‘Navigating Difficult Conversations’ workshop set for Nov. 12
A local arm of the national Braver Angels organization is launching in Ocala.
The Marion County Public Library Headquarters is at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Braver Angels is a national organization with a mission to strengthen democracy through civil discourse.
According to Buddy Oswald of Ocala, “They have a variety of activities designed to promote civil discussion across the political divide.”
Oswald said he has been in contact with Chuck Tyler, the Florida coordinator for Braver Angels, and they are launching an Ocala/Marion County Braver Angels alliance.
“We have scheduled a ‘Navigating Difficult Conversations’ workshop for Nov. 12 in Ocala and I have invited our local elected officials to participate and have received favorable responses,” Oswald noted.
According to the Braver Angels website: “We envision an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm, renewing civic culture and building trust across political differences.”
“For me, courageous citizenship means putting country before party, ego, or comfort. It’s about showing up for democracy — even when conversations get hard — and remembering that service to one another is the highest form of patriotism. That’s why I see my work with Braver Angels as a continuation of my Army service; both are rooted in protecting what unites us as Americans,” Tyler said via email.
“I split my time between Virginia and Florida, so I may or may not be physically present for the Ocala event, yet I’m fully supportive of the team’s efforts to build understanding there,” Tyler added.
“We moved to Ocala in 1953, when I was 1 1/2. Except for my time at college and in the Army, Ocala has been my home and the place where we raised our family,” Oswald shared.
“I joined the national Braver Angels organization several years ago when I became discouraged by the lack of civility and our inability as a community to discuss our differences. I believe in an American identity rooted in the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and that it is the responsibility of each generation to preserve that identity. Anyone who agrees with the last sentence should join us. I don’t have an official role with Braver Angels and hope we can encourage and inspire younger generations to take the lead,” Oswald added.
The workshop on Nov. 12 will begin at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at the Headquarters-Ocala Public Library at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
To learn more, go to braverangels.org
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