Special edition, June 2026 

What was the MN Bridging Summit "Connect! Imagine! Ignite!"?

On May 1, 2026, OCDR co-hosted the MN Bridge-Building Summit, “Connect! Imagine! Ignite!,” an interactive convening for MN bridge-builders at Shoreview Community Center. The 175 attendees included those working in youth development, community engagement and outreach, peacebuilding, mediation and alternative dispute resolution, restorative justice, and other fields. 

What happened at the event?

There was a lot of laughter, learning, and sharing...and people can’t stop talking about the food!! In addition to fun get-to-know-you activities and table conversations, fellow bridging practitioners showcased their work.

Dozens of attendees participated in A Peace of My Mind’s photo journalism project on bridging. The result was a beautiful video montage of participants answering the question, “What has called you to this work?”

People shared their stories about bridging work using the Story Stitch conversation model, which people described as a deeply powerful experience. Many people plan to bring this conversation process to build bridges in their own organizations.

We collected data in multiple ways to inform future bridging efforts, including using the Keyhubs methodology, where we found that:  about three-quarters of attendees had not participated in OCDR's previous bridging efforts, showing we are reaching new audiences; participants represented 5 of the 8 regions of Minnesota; at least 30% of participants work in rural or exurban areas; attendees used a wide variety of bridging techniques, from dialogue and facilitation to curricula and the arts; attendees represented nonprofits, foundations, faith communities, and the private sector and about 25% of participants work in 10 different agencies across state government; most attendees had been doing bridging work for more than a decade; most attendees met new people from adjacent fields that they may not have connected with outside of the Summit; collectively we have reached more than 100,000 Minnesotans with our bridging efforts!

Overall, attendees were very engaged, appreciated the opportunity to connect, and want to stay involved!

• “Thank you for bringing together such an impressive group of human beings!”
• “I wasn't sure what to expect. I am blown away. Energizing, hope giving, inspiring!”
• “I was really impressed with the diversity of organizations in the room today. Also, thanks for the hospitality!”
• “Accessible, inclusive, powerful! Thank you!”

More than 80% of attendees stated they want to continue the momentum by joining the MN Bridge-Building Network and/or providing input on the future of bridge-building in Minnesota.

What follow-up has happened since May 1?

On May 26, new and old bridgers connected at A Peace of My Mind's studio space in St. Paul where they unveiled the MN Bridging Summit portraits they captured on May 1. The video of the portraits is so moving! We thank all Summit attendees who participated. We also learned about two upcoming national bridging events that anyone can participate in. The America’s Potluck project and the Better Together Film Festival. These are great ways for community members to get involved in America’s bridging movement. Email Rev. Jerad Morey, Director of Civic Dialogue at Minnesota Council of Churches, about being a Better Together Film Festival site or sign up to host a screening here.

How can I be a part of Minnesota's Bridge-Building Network and ongoing work?

Do you identify as a bridge-builder - someone who "intentionally brings together people or perspectives that are currently disconnected or divided...for the purpose of cultivating understanding, curiosity, trust, empathy, respect, relationships, shared identity, and common ground" (Listen First Coalition)?

If so, you can:

1. Request to be added to the virtual, quarterly MN Bridge-Building Network meetings by emailing jessica.shryack1@state.mn.us.
2. Provide feedback on the future of bridge-building in Minnesota by taking this four-question survey. Input will be used to inform future bridging convenings and statewide strategy.

Special thanks!

Marnita's Table did an amazing job of orchestrating the MN Bridging Summit. Co-hosts included Jerad Morey of MN Council of Churches, Katie Arnold of Community Mediation MN, Diane Lynch of Diane P. Lynch LLC, Fran Van Houten of RainMaker Coaching LLC, and MN Legislative Civility Caucus founder and Braver Angels volunteer JoAnn Ward.

The generous support of an anonymous donor and the support of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota helped make this summit possible.