Well-behaved women seldom make history?

When Laurel Thatcher Ulrich wrote that in 1976, she was musing that we typically neither revere nor record the ordinary lives of women. Rather, we celebrate the rebels, the noncomformists and the rule-breakers. The quote has since served as a battle cry for (often raucous, not always productive) nonconformity, rather than simply the astute observation she intended. 

I disagree with the battle cry. Making substantive change is usually quiet, methodical work. It comes from within, whether in individuals or systems. It’s deeply felt, not performative. 

Also, connection, not rejection, is the foundation for permanent change. Flamboyance has its place, but the majority of the actual work is done by the people who simply find common ground, who build strong foundations based on shared values. We make history, but we don’t seek notoriety.

So, when Lisa Brandt from Reclaiming Civility contacted us to discuss co-hosting some activities in Colorado Springs, I was intrigued. Reclaiming Civility aspires “to inspire people to understand and cultivate a disposition of civility and develop it through practical skills.”

They are kindred spirits, approaching civil discourse in a different yet compatible way. You’re invited to learn more if you’ll be in the Colorado Springs area this summer. We are co-hosting a workshop and debate the third Saturday of every summer month: June 21, July 19, and August 16. 

Each morning, we will participate in a community workshop, including Family and Politics in June, Disagreeing Better in July, and a workshop offered by our Braver Education group in August. We’ll share lunch together. In the afternoon, we’ll use the skills we’ve acquired to participate in a civil community debate on a provocative topic of interest to all.

Braver Angels has already been hosting regular national debates on Trump’s first 100 days in office. You can see what nationwide debates with hundreds of participants and observers look like here. They’re well-moderated and infinitely more civil than you might expect (as well as a lot of fun).  

Civil unrest abounds. Restful civility is an antidote. Join us this summer. We’ll behave well, together - and still have fun.