3. Bridging Divides

Overview

America is trapped in a destructive loop of toxic polarization, in which reflexive “us vs them” thinking is weaponized by purveyors of disinformation, division, extremism, and hate. We must break this loop to restore our relationships, rebuild communities, and renew democracy. Finding a way out requires no more—and no less—than empowering millions of Americans to reject toxic division and embrace civic bridging.

Target Milestones:

Events

This goal does not yet have events associated with it.

Initiatives

This goal does not yet have initiatives associated with it.

Partners

Activity

No Greater Mission. No Greater Means.

How National Service Can Advance Bridgebuilding

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Partners:

David Eisner

CEO, Convergence Center for Policy Resolution

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Convergence

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The culture wars have polarized Americans–but a growing civic repair movement believes it can reverse the damage

‘We’re not as divided as we’ve been led to believe’

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President Reagan on the Infrastructure of Democracy

Ronald Reagan in his Westminster address elaborated on the importance of deciding upon individual beliefs while simultaneously coming together despite differences.

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Partners:

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute

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"What, to the slave, is the fourth of July?"

Frederick Douglass shared that the Fourth of July may have certain meaning to some but a different meaning to others.

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President Obama Champions Democracy in his Farewell Address

Barack Obama gave his farewell address to the American people on January 10, 2017. At this moment during his speech, he emphasized the importance of looking after our democracy.

Partner:

Partners:

The Obama Foundation

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Chief Joseph on Equal Treatment Under the Law

In-mut-too-yah-lat-lat (Chief Joseph) elaborated on the need to acknowledge native Americans.

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President Ford on the Rule of the People

Gerald Ford justified to the people that the American democratic system works as he spoke of restoring the nation after the Watergate scandal.

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Partners:

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation

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President Clinton's First Inaugural Address

Bill Clinton gave his first inaugral address and spoke on the subject of American renewal.

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Partners:

The Clinton Presidential Center

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President Kennedy's Inaugural Address

John F. Kennedy emphasized the shared fight against the threats to the nation and why freedom, a value meaningful to the nation, must be protected.

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Partners:

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

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FDR's First Inaugural Address

Franklin D. Roosevelt discussed how much democracy has endured.

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President Carter: "Human Rights Invented America."

Jimmy Carter's Farewell Address spoke on the subject of human rights and how America was born from the concept.

Partner:

Partners:

The Carter Center

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Susan B. Anthony: Is it a crime for a Citizen of the United States to Vote?

Susan B. Anthony's "On Women's Right to Vote" – excerpt from "Norman Rockwell in Virtual Reality - The Four Seasons"

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A production of Norman Rockwell Museum and the Academy of Art University

Press

Toxic polarization is poisoning America. Here's how you can help stop it this week

You have the opportunity this week to add your voice to the national conversation

Becca Kearl, Cheryl Graeve, and Shelley Hoy

9 Democrats, 9 Republicans Introduce Legislation to Reduce Polarization and Support Community Bridgebuilding

On Feb. 25, nine Republicans and nine Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Building Civic Bridges Act – bipartisan legislation empowering communities to tackle division.

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February 26, 2022

Image credit:

Events

May 6, 2022

Strengthening American Democracy through Civic Investment

Discussing the urgent need to invest in civic infrastructure—the local places, programs, media, and people necessary for a healthy civic culture at the local and national level—to strengthen the democratic republic.

Partner:

Partners:

The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands

Stephen Heintz

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Initiatives

This goal does not yet have initiatives associated with it.

DG

3

Bridging Divides

Overview

Events

Initiatives

Partners

Kamy Akhavan

Bruce Bond

David Eisner

Pearce Godwin

Kristin Hansen

Becca Kearl

Brandyn Keating

Bonnie Lepard

Manu Meel

Debilyn Molineaux

Eboo Patel

Activity

No Greater Mission. No Greater Means.

The culture wars have polarized Americans–but a growing civic repair movement believes it can reverse the damage

President Reagan on the Infrastructure of Democracy

"What, to the slave, is the fourth of July?"

President Obama Champions Democracy in his Farewell Address

Chief Joseph on Equal Treatment Under the Law

President Ford on the Rule of the People

President Clinton's First Inaugural Address

President Kennedy's Inaugural Address

FDR's First Inaugural Address

President Carter: "Human Rights Invented America."

Susan B. Anthony: Is it a crime for a Citizen of the United States to Vote?

Press

Toxic polarization is poisoning America. Here's how you can help stop it this week

9 Democrats, 9 Republicans Introduce Legislation to Reduce Polarization and Support Community Bridgebuilding

Events

Strengthening American Democracy through Civic Investment

Initiatives