Red/Blue Workshop

Saturday, May 10 · 10:00 am - 4:30pm MST

Laramie County Library, Cottonwood Room

2200 Pioneer Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82001

Join us for a free two-part intensive workshop that brings together Red (conservative or Republican-leaning) and Blue (liberal or Democratic-leaning) citizens for moderated activities and structured discussions that reduce stereotyped thinking, clarify disagreements, build relationships and find common ground through listening and learning rather than declaring and debating.

Goals

• To better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide;

• To seek out areas of common ground in addition to acknowledging and respecting difference;

• To gain insights that might help to heal the increasing polarization in our community and the nation

Workshop Format: 

This is an all day in-person workshop. In part 1, participants get to know one another and a foundation of trust is established. This paves the way for a deeper dive into authentic, respectful and thought-provoking questions and answers in part 2. NOTE: It is important to be available and committed for both parts.

There are two ways to join a Red/Blue Workshop; as a Participant or as an Observer/Alternate.

• Participants will engage in small- and large-group discussions throughout the day with individuals of both the same and different political persuasions. Participants must identify as “red” (Republican or leaning conservative) or “blue” (Democrat or leaning liberal). We will strive for an equal balance of red and blue participants: 5 to 8 people on each side.

• Observers/Alternates can identify as red, blue or independent (not leaning either way). They will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen throughout the day, as well as to join the participants for conversations during break times. Your role is to quietly listen and learn. If time permits, there will be a time for observers to introduce themselves. Observers/Alternates may be asked to step in and participate as their “color” in the event of participant cancellations.

What to expect?

This workshop is a two-part Red-Blue Workshop. It brings together a small, evenly divided group of conservatives and liberals, or “reds” and “blues,” for a series of exercises designed to help participants clarify disagreements, reduce stereotyped thinking, and discover common values.

To get a sense of what a Red/Blue workshop is like, view portions of the first Braver Angels (then Better Angels) event, a Red/Blue workshop, at https://youtu.be/u6kZpN5T3lU?si=-jTDpgpR3QCrSwRK.

Preview the Participant Guide here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gMlFkBIM3C_L9mS7P3gItqBZ3uhxfsaI/view?usp=sharing

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org