The first Better Angels Skills Workshop in Chittenden County will be held on Saturday, December 8, in the Kolvoord Room at the Brownell Library in Essex Junction from 1pm to 4pm. The workshop will provide participants with skills to enable them to respectfully engage in conversations with people who have political views that differ from their own. The workshop, led by trained facilitators, is free and open to everyone at least 14 years old and agreeing to the ground rules. Pre-registration is required since space is limited. Participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/better-angels-skills-workshop-tickets-52666219079.

Better Angels is a nonpartisan nonprofit leading a national citizens' movement to reduce political polarization in the United States by bringing liberals and conservatives together to understand each other beyond stereotypes. At every level of leadership we are half red (leaning conservative) and half blue (leaning liberal). Our leaders and members range from working class to affluent, and come from many backgrounds, so that our organization can reflect the country we seek to serve.

"Better Angels" is taken from President Lincoln's first inaugural address on March 4, 1861 as he unsuccessfully attempted to avoid the armed conflict that began the next month, tragically impacting our nation for the next four years.

"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory…will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." For more information about the national organization, visit www.better-angels.org. For details on this workshop, contact Liam McKone, (802) 871-5236, williammckone7@comcast.net. Additional workshops will be organized in our area next year based on the response to this initial event.

Jan 9, 2025, 6:30 to 8 PM

Jan 10, 2025, 6:15 to 8:30 PM

Jan 11, 2025, 7 to 9 PM