The League of Women Voters of Lee County invites the public to “Countering Polarization,” a LWVLee educational event to be held Saturday, Jan. 4, at 9 a.m. via virtual zoom.

Jack Ubinger, a Braver Angels volunteer moderator will speak on “The Challenge of Polarization in America and What We, the People, Can Do to Counter It.” Ubinger will present observations about root causes of polarization and explain the Braver Angels’ programs that teach skills and provide opportunities for constructively engaging with others having differing points of view. “https://braverangels.org/” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Braver Angels is a “cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide for the good of our democratic republic.”

Ubinger is a retired environmental lawyer and conflict resolution educator. He has represented the interests of the private sector and worked in the nonprofit sector to solve environmental problems through effective policy change. For 25 years Ubinger developed and taught a graduate-level course “Environmental Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving” at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Currently, Ubinger is co-leader of the Collier-Lee Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby and recently helped facilitate the creation of the SWFL EcoAlliance.

Panelists will share their efforts and experiences in countering polarization:

• Jan-Martijn Meij, PhD, FGCU interim director Office of Public Policy Events, Program Coordinator Sociology Program, Department of Justice Studies. Sociology (with specializations in Environmental Sociology, Social Inequality, Social Psychology). Oklahoma State University, 2009, MA, International Business Strategy & Marketing, Radboud University, 2001, BE, Economics, Hogeschool Arnhem-Nijmegen, 1998

• Liberty Barber, FGCU student, participant Unify America Challenge, Civil Discourse Event Speaker.

Barber is a driven student with a deep passion for religious studies and civil discourse. Currently pursuing a degree in Communications with a double minor in religious studies and theater, Barber is committed to exploring the intersection of faith, culture, and communication.

Following the presentations, there will be opportunities for audience participation and questions.

Information and registration: Eventbrite, email: lwvlee@lwvlee.org, or call 239-278-1032.

Collaboratory is at 2031 Jackson St. in Fort Myers.