Join us as we take on one of the toughest issues facing America today: the fact that people live in different "fact universes." More now than anytime in recent decades, we are polarizing because of our different information sources. 

Can American democracy survive this? Is a diversity of perspectives that manifest in views of "reality" essential to pluralism, or will our country fail if we don't come to a shared sense of reality? 

How should we treat those we meet who live in a different "reality," especially when they try to persuade us or act on those different assumptions? Should we shun them, welcome them, correct them, or something else altogether?

All are invited to speak and ask questions at 8pm ET/5pm PT on January 28 as we debate the truth of this statement: 'Resolved: The American system of government cannot function without its citizens‘ subscribing to a shared sense of reality.'

You probably haven’t experienced anything like a Braver Angels Debate. It's not a political debate, where competing candidates attempt to win votes. Nor is it a competitive high school or college debate, where people advocate positions in which they may not believe for the sole purpose of vanquishing their foes.

A Braver Angels Debate is a highly structured conversation in which a group of people think together, listen carefully to one another, and allow themselves to be touched and perhaps changed by each other’s ideas. When done well, everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of the validity in opposing views, and with tighter community relationships.

To learn more about these debates, you can view this video of a sample debate (it lasts about 15 minutes). This file might help you understand the debate process that we use.

For the best experience, update your Zoom client to the latest version. You can find it at https://zoom.us/download.

Familiarize yourself with the features we use in Zoom by visiting our Zoom Tips Page. This has Zoom information specific to Braver Angels events, as well as help for those who have never used Zoom.

Group registration is not enabled for this debate. If you would like to participate online in the virtual company of others, we recommend that you coordinate the timing of your registration and ask that individuals register for themselves.

Registration for this debate will be closed at the scheduled starting time. You will be sent a link to your Zoom meeting room in confirmation and reminder emails. This link will be sent to the email address you provide at registration. We ask that you help us keep the debate secure and safe by not allowing others to copy your link.

This debate is a free event brought to you by Braver Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit as part of our mission to depolarize America. We invite you to consider a gift to Braver Angels; all donations are tax deductible. Your support will allow us to offer more workshops and debates with the ultimate goal of uniting America.

You will have an opportunity to make a donation as you register, if you so choose. Your choice will have no bearing on your registration or Zoom meeting assignment.

Braver Angels events may be recorded, and may be shared with media or used in Braver Angels publications, including web pages. Participants who object to this may disable their video.