The Reverend Andrea Ayvazian’s Nov. 15 column in the Gazette was exactly what is needed in these times: practical ways to heal the divisions creating disunity and disruption throughout our community and nation [“Ideas for healing divisions and finding common ground“]. I was especially pleased to see her shout-out to Braver Angels as our local Braver Angels held its first workshop this past Saturday, “Skills for Disagreeing Better” at the Easthampton Library Annex. Even more pleased to see 35 people show up to learn the skills!
In an hour and a half there was practice and sharing and more than a little commitment to now use the skills in our own lives. And work to convince others, particularly more of our conservative neighbors and friends to join us; in this very blue bubble here there are conservatives who hesitate to speak up for fear of being shut down, even businesses hurt by doing so. There was a widespread recognition by the liberals in attendance that that is a real fear and the realization that liberals need to do more in their own circles to counter the stereotyping and “othering” of conservatives by fellow liberals.
I am sure that at our next monthly meeting on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Easthampton Library Annex we will be taking a look at Reverend Ayvazian’s list and seeing just where and how we can do more. Please join us to add your voice to healing divisions.
Linda Clark
Easthampton