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\u201cI don\u2019t do this work in optimism. I do it in hope\u201d, Braver Angels President David Blankenhorn tells us. \u201cIf we\u2019re going to have any chance to fix this and save our country, this is what needs to be done.\u201d

Soon after the tumultuous 2016 election Braver Angels sprung to life\u2014 co-founded by David, Bill Doherty and David Lapp. Two years after its founding this nationwide volunteer-led citizen movement had its first convention attended by 72 conservative and 72 liberal delegates. This year, more than 750 reds and blues were at the Braver Angels national convention in Kenosha, Wisconsin. 

In the past few years Braver Angels workshops, debates, and other events have been held in all 50 states. 

In this episode, we hear from David about the Braver Angels origin story and much more. We also feature a brief update from Jessie Mannisto, Braver Angels Director of Debates, about her experience as a Braver Angels volunteer outside the DNC Convention in Chicago.

Before co-founding Braver Angels, David Blankenhorn led the Institute for American Values, a think tank on civil society. He founded the Mississippi Community Service Corps, the Virginia Community Service Corps, and the Committee for Economic Change at Harvard University. David co-founded the National Fatherhood Initiative, and is the author of five books including \u201cIn Search of Braver Angels: Getting Along Together in Troubled Times.\u201d

In our thoughtful and provocative interview we learn more about the urgent need to push against rigid partisan divides. \u201cWe do not any longer effectively communicate with one another as citizens. That\u2019s a big statement," says David. \u201cBut the more we think about it and the more you look at how we\u2019re working today, I really think it\u2019s true.\u201d

This episode is the fourth in a series of podcasts about work, ideas and people of Braver Angels. We\u2019re grateful to them for their inspiration and support. All our podcasts are available for free here.

Note: Please Subscribe to \u201cHow Do We Fix It?" Rate us and review us wherever you get podcasts. This helps spread the word about these shows and the work of Braver Angels.

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