Bridging for Democracy
Bridging for Democracy
Redefining how we defend democracy through innovative partnerships among social justice organizations. Together, developing practices for rehumanizing across deep divides.
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Why Long Bridging Matters
Our country faces deep divisions that threaten our shared future. Traditional approaches to civic engagement often focus on mobilizing one side against another. But lasting change requires something different.
The Core Insight
"Long bridging" aims to reconstitute larger "we" identities that are not predicated on agreement or sameness. Instead, they are about a "we" in which two sides of a divide recognize their difference, but also their shared humanity and stake in a shared future.
What makes this approach different:
- Creates better organizers by sharpening listening and relational skills
- Expands what we think is possible in our communities
- Supports stronger narrative development around shared concerns
- Creates new possibilities for base building across traditional divides
How It Works
Bridging for Democracy (B4D) is a project of the Othering and Belonging Institute's Network for Transformative Change. The initiative proposes a radical new vision of what civic engagement requires.
The 2024 pilot included two approaches:
- Long bridge canvassing: Trained organizers engage in deep conversations with people across political divides, focusing on shared concerns rather than partisan talking points
- Community-centered bridging conversations: Structured dialogues that bring together people from different backgrounds to find common ground on local issues
Each of these recognitions—difference, shared humanity, and stake in a shared future—is fundamental to a sustainable, multiracial democracy.
The Partnership
B4D is co-led by the Othering and Belonging Institute and Workers Center for Racial Justice. The initiative brings together movement organizations across the country.
Othering and Belonging Institute
Workers Center for Racial Justice
Make the Road Nevada
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
MOSES Michigan
OCCCO (Orange County)
The partnership is currently building and testing the second phase of this project, continuing to grow impact through expanded fundraising and new pilot sites.
Get Involved
About the Othering and Belonging Institute
The Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley brings together researchers, organizers, stakeholders, communicators, and policymakers to identify and eliminate the barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society.
Key areas of work include:
- Bridging and Breaking research on how communities connect across divides
- Democracy and Belonging Forum supporting civic leaders
- Narrative strategy for social change movements
- Targeted universalism as a policy framework
- Community power and policy partnerships
The Institute is directed by john a. powell, an internationally recognized expert in civil rights, structural racism, housing, poverty, and democracy.
Ready to Bridge Differences in Your Community?
Download the full report to learn how long bridging is creating new possibilities for civic engagement and democracy.
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