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Volume 1 Issue 3 | JUNE 2023
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“Perhaps it is not difference, but distance that breeds tribalism and hostility. As proximity increases, so does understanding. I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln's quote, ‘I don't like that man. I must get to know him better.’"– Alain de Botton
Bridge-building is a growing American movement. Hundreds of organizations from all over the country are focusing on dialogue, self-reflection, and behavior change at the personal, community, and societal levels. In essence, bridging initiatives help Americans talk to and understand each other, with the goals of reducing polarization and strengthening democracy.
Read on to learn how you can get connected to the bridging community!
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There are national and local bridging events that encourage you to flex your civic muscles, find new perspectives on key issues, and develop friendships across the proverbial aisle.
National Event Highlights
- On July 5-8, 2023 Braver Angels will host its first ever national convention on bridging to create more national conversation about uniting Americans across divides.
- On Oct 19, 2023, the Listen First Coalition will host a virtual event, the Bridge-Building Innovation Showcase, to highlight the myriad ways bridge-builders are connecting people (more details here soon!).
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National Week of Conversation (NWOC) is a set of online events that brings together thousands of Americans to talk about relevant cultural and political issues like climate change, AI, religious diversity, and racial equity. The 2023 event engaged close to one million people through direct participation and through media coverage. We'll let you know when next year's event is scheduled!
Local Event Highlights
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Want to hone your skills before diving in deeper? Check out these opportunities to gain bridging skills, then let us know what you learned!
Practice
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In-person conversation: Attend a Braver Angels Minnesota “Story Exchange” event in St. Paul, June 25th, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 PM.
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Phone conversation: Have a meaningful 40-minute conversation with someone from a different political/demographic perspective, facilitated by an American Dialogue Project expert.
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Training: Take the virtual Bridging Differences training to learn about and practice bridging, which is available for free or low-cost.
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Training: Participate in Essential Partners' (EP) online Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences to learn bridging skills using EP’s unique model.
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Tool: Complete the Political Polarization Self-Assessment to foster insight and create everyday behavior change, co-developed by Columbia University polarization expert Peter Coleman,
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Book clubs: Use book suggestions from Civic Health Project to host a book club with family, friends, neighbors, religious groups or coworkers.
Or select from hundreds of diverse offerings provided by local and national bridge-building organizations.
Learn
Other News From the OCDR Team
We (Katie and Jessica) recently developed an OCDR strategic plan to guide our work over the next three to five years (link to the plan coming soon on our refreshed website!). One of OCDR’s key strategic initiatives is to support the growth and connectedness of the bridge-building community in Minnesota. If you are part of a Minnesota bridging organization and would be interested in a future OCDR convening, please send us your interest at either contact below.
And as always, reach out to us with other ideas and questions!
Feedback
Do you have feedback on this newsletter, or articles, tools or resources you'd like to share? Use our feedback form to submit your thoughts. If you share an idea or tool with us, we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter!
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