Read, Watch, Learn

Climate Change: Sharing and Living the Vision
If you are looking for resources and information on the challenges facing the environment and the human community, as well as ways and opportunities to stay involved and make your voice heard, look through this A-Z list of l ocal, national, and international organizations .

Indigenous Peoples of Western New York

As we move through challenging times of societal upheaval, we are inspired by the wisdom of Indigenous people who have been living in harmony with the earth and all creation for generations. Here is a list of resources from our Native American history and culture – especially the Haudenosaunee on whose land we live. We honor and celebrate their presence among us and their special contributions.

Racism: Standing in Solidarity

As we face the racial tensions that are so urgent and critical at this time in our country, we offer here some materials for white people to learn about black history, white privilege and so much more to inform us as we respond in solidarity with knowledge and integrity. This is a dynamic document so please check it periodically to see new entries, and please send us materials to include. Also, see more about this topic in our recent blogs on social justice here.

Environmental Justice Information & Resources
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. We have updated the Environmental Justice section of our website to include a comprehensive list of resources for education and action.

Resources For Healing the Divides
Many people have expressed how challenging it is to stay grounded and non-reactive in political conversations, especially with people who have different opinions, or even people on our “side” who react in ways we do not support. We are happy to offer "Healing the Divides: Depolarization Resources for Challenging Times" to help you grow in your capacity and skill in having difficult conversations, bridging divides, growing compassion, and reducing hate.

Braver Angels
"At this time of crisis, we need more than civility, empathy, and goodwill. We need courage."

In December 2016, co-founders David Blankenhorn, Bill Doherty, and David Lapp started Braver Angels to reject normalizing of the extreme polarization experience during and after the 2016 Election.

Grounded in the use of marriage counseling techniques to bring Republicans and Democrats together, Braver Angels seeks to depolarize American politics.

The Braver Angels way is guided by the Braver Angels Pledge:

As individuals, we try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t 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.

Braver Angels offers a variety of free workshops, skills training, and events like Debates, Race Conversations, and their "Skills for Bridging the Divide," "Depolarizing Within," and "Family & Politics" training sessions.

To learn more and even get involved (to whatever level works for you and your other commitments):

Check out the Braver Angels website, view all of the great resources, and consider becoming a member.
If you haven't seen it yet, the Braver Angels "Reuniting America" documentary is exceptional at showing the process of its Red / Blue workshop for depolarization.
With increasing interest in Braver Angels here in our area, a Zoom meeting is being planned in the next few weeks to discuss starting a local Braver Angels Alliance. (A local Alliance will give us the means to customize Braver Angels workshops, skills training, and events to our local needs and issues. Email Doug Della Pietra at dougdellapietra@gmail.com if you would like to be included in updates and next steps.

Expand your perspective and deepen your understanding: here's a list (with descriptions) of even more articles, books, and movies for your consideration.