Braver Angels teach John Jay student leaders skills for difficult conversations

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Last month, Braver Angels led a workshop for student leaders at John Jay High School on “Having Challenging Conversations.”

Founded in 2016, Braver Angels is a national nonprofit organization that helps people bridge political differences through listening, learning, and finding common ground. The organization’s current “Courageous Citizenship” campaign encourages communities to reduce polarization by engaging respectfully across disagreements.

During the workshop, students explored the dynamics of polarization and examined how demonizing, stereotyping, and ridiculing those with opposing views can deepen divisions. They also completed a self-assessment to reflect on their own communication habits and tendencies.

Students then learned and practiced Braver Angels’ LAPP skills: Listen, Acknowledge (or Agree when possible), Pivot, and Perspective. The first two skills focus on demonstrating understanding, while the latter two provide a framework for sharing one’s own views constructively.

Reflecting on the session, students identified areas for personal growth. Some said they wanted to work on “staying calm and not immediately answering back.” Others noted, “I want to work on acknowledging what was said before giving my perspective.” Still others said they had “learned ways to have respectful conversations while disagreeing.”

Following the workshop, a faculty member spoke with the student leaders about communication challenges within the school and emphasized that strong listening skills are essential to effective leadership.

Braver Angels has expanded these workshops in schools across the country to help students develop healthier communication habits, both now and as they enter an often-divisive public sphere. The organization welcomes retired teachers interested in moderating future high school workshops in Westchester County.

For more information or to volunteer, visit braverangels.org or contact Sara Silver at ssilver@braverangels.org.