The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at UC Berkeley bridges the gap between scientific research and everyday life, helping people apply the science of compassion, connection, and well-being to build stronger communities and a more empathetic world. Since 2001, GGSC has been a trusted source of research-backed insights on how to live a more connected, resilient, and purpose-driven life—at home, at work, and in society.

Search for Common Ground is the world’s largest dedicated peacebuilding organization, working to end violent conflict through dialogue, collaboration, and shared goals. Founded in 1982, their mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict—moving from adversarial approaches to cooperative solutions. Operating in more than 30 countries, Search brings together people across political, cultural, and religious divides to resolve conflict and build lasting peace.

OBI University is a free, self-paced learning website created by the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. It’s built for anyone who wants to be part of a stronger, more united country—whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or just someone who cares about your community.

Through short, engaging lessons, OBI U gives people the tools to understand how we can treat each other with more respect, work across differences, and make sure no one is left out.

Braver Angels of Houston is working in our local communities by holding workshops, debates and public presentations designed to bridge the polarizing political divide we experience in our country. These events allow conservatives and liberals to get past the destructive stereotypes so we can have civil conversations about real issues that lead to productive problem-solving. 

More in Common is a nonprofit organization that publishes research, builds strategies, and works in partnership with leaders and organizations throughout the United States. We help these partners bring Americans together across differences to engage meaningfully in our civil and cultural life. 

In addition to the US, More in Common has teams in France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and most recently Brazil.   

Experts often warn of a growing crisis of connection. Yet in a time when Americans feel divided, do they really want to connect with others—especially with those who are different from them? And if they do, what’s standing in their way?

Bridging across divides and creating a shared sense of belonging in communities is essential to sustain a broader socially connected community. Approaches that honor the diversity of members in the community require bringing people together across differences to avoid othering and siloing of subgroups.

The biggest insight? Most Americans—what the researchers call the “Exhausted Majority”—feel alienated by partisan combat. They’re tired of being forced to choose sides. They want leaders who listen, policies that unite, and conversations that matter.

At The Change Lab, this research affirms our belief that connection is still possible, and that the majority of Americans are looking for a way forward—together.