{"id":12646,"date":"2026-08-15T10:23:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T14:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/townunderground.com\/?p=12646"},"modified":"2026-08-15T10:23:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T14:23:28","slug":"braver-angels-a-program-to-enhance-civic-discourse-8-17-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/townunderground.com\/?p=12646","title":{"rendered":"Braver Angels – A program to enhance civic discourse, 8\/17\/2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From this weeks Union Leader<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This will be discussed under Old Business at the 8\/17\/2026 Town Council Meeting

Discuss the Town Manager\u2019s recommendation to engage the Braver Angels program to enhance civic discourse.<\/strong> (Chairman Dunn \/ Town Manager Shaun Mulholland)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agenda Item Title:<\/strong> Discuss requesting assistance from Braver Angels<\/a> to work with the Town Council and Town
Manager to address the relationship issues between members of the Town Council and between members of
the Town Council and the Town Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background and Purpose:<\/strong> This agenda item was originally scheduled for July 20, 2026 and postponed until this
meeting. The level of conflict and civil discourse between members of the Town Council is not as civil and
productive as perhaps it could be. The relationship between some members of the Town Council and the Town
Manager could be improved upon. Democratic governmental structures work most effectively when there is a
level of civil discourse that engenders respect for each of the members of a body such as the Town Council.
Council members can disagree with each other but civil at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An effective Council\/Town Manager relationship requires a level of trust, communication and cooperation.
That relationship is not presently operating at a level that is in the best interest of the people we collectively
serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Braver Angels is a non-profit organization that helps to facilitate civil discourse. Municipalities in NH as well as
the NH House of Representatives have used and still use the Braver Angels program to facilitate civil discourse.
Below are some excerpts from the Braver Angels website that articulate their mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Challenge We Face
Our country is more divided than ever, with too many of us isolated from those who hold
different views. This division damages our communities, disrupts our families, and stops us
from working together for the common good.
We believe our nation can survive and thrive for every American who contributes to the
effort. Where we go from here is up to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the driving force that fuels our mission and vision:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Mission
We inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skillbuilding, convening, and collaborative action.

Our Vision
We envision an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm, renewing civic culture and building trust
across political differences.

Our Approach
As individuals, we try to understand the other side\u2019s point of view, even if we do not agree with it. In our communities,
we engage those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together. In politics, we support
principles that bring us together rather than divide us.

Action: Request assistance from the Braver Angels program to assist the Town government in improving civil
discourse among its leaders, the Town Council and the Town Manager.

Proposed Motion: MOVED, that the Londonderry Town Council requests Chairman Dunn to coordinate with the
Braver Angels program to provide assistance to the Town Council and the Town Manager to improve the
relationships and help move the Town forward in a positive direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n