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

Margaret Chase Smith's "Declaration of Conscience" Speech

Margaret Chase Smith explained how Americans need to think as citizens and not by political party.

Partner:

Partners:

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President Eisenhower on Love and Mutual Respect

Dwight D. Eisehower gave his farewell address, elaborating on uniting despite differences and providing opportunity to all.

Partner:

Partners:

The Eisenhower Foundation

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech

Martin Luther King, Jr. called the country to act on the issue of racial injustice.

Partner:

Partners:

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President Nixon on the Essence of Freedom

Richard Nixon gave his first inaugural address, speaking on the importance of bringing the country together and ending segregation, discrimination, and injustice.

Partner:

Partners:

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Let's fight for America by learning to listen first

The year ahead will present both enormous challenge and opportunity for a nation severely fractured across political and myriad other lines.

Partner:

Partners:

Pearce Godwin

CEO, Listen First Project

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Graham Bodie

America Talks: How not to let fear isolate you from people with different opinions

The late comedian Joan Rivers often quipped, “Can we talk?” If her catchphrase was asked today, it might be met with a resounding “No.”

Partner:

Partners:

David Eisner

CEO, Convergence Center for Policy Resolution

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A Nation of Weavers

The social renaissance is happening from the ground up.

Partner:

Partners:

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By David Brooks

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

Margaret Chase Smith's "Declaration of Conscience" Speech

President Eisenhower on Love and Mutual Respect

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech

President Nixon on the Essence of Freedom

Let's fight for America by learning to listen first

America Talks: How not to let fear isolate you from people with different opinions

A Nation of Weavers

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