Choosing Connection Over Violence
What it’s about
Braver Angels urges neighbors to choose connection over anger after the killing of Charlie Kirk. Even when we feel powerless, we can lower the temperature, check on people around us, look for shared values, and verify facts before reacting. The page points to simple actions: one-to-one conversations, sharing a calm message, and joining local efforts that strengthen community ties.
Why it matters
- Shocking events can lock us into “us vs. them.” Practical steps keep conversation alive.
- “Power with love” treats strength as repair and accuracy—not revenge.
- Clear next actions turn fear into agency in our own neighborhoods.
Activities
5 min
15 min
30 min
1 hour
1 hour+
Length 5 min
Length 15 min
Length 30 min
Length 1 hour
Length 1 hour plus
5 minQuick steadies
- Share a calm, unifying message (#BetterThanThis). americabetterthanthis.com
- Check on two people who might be impacted; ask how they’re doing.
- Pause before posting; name one shared value.
- Verify facts before reacting; avoid speculation. Source article
15 minPick a next step
- Skim the resource list and choose one action. turntoward.us/resources
- Send one invite for a 1:1 conversation. 1:1 Conversations
- Join Braver Angels for updates and local options. Get Involved
30 minSkill-up
- Take a free micro eCourse (de-escalation & bridging). Take an eCourse
- Draft a short “lower the temperature” note for your group or neighbors.
- Find your local alliance and reach out. Find a Local Alliance
1 hourDeepen practice
- Schedule a 1:1 conversation (pick a guide; set a time). 1:1 Conversations
- Register for a workshop or a debate this week. Workshops · Debates
1 hour+Community building
- Volunteer locally (moderate, organize, support events). Volunteer options
- Help start or grow an alliance; map next month’s meeting. Local alliances
- Host a listening session using BA materials (invite mixed viewpoints).
Reflection prompts
- What phrase will you use this week to lower the temperature in a hard conversation?
- Who are two people you can check on today?
- Where do you and a neighbor share a value—even if you vote differently?
Top notes
- Author: John Wood, Jr.; Publisher: Braver Angels.
- Date: September 19, 2025.
- Core idea: courageous citizenship means connection over retaliation.
- Immediate steps: pause your response, check on others, seek shared values, verify facts.
- Action invites: join Braver Angels; volunteer; attend 1:1 conversations or events.
- Audience: general public; useful for organizers and educators.
- Read time: ~6–8 minutes.
- Cost: free; location: online/U.S.
Source: Braver Angels post and resource links on the same page.
Source
Original article at Braver Angels. See “Additional Resources,” “BA in the Media,” and event links on the same page.
