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One Year Strong -
SEPA Builds Toward a Braver 2026
Braver Angels Southeastern Pennsylvania Celebrates Its First Year —and Looks Ahead
As we begin 2026, the Braver Angels Southeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (SEPA) has celebrated its first full year as an official Alliance — and looks ahead to an extraordinary year for civic life in our region.
After our acceptance as an official Braver Angels Alliance in November 2024, SEPA launched with bipartisan Red and Blue co-chairs, established a five-person Core Team, and began building relationships across the region.
What we built in 2025
In our first year, SEPA hosted:
Six Skills Workshops, including Depolarizing Within and Skills for Disagreeing Better
Three Community Debates, on Immigration Policy and Cell Phone Use in Schools
Ambassador presentations and member gatherings
A special event welcoming Braver Angels CEO Maury Giles, introducing Braver Angels’ expanded mission of Courageous Citizenship
These efforts laid the groundwork for something larger.
2026: A Historic Moment in Philadelphia
This June 25–28, Philadelphia will host the 2026 Braver Angels National Convention, focused on the theme, The Pledge Renewed, as part of the America 250 moment.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for Southeastern Pennsylvania to lead nationally in
strengthening civic culture.
SEPA will share opportunities for members to:
Attend as delegates
Volunteer at the Convention
Help shape local programming connected to the event
County-by-County:
Bringing Courageous Citizenship Closer to Home
In 2026, SEPA will begin developing a County-Based Model as part of the SEPA structure. Each County will have 1-2 ‘Leads’ to suggest and organize events around their local communities. One of each county’s ‘leads’ will become part of the Core Team for the SEPA Alliance to be supported by members of the entire region and share pertinent information.
Our goal is simple:
Bring Courageous Citizenship closer to home — with local conversations on issues that matter in your community.
Volunteers Needed!
In each of our counties and in Philadelphia we are looking for
Two County Leads for each of our six (6) Counties (Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia)
A Communications Coordinator for SEPA
Braver Angels-trained ambassadors, moderators, event organizers and debate chairs (see links for role-specific information)
Convention volunteers for this summer’s Braver Angels National Convention in Philly.
Our region has always played a defining role in American civic life. In 2026, we have the chance to do it again.
Join us.
If you’re interested in serving — or just want to learn more — please contact Anita Nardone, SEPA Recruitment Lead, anardone@braverangels.org.
Past Alliance Events
Braver Angels' new CEO, Maury Giles, Came to Meet With Our Alliance!
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Narberth Borough Hall, 100 Conway Ave, Narberth, PA 19072
The Southeast PA Alliance welcomed Braver Angels’ new CEO, Maury Giles, on his national listening tour. We explored, with Maury, how we can practice courageous citizenship across our divides here in the cradle of American democracy. And we announced that the National Braver Angels Convention would be held here in Philadelphia, Jun 25-28, 2026 at Temple University. Come join us at Convention!
Braver Angels Debate on Immigration
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Rd,
Strafford, PA 19087
Who Decides Who Belongs?
Immigration isn’t just a national issue—it’s a local reality.
Should your town have a say in who settles there? Should states push back against federal mandates? Should communities welcome newcomers on their own terms?
We conducted a Braver Angels in-person debate where you helped shape the conversation. Whether you’re fired up, conflicted, or just curious, this was a chance ~
to speak, to listen, and to learn.
RESOLVED:
State and local governments should have a voice in immigration to their communities
Attendees were able to:
Hear bold, heartfelt perspectives from across the political spectrum
Speak their truth—or just absorb the energy from the sidelines
Leave with deeper understanding and stronger community connections
A Braver Angels debate isn’t a shouting match.
It’s a space for civic courage and intellectual humility.REGISTER HERE
COVID Pandemic Policy Conversation and
“Trust the Science” Debate
Friday, Sept. 5
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
We joined Wilk Wilkerson, Director of Media Systems and Operations, as he moderated a timely and thought-provoking conversation on COVID-19 policy featuring journalist David Zweig and infectious disease expert Dr. Maciej Boni. The event explored the successes, failures, and future implications of pandemic response measures.
Following the conversation, attendees were invited to participate in a community debate on the resolution: Resolved: Trust the Science. The debate was held in person only. The policy conversation was live-streamed and captured on Braver Angels' YouTube Channel.
Skills for Disagreeing Better Workshop
July 21 7-8:30 p.m.
In a time of heightened polarization, disagreements can feel like personal battles. But with the right tools, conflict can become connection.
Our dynamic, hands-on workshop helped participants:
Understand values behind different political views
Communicate respect and empathy across divides
Listen in ways that invite deeper dialogue
Just like our in-person event in June, this session was highly interactive with practical exercises and meaningful conversations in real time.
Upcoming National or Nearby Events
Register for any of the events below at the BA events page:
https://braverangels.org/events
National Online Debate: RFK Jr. & Health
July 31, 2025
National Online Debate: RFK Jr. & Health
July 31, 2025
Braver Angels Debates hosted a debate on the topic – “Resolved: Robert F Kennedy Jr. will advance the health of the American people“
This free national debate, with participants from across the ideological spectrum, allowed all to have an opportunity to speak and ask questions.
Watch for future National Debates in 2026.
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