Montgomery County Public Libraries Offers Program to Help Residents Talk Across the Political Divide

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Many people avoid political conversations with family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers whose politics differ from their own. Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will provide a unique program to help residents feel comfortable talking across the political divide.

The program, facilitated by Better Angels, a nation-wide organization formed to unite Americans and depolarize our society, will teach participants skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground and affirm their common humanity. Participants will have an opportunity to practice those skills in the workshop.

“We are extremely proud to be able to provide this workshop at MCPL,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “Libraries are the appropriate space to have civil conversations about difficult and even polarizing issues. We hope this workshop will help participants talk about hard topics with others who disagree with them in a respectful and productive manner.”

The “Better Angels Skills Workshop” will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Rockville Memorial Library located at 21 Maryland Ave.

Early registration is recommended as this workshop is expected to fill quickly. Registration is available on the website or by calling the Rockville Memorial Library at 240-777-0140. 

For more information contact Clotilde Puértolas by email: [email protected].

Release ID: 19-317
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6536