On March 21, the Muskegon Rotary PeaceBuilders Committee partnered with Braver Angels Michigan to host Part 1 of the organization’s flagship Red/Blue Workshop at the Pyramid Building in Muskegon, Michigan. The event brought together twelve participants, eight observers, and five members of the Peace Builders Committee in an effort to foster meaningful dialogue across political lines. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in structured discussions aimed at reducing polarization and building mutual understanding.
The workshop was designed to help participants gain insight into the perspectives of those with different political beliefs while also sharing their own views in a respectful and constructive environment. Many arrived feeling apprehensive, uncertain about how the conversations would unfold. However, as the discussions progressed, participants reported feeling at ease in the open and welcoming atmosphere.
Feedback from attendees underscored the workshop’s impact. Six participants rated a 5 (out of 5) on feeling more comfortable engaging with the other side, while four rated it a 4 out of 5. Observers—some of whom had initially felt too nervous to participate—expressed strong interest in joining a future session. The event successfully created a space where individuals could listen, share, and find common ground despite political differences.
“Participants discussed being nervous ahead of time and then finding out what a relaxed, sharing space we were all in,” said Cathy Brubaker-Clarke of the Muskegon Rotary PeaceBuilders Committee. “The overwhelming response from participants was to have the second workshop we discussed, and even the observers want to participate next time! We will be discussing this at our next PeaceBuilders meeting—maybe something this fall.”
The enthusiasm for a follow-up event speaks to the power of respectful dialogue in bridging divides. As Braver Angels and the Muskegon Rotary PeaceBuilders Committee continue their efforts, workshops like these provide a vital opportunity for individuals to step out of their comfort zones, challenge assumptions, and cultivate understanding. With strong community engagement and growing interest, the momentum for these conversations is only building.
