Together, we can bridge our differences and build a better America, starting here in the St. Croix Valley!
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We're Taking a Stand
Against Toxic Politics by Working Together on a Local Level
We're Taking a Stand
Against Toxic Politics by Working Together on a Local Level
The St. Croix Valley Braver Angels Alliance is building a partnership of community members and community leaders—from the city councils to churches, schools, and civic groups—committed to building civic friendship.
Our goal is to replace demonization with dialogue and to remind ourselves that we are all neighbors first.
Join us. Be part of the change.
Join us. Be part of the change.
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our vision is a St. Croix Valley where its citizens engage in politics with humility, civility, and a commitment to our shared destiny.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the skills, environment, and opportunities to learn how to communicate effectively in order to practice a better way of politics in the St. Croix Valley.
Our Local Approach
Our Local Approach
Our approach is to engage in respectful dialog and debate to define our shared values. Our focus on the St. Croix Valley is intentional. We believe that a better way of politics begins at home, in the communities where we live, work, and raise our families. The shared experience of a place provides a powerful foundation for building bridges.
By creating opportunities to connect with the people we see at the grocery store or a child's soccer game, we can move beyond abstract political divides and rebuild trust and understanding on a personal level. Our local connections are our greatest strength, and we are committed to using them to restore civility in our community.
Our Next Event:
Our Next Event:
"Skills for Disagreeing Better"
"Skills for Disagreeing Better"
AN INTERACTIVE NON-PARTISAN WORKSHOP
AN INTERACTIVE NON-PARTISAN WORKSHOP
When: January 12, 2026 | 5:30PM- 7:30PM
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Bayport MN
Directions
Cost: Free* (donations welcome)
The Braver Angels Way
The Braver Angels Way
In today's polarized climate, many people feel disconnected and unheard. St. Croix Valley Braver Angels is building a welcoming, structured forum where community members with differing political viewpoints can discuss major issues, build trust, and seek common ground using proven techniques developed by Braver Angels.
Every meeting is guided by The Braver Angels Way principles, ensuring that discussions are productive, not destructive:
We state our views freely and fully, without fear.
We treat people who disagree with us with honesty, dignity, and respect.
We seek to disagree accurately, avoiding exaggeration and stereotypes.
We look for common ground where it exists and, if possible, find ways to work together.
Our community meetings take many forms, including skill-building workshops focused on effective communication and listening, and focused discussions on specific current issues.
SCENES FROM OUR KICKOFF EVENT:
SCENES FROM OUR KICKOFF EVENT:
"How Do We Find Community in Our Differences?"
"How Do We Find Community in Our Differences?"
Celebrating Our Shared Values & Practicing Respectful Dialogue
Celebrating Our Shared Values & Practicing Respectful Dialogue
At our Kickoff event on Nov. 13, 68 community members from Taylors Falls to Hudson joined together to learn from Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty, share their experiences, and begin working together to reduce polarization in our communities. Participants were asked what brought them to the event and a few comments reflect the overwhelming feedback we received:
"I want to have hope."
"I want to have hope."
"Politics has caused a rift in my family and that makes me very sad."
"Politics has caused a rift in my family and that makes me very sad."
"I'm seeking to improve my ability to discuss polarizing issues with people on both sides of an issue. "
"I'm seeking to improve my ability to discuss polarizing issues with people on both sides of an issue. "
"I am concerned about polarization, extremism, and violence."
"I am concerned about polarization, extremism, and violence."
"I’d like opportunities to talk with "red" leaning people. I feel they have stereotypes of me as a democrat and I have stereotypes of them."
"I’d like opportunities to talk with "red" leaning people. I feel they have stereotypes of me as a democrat and I have stereotypes of them."
"I want to help bridge the divide."
"I want to help bridge the divide."
"I appreciate the opportunity to have these dialogues."
"I appreciate the opportunity to have these dialogues."
"The local connection (of SCVBA) is important to me."
"The local connection (of SCVBA) is important to me."
"I want to improve civil discourse."
"I want to improve civil discourse."
A "Red" Member Shares His Story
A "Red" Member Shares His Story
Dan Jones, the Phoenix Alliance Co-Chair, presented this short video at the Braver Angels National Convention in 2024. We're sharing it because he discusses common concerns we hear from 'reds' about joining Braver Angels. Enjoy!
More Ways to Participate Locally
More Ways to Participate Locally
If you share our vision for a more civil and humble political dialogue, we invite you to join our movement right here in the St. Croix Valley.
Your level of involvement is up to you, and every person makes a difference!
Here are some simple ways you can contribute:
Here are some simple ways you can contribute:
Stay
Informed
Stay
Informed
Sign Up for
Our Newsletter
Sign Up for
Our Newsletter
The easiest way to get started is by joining our mailing list.
You'll receive updates on our work and be the first to know about upcoming events.
Become a
Member
Become a
Member
Show Your
Support
Show Your
Support
Become a Braver Angels member for access to the full range of resources, and local and national events designed to reduce the polarization and foster civic engagement.
Practice
With Us
Practice
With Us
Join Local & National Meetings
Join Local & National Meetings
Experience our mission firsthand by joining one of our local meetings or workshops. Participate in national debates and events with other Braver Angels members.
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Subscribe to Our Newsletter
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