Who Can We Trust? Exploring Truth in a Fractured Media Landscape
Organization: Braver Angels – Houston Area Alliance
Date: Wednesday, July 16
Time:
Arrival: 6:45 PM
Discussion: 7:00–8:30 PM
Social Time: 8:30–9:00 PM
Location: Fellowship Hall, St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 2003 W 43rd St, Houston, TX 77018
About the Event
In an era of media saturation and growing political distrust, Braver Angels invites you to a Fishbowl-style conversation exploring how we make sense of the truth. This dynamic and respectful dialogue offers an opportunity for people from across the political spectrum to wrestle with questions like:
Why is trust in the media breaking down?
What roles do traditional and alternative media play in shaping opinion?
How can citizens find truth and resist manipulation?
Participants will rotate into an inner “fishbowl” circle to share insights, while others actively listen and learn.
Alignment with The Change Lab
This event directly supports The Change Lab’s focus on Civic Literacy, Bridging Across Difference, and Community Voice & Power. It creates a safe environment for meaningful civic dialogue—a vital pathway to a more informed, connected, and resilient democracy. The Fishbowl format itself models Change Lab principles of listening, mutual respect, and inclusive participation.
This is a space for curiosity, not combat.
Pathway Alignment
Level 1 – Awareness & Access
Attend a Civic Meetup: This event serves as an open, accessible entry point for community members to begin engaging in civic dialogue.
Level 2 – Exploration & Expression
Join a Community Circle: The Fishbowl conversation format mirrors the intent of community circles—intimate, inclusive, and focused on authentic exchange.
Share Your Story: Participants are invited to share personal perspectives and experiences related to media trust and truth-seeking.
Level 3 – Participation & Practice
Host a Civic Gathering (if a returning participant decides to facilitate future dialogues): This event can inspire others to replicate the model in their own networks.
Pathway Subject(s)
Civic Literacy: Participants explore the role of media in democracy and how to discern credible information.
Bridging Across Difference: Central to Braver Angels’ mission—building understanding across political and ideological lines.
Community Voice & Power: Offers participants a chance to speak and be heard in a structured, respectful setting.
Strategic Alignment Tags
Service Area Domains: 🏛 Governance, 🤝 Community
Engagement Role: Community Ally, Field Site
Level of Engagement: Level 1–2
Equity Lens: Belonging & Inclusion, Civic Imagination, Systems Thinking
