Political polarization in the United States gets worse by the day. People from different political persuasions are no longer able or willing to sit in the same room as each other. In fact, our polarization is one of the few things Americans seem to agree on. According to the Pew Research Center, 86% of Americans agree that “Republicans and Democrats are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems.” And the majority of Americans (61%) found the words “stressful and frustrating” appropriate when describing political conversations with peers they politically disagree with.

That’s why the work of Braver Angels, an organization dedicated to reducing political polarization in America, is work that meets the moment. Interfaith Photovoice has teamed up with Braver Angels and Mia Dougherty, a sharp and ambitious eighth grader in Colorado, to lead a photovoice project that will help middle schoolers from around the country explore hope, build relationships, and share their hopes with others at a time when hope seems to be in short supply.

The project, which is actively recruiting middle schoolers to participate, will bring together a diverse group of teenagers to meet peers from across the US to discuss photos about the hopes they have for themselves and their communities. During the four sessions, teens from different parts of the country will share their own photographs and tell the stories behind them. 

In a recent conversation with Mia, she shared her motivation for the project. “I’m so excited to help provide a space for other teens to express their thoughts about the world through photography, as well as facilitating a model of conversation which provides room for difference, unites people from all ends of the political spectrum, and different walks of life. I can’t wait to see the photographs that come from the project!”

The project will conclude with a virtual gallery that will be shared far and wide to elevate the diverse voices of American teenagers while drawing others into the conversation. Some of these photographs will be printed and displayed during the Braver Angels National Convention in June 2024.

The group will meet four times over Zoom in 90-minute sessions: April 14th, 21st, 28th; and May 4th (4–5:30 pm, Eastern Time). Thanks to a generous grant from the Fetzer Institute, participation is free. The application deadline is April 10th. 

Braver Lens is a pilot program that uses smartphone photography and conversations to help people from different political points of view build relationships. It is an initiative of Braver Angels, an organization dedicated to reducing political polarization in America. Mia is collaborating with experienced facilitators, Roman Williams, Julie Davidson-Greer, and Josh Polanski.

Learn more and apply here.