I was very inspired by an email sent last week by Braver Angels’ CEO Maury Giles regarding the recent death of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Minneapolis. (You can read the entire letter at the bottom of this post.)
“Intense conflict requires an equal force in response to be resolved; and that force can take very different forms. It can be domination (power and control) or connection (patience, perseverance, and perspective).”
I really appreciated the words of encouragement. At the same time, I thought, “You’re preaching to the choir.”
So I posted Maury’s letter on Facebook, Threads and Bluesky to encourage others to join the Common Ground Movement, and specifically member of Braver Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to civil discussion that leads to action.
In short, I became what I once more despised: an evangelizer.
What is evangelism?
The word evangelize comes from roots meaning “to bring good news.” In religious contexts it means to spread a message of salvation.
In secular use it’s come to mean to convert others to a belief or cause, sometimes with intensity and judgment, sometimes aggressively trying to win converts rather than foster understanding.
Because of that history, to me, evangelize carries negative connotations of zealotry, which is claiming the moral certainty and superiority to bulldoze over the experience and opinions of others. Zealotry implies a refusal to listen and typically focuses on winning rather than understanding.
So what does that mean for those of us who want to spread a positive message without bullying people? In this case the message that we Americans can draw together to change our country at the local, state and federal levels in the name of creating a stronger democracy and a happier life for all of us.
What I’ll offer is the idea of receptive evangelism, which I’d define as actively inviting people to discussion. And to clarify, “people” refers to those who new to the subject, rather than part of the choir.
So I’ll suggest another interpretation of evangelize: actively invite others to learn from one another and discuss solutions.
I feel compelled toward this type of evangelism because if the choice is between letting chaos and violence grow — as we’re witnessing in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens have been fatally shot by federal immigration agents in separate incidents this month — or choosing a more peaceful path, I’m hell-bent on what’s behind Door Number 2.
The ways to evangelize
Here are the ways I evangelize for the Common Ground Movement.
Social media
Create posts about people and organizations that are taking positive actions to make change and encourage others to repost.
We can also repost the messages of people who are working to decrease polarization and unite Americans, as well. Who cares if they’re not in the same organization. If they’re encouraging positive change, make friends and back them up!
Introduce the topic whenever the opportunity arises
I was at a farmer’s market booth to promote a state referendum. While talking to voters, I actively mentioned Braver Angels and encouraged them to join with fellow Americans, rather than remaining loyal to any one political party.
And either in-person or online, which people express their despair, be there to promote the Common Ground Movement and the hope expressed by those we know that if the 80% of Americans who are sad and disgusted by our current political system can draw together, we can make real change.
I’ll estimate that I reach out to people beyond my choir five times a week.
You can start by forwarding this post to friends who may not know there’s an option other than to react to the daily craziness that ensues.
Are you willing to be “that” person?
The problem with evangelizing is that most of us don’t like reaching out to strangers. We think that doing will open us up to attack. What I’ve found is the opposite, that people are waiting for the opportunity to engage with someone who shows them kindness and promotes hope.
But the real reason to extend yourself beyond your comfort zone is because the stakes are high. Putting ourselves on the front line to gain the trust of the “exhausted majority” is key to turning our country away from violence and toward reclaiming and changing democracy to create a more just society.
Join the Common Ground Movement!
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Definition of Common Ground Movement: placing your loyalty with other Americans, rather than any political party, and embracing the fact we have more in common than not.
Letter from Maury Giles sent Jan. 25, 2026
I had just finished drafting this message when I read and watched videos of Alex Jeffrey Pretti being shot to death by ICE agents in Minneapolis. I felt a rush of anxiety, fear, and sadness; but, still, I was hoping it wasn’t true. It was; and it is our reality today.
Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, Pretti’s co-worker at the VA Medical Center, expressed the point on which I hope we all agree, no matter how you view ICE: “There is no reason for a guy like that to be dead, let alone to be killed by the agents of a government that employed him.”
➔ Two deaths in three weeks in Minneapolis.
➔ U.S. federal officers killing American citizens.
➔ Protestors storming church services with families and young children present.
➔ Local and federal officials arguing instead of talking, and leading, together.
So many reactions. So many questions. So many feelings.
Two things are on my mind right now about what is happening in Minneapolis:
- What it means for our country and Braver Angels; and
- The impact this reality, and the work we do, is having on each of us individually.
I want to start here: What we see in Minneapolis right now is a harsh but true reflection of us as a people.
Intense conflict requires an equal force in response to be resolved; and that force can take very different forms. It can be domination (power and control) or connection (patience, perseverance, and perspective).
I believe it is that simple.
Right now, “we the people” seem to prioritize “tribal interests” over the interests of all. With every emergent conflict, we are choosing domination (or apathy) over connection. It doesn’t matter if the point is destroying the “other side” or checking out as if one has no individual part in the play of our national drama. In both, we choose a path that does not lead to a better America.
Braver Angels’ quest is to inspire people to embrace a way of being because they see it as a genuine pathway to heal society and make a better world. While other groups rightfully advocate for specific solutions or organize protests, Braver Angels focuses on the methods of how we reach those answers. We do it with discipline.
Within our membership people have very different ideas about public policy solutions. That is by design. We aspire to the hard work of engaging across differences to build together. We choose connection over domination.
Think about it. Our individual choices are what matter. No public official, political party, or institution can or will make this change alone without us. They can lead, invite and teach. Or they can, as most seem to do today, incite more anger and more division.
We can choose to go against the grain. Find those with whom we disagree and do the difficult work of learning, sharing, and building. Together. The more intense the conflict, the more effort is required to build a common solution. This is the Braver Angels Way.
Let me close on the very personal, human impact on trying to do this work.
I can’t help but feel the strain. I am as stretched as I’ve ever felt, right now. I know you must feel variations of the same. For me, it is a daily (and sometimes hourly) battle to keep things in perspective, determine what is in my control, and act. My most effective aids right now are family, exercise and study routines, breathing practices, meditation, and think time. Find yours.
In these times, I find there is no replacement for this idea: keep on keeping on… put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes those steps are fast, sometimes we need to slow down (and I ask the same of you). Recognize the challenges, celebrate the victories big and small, give each other the grace these times require. Through it all, let’s keep our eyes on the vision of an America at peace with itself, where courageous citizenship is the norm.
I choose to pray. You may or may not have that practice. But I believe you’ll understand my intent: I pray for peace, wisdom, strength, courage, and patience. Then I get to work.
Walk with me. One foot in front of the other. Shoulder to shoulder.
It’s worth it.
I am so proud to be on this mission with you. Even, and especially, right now. Look for a series of convenings we will be leading with others in our sector.
— Maury Giles, CEO of Braver Angels
Vigilant Positivity 