Bridging for Democracy (B4D) is redefining how we defend democracy through an innovative partnership among social justice movement organizations across the country. Together, we are developing practices and narratives for rehumanizing and rebuilding our mutual commitments to one another across deep “us-them” divides.
Today’s growing division and dehumanization cannot just be countered by amassing more forces on one side. We see the act of bridging and listening across differences as critical for the progressive movement to meet this moment and for real impact power building efforts.
Our partners on the ground find this makes better organizers by sharpening listening and relational skills, expanding what we think is possible, supporting stronger narrative development, and creating new possibilities for base building.
Collectively, we propose a radical new vision of what civic engagement work requires, by incorporating “long bridge” activities into movement organizations’ repertoires. Long bridging aims to reconstitute larger “we” identities that are not predicated on agreement or sameness. Instead, they are about a “we” in which two sides of a divide recognize their difference, but also their shared humanity and stake in a shared future. Each of these recognitions is fundamental to a sustainable, multi-racial democracy.
Co-led by OBI and Workers Center for Racial Justice, partners include: Make the Road Nevada, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength, and Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO).
We are currently building and testing the second phase of this project, and continuing to fundraise to grow our impact. Read about our 2024 pilot, made up of long bridge canvassing and community centered bridging conversations, across 6 states, in this new publication.
Contact: Mansi Kathuria
