way-episode-19/ 

• This link will go live on Monday November 4 at 4pm PST, instead of their usual Tuesday, to give listeners an extra day to listen before election day. They also made sure to talk about everything in a way that it won't be out of date as soon as election day is past. So if there's an extended period of time after election day where we don't know the winner - or the results are being contested - this episode will still be relevant during that time. 

Description: How can you navigate this election with integrity? No matter who wins… no matter what? In this special election week episode, Moni and April roll out a survival guide that lends wisdom to all this anxiety. Drawing inspiration from A Braver Way guests like somatic therapist Luis Mojica, trans activist Kai Cheng Thom, conservative podcast host Wilk Wilkinson, and many more, your politically red and blue co-hosts ask what it’ll take to manage the one and only thing we can control this election… ourselves.

The Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) guide helps campuses support students, faculty, and staff through the often tense post-election period. It encourages defending academic freedom, sharing responsibility for setting post-election norms, and creating safe spaces for students to express themselves. IDHE also advises on responding to students in distress, proactively addressing disinformation, and preparing for peaceful protests, fostering an inclusive, resilient campus community. Ultimately, the guide positions elections as teachable moments to strengthen democratic engagement and discourse. Read the summary below and find the full guide from IDHE and AAC&U.

​The 2024 Democracy R&D Conference in Vancouver brought together global practitioners to discuss the progress and future of deliberative democracy. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the British Columbia Citizen’s Assembly and explored topics like sortition-based minipublics, the intersection of democracy and economic inequality, and the role of AI in democratic governance. Key discussions emphasized the importance of community partnerships, cohesive internal strategies, and innovative approaches to resource allocation. The conference reaffirmed the need for continued democratic innovation to address contemporary challenges and create more inclusive governance. Read the blog post below to learn more!

Action for Connection is an initiative aimed at reducing social isolation by fostering meaningful community relationships. It provides resources such as community guides, workshops, and policy advocacy tools to help individuals and organizations build stronger social bonds. Through personal stories and practical steps, the initiative promotes inclusivity and highlights the mental health benefits of connectedness. Read the blog post below and visit Action for Connection for more details on how to get involved.

The Democracy Resource Hub on Peacebuilding offers a comprehensive guide to fostering peace and democracy. It provides resources on conflict prevention, addressing polarization, and strengthening social cohesion. The hub emphasizes the importance of grassroots peacebuilding efforts and outlines tools for creating inclusive dialogues and equitable systems. Key strategies include community engagement, conflict resolution education, and building resilient institutions to handle tensions. The guide is aimed at individuals and organizations working to promote democracy and sustainable peace at local and national levels. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

The tragedy of 9/11 left the world grappling with intense emotions of grief, fear, and anger, creating a deep need for connection and understanding. As people struggled to process the overwhelming loss and division, open conversations became vital for healing. Conversation Cafés provided a safe space for individuals to voice their emotions, bridge divides, and foster empathy during this period of crisis. These dialogues helped communities come together, promoting shared humanity and a sense of unity in the face of collective trauma.

In their report, Luiza Jardim and Maria Lucien explore strategies for fostering inclusive participation in democratic processes. They highlight that despite efforts like sortition to diversify participant profiles, systemic barriers still hinder meaningful involvement of marginalized groups. The authors advocate for a shift toward "inclusion by default," emphasizing the need for intentional design and facilitation to address these barriers. By focusing on community engagement, intersectionality, and context-specific considerations, their work aims to create more equitable and representative participatory processes. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

These professional-level courses through Braver Angels are designed by experts to help individuals navigate difficult political conversations with greater skill and understanding. They offer tailored content for conservatives ("reds") and liberals ("blues"), and cover topics such as depolarization, managing political discussions within families, and reducing polarization on social media. Each course, taking around 40 minutes, provides practical tools for communicating more effectively and constructively in polarized environments. These courses can be taken individually, alongside, or after workshops, depending on the participant's needs. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

Healthy Democracy has seen significant changes over the past three years, transitioning to a non-hierarchical staff structure with four equal Directors leading the organization. This shift has allowed them to embrace collaboration, seek new partnerships, and run innovative civic assemblies, despite the challenges faced. As two staff members, Alex and Kacey, move on to new opportunities, Healthy Democracy welcomes Lauren Babcock and Justin Reedy, who bring fresh expertise and enthusiasm. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of placing people at the center of democracy and continues to evolve with a focus on healthier future systems. Read the blog post below and learn more here.