Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More. Christina Niggl is big on bringing people together. On a daily basis, the yard outside her Wilmington, North Carolina, home serves as a gathering place for neighbors to socialize and kids to play.
Hamm, a devoted husband and self-described serial entrepreneur, lives just across town; but politically, he is worlds apart. So maybe Trump will help us in some way, some fashion. Niggl and Hamm became friends through their local chapter of Braver Angels. Niggl grew up in a Republican household, but as an adult, she found herself increasingly surrounded by people who thought like her. The Braver Angels way is all about talking β even arguing β civilly.
I trust her. A growing body of research on polarization indicates that getting along may be easier than we think. Democrats and Republicans also tend to significantly overestimate how much the other side dislikes them. Hartman said that simply realizing this can help people feel less divided; and groups that encourage discussion can help. Braver Angels and other groups are doing bridge building work across the country, but it's particularly relevant in places like Wilmington, North Carolina, a city and a state that are notably politically mixed.
A little over a year and a half ago, Cunningham approached Jones about co-leading the group with her. Jones, laughing, said he thought she was crazy. Things stay civil, despite tackling big disagreements and hot-button issues like immigration, abortion rights, climate change and January 6. Her brother died serving in Afghanistan. And if that's what currently saves our republic, then we can all be here for that. That's such a little sacrifice to make. Open in Our App.
The Braver Angels organization hosts events to bring people of different political leanings together. Spectrum News.
