Here’s how it all got started and why we think the Continuing the Conversation platform will help us all.

Up until now, there has been no practical way to continue discussion of the exciting topics and themes introduced during an event. In the excitement and fast pace, It’s also hard to exchange contact information with new acquaintances in order to dig deeper, pose questions, trade ideas — to keep the Braver Angels sprit alive while practicing the very skills learned in workshops or debates.

To make this happen, we’ve created Continuing the Conversation, a web browser based platform for extended discussion, exchange of ideas, and deeper exploration of topics and themes introduced at all Braver Angels events, whether online or in person. 

In June of 2022, two Braver Angels were able to connect at an online event and began discussion of ways to improve the post event experience. Connecting wasn’t easy but both had technical backgrounds so they were able bridge the divide and exchange contact information.

Alexander Caskey (Blue/Seattle) and Leigh Anderson, (Red/Houston) sought out leaders in the Braver Angels organization and secured permission to create the tools you are about to use. Leigh has a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and Alexander a Ph.D. in linguistics with graduate level coursework in Artificial Intelligence. Leigh worked in scientific and technical computing at ExxonMobil while Alexander was a team member at Microsoft Research, among other organizations.

Together we’ve created Creating the Conversation. We invite you to join us in using this new platform for enhanced communication and exchange of ideas. As we move forward, we welcome your feedback and suggestions.

To get started, click on the blue Getting Started button at the top of this page.