Dr. April Chatham Carpenter is a University of Arkansas at Little Rock communications professor who teaches courses on civli dialogue and conflict management. Dr. Glen White is a retired psychologist. She leans right. He leans left. 

But they both believe that Americans should be able to sit across the table from each other, discuss political issues respectfully, and find common ground.

The two are among the leaders of Braver Angels Arkansas, the state chapter of a national organization whose mission is to bring together people from the left, right and middle. In Arkansas, it’s composed of a small group of 10-20 active individuals along with others who are on the roster. 

Among the group’s efforts have been “Red Blue Workshops” that gather conservatives and liberals to talk through various issues. At the national level, Braver Angels has been hosting single issue “Common Group Workshops” about immigration. 

Carpenter and White also have made presentations before civic clubs. Local groups have formed or at least showed interest in forming in Eureka Springs, Jonesboro, Conway and other communities.

Carpenter and White also host a podcast, “On the Other Hand,” where they talk to individuals who are solving problems in their community. One guest was former state Rep. Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, who represented one of the state’s few “purple” districts that was evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. When he became executive director of the Arkansas TV public television network, he invited them to pitch a show that followed the same principles. “A Braver Arkansas” now appears weekly and can be viewed on demand on Arkansas TV’s YouTube page.

The two represent different sides of the spectrum but don’t get into back and forth debates like many cable news shows. Instead they interview individuals about addressing problems.

“We’re really trying to highlight feel-good stories so that people know this can be done,” Carpenter said. “This vitriol that we see from our leaders does not have to be the way we live. And in fact, Arkansans are not that kind of people when it really comes down to it. We love our neighbors. We love our communities.”

The two bring their professional skills to their efforts. Carpenter’s graduate and undergraduate courses teach students to have difficult conversations that lead to win-win solutions – a skill she’d like to see displayed more often in the political realm.

People need three types of communication skills in politics, she said. Intrapersonal communications is self talk where we engage in internal discussions about other people. She said it’s important to consider how online algorithms and social media news feeds might isolate ourselves from others who have different views.

Interpersonal communication skills involve “the ability to disagree without completely losing my mind,” she said. That skill helps a person ask good questions and approach a conversation with curiosity. That person is able to then share their opinion effectively. 

Finally, group and community communication skills allow a person to be effective at a city council or board meeting and make a difference for one’s community. 

White, the psychologist, said people often base their beliefs on emotions including fear and anger, and then use their intellect to rationalize their behavior. They must recognize and manage their emotions and return to logic and their values.

He said that uncompromising political attitudes prevent anything from being accomplished. The resulting gridlock leads to frustration with the system, which makes people susceptible to self-interested autocrats offering simple solutions.

White said a respectful conversation will highlight differences but also uncover similarities. People might disagree, but they can understand others’ perspectives.

“If you can talk to someone in a civil, respectful manner, then you wind up starting to develop a relationship with them, and it helps overcome a lot of these stereotypes and mistaken beliefs you have about people on the other side,” he said.

Carpenter mentioned a phrase in passing that many of us could use a little more of, especially in the wake of this year’s election – “intellectual humility.” 

I take that to mean that we can be wrong, which means we can learn from others. 

Making ourselves vulnerable to that possibility isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it requires us to be brave. 

© 2026 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

Steve Brawner’s column is syndicated to 24 news outlets in Arkansas. Email him at brawnersteve@mac.com.