Building Rural & Urban Partnerships for a Stronger America

Workshop
Bridging Divides

When it comes to changework, forget separate strategies for rural and urban. the idea of a “rural strategy” or “urban strategy.” Many of America’s biggest opportunities and most intractable challenges are common across differences. When rural and urban communities collaborate, the scale of positive change grows exponentially. Drawing on lessons from states like Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia, we’ll explore how “rural and urban” are learning from each other, breaking down stereotypes, and using collaborative experiences to make a difference, no matter the community. Presented by Philanthropy WV

The StoryCorps Way: Eliciting Powerful Stories & Bridging Divides

Workshop
Bridging Divides

The StoryCorps interview model helps people feel more connected and creates stories that remind us of the inherent worth of every person. Now with it’s One Small Step program, StoryCorps is bringing people together to record a conversation that breaks down barriers created by politics, and reminds us that we have more in common than what divides us. Learn more about StoryCorps’ innovative approaches that support people coming together to have otherwise impossible conversations, using their tools and questions. Presented by StoryCorps

Adventurous Civility: Courage in a Time of Division

Workshop
Bridging Divides, Chicago

At a moment of deep polarization in public life, the On Being Civil Conversations Project (CCP) seeks to model “speaking together differently so that we might learn to live together differently.” Our local partners in Barrington, Illinois will offer their experience embarking upon “A Year of Courageous Conversations.” What does it look like to engage a community proud of its civic engagement and close relationships, but where the absence of diversity creates space where people can be polite, but not courageous.Using the CCP Grounding Virtues as our guide, how can we practice skills for courageous conversation in public life. Presented …

“The Science of Happiness” Podcast Recording on Bridging Differences

Workshop
Bridging Divides

Come find inspiration and practical wisdom at a live recording of the popular Science of Happiness podcast, produced by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center! In each episode, a guest tries a research-based practice to build happiness, resilience, kindness, or connection–then discusses their experience and learns about the science behind it. At Upswell, our episode will focus on building positive dialogue and understanding between groups, an important skill for any community leader or changemaker. Join host Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith to explore the science and practice of bridging differences–the conversation is sure to be engaging, moving, and filled with practical insights. …

Co-constructing for Impact

Focus Groups
Bridging Divides

What is “co-creation,” how does it involve community wisdom and experience, and how can it help you achieve community transformation and collective action?  This focus group will introduce Co.act Detroit, a regional hub for nonprofit collaborative action, and showcase its engagement with organizations to co-create its name, focal areas of impact, key values, and brand architecture. Learn how pairing national best practice research with local insights and context has paved the way for a shared concept of community transformation and collective action. Presented by EarlyWorks LLC

On Narrative and the Equity Gap

Spark Talk
Bridging Divides

Join this SparkTalk to explore the role narrative, society’s deeply held beliefs, plays in advancing equity. More about this Spark Talk: On Narrative and the Equity Gap

Peacebuilding in the US Culture Wars: Religious Liberty as a Critical Tool

Spotlight Stage
Bridging Divides

TURN to Faith And Community Leaders for Real Community Change

Spark Talk
Bridging Divides, Chicago

More than 4,900 people have been murdered in Chicago since 2012, excluding those shot or wounded. Unfortunately, trauma goes unaddressed and many community residents are uninformed about it. The result? Many black and brown people go without counseling, and hurting people tend to continue to hurt people – creating a vicious cycle of violence. Pastor Chris Harris and Bright Star Community Outreach are countering the system of street justice through the TURN Model – The Urban Resilience Network. Presented by Bright Star Community Outreach, Inc.

A Recovering Angry Atheist Talks Religion

Spark Talk
Bridging Divides

Religion is a topic that’s normally banned from polite conversation. But it’s in the news constantly these days; three Muslim students murdered assassination style by their neighbor, a county clerk refused to give marriage licenses to gay applicants, Black churches set on fire in Louisiana, and a Pittsburgh synagogue that lost 11 members to an act of terrorism. Our collective aversion to the subject has only fueled our collective ignorance, contributing to a culture of fear. Even if we’re not personally religious, we do need a better understanding of the religious diversity all around us, and we need to be …

Science-based Practices to Bridge Differences Across Political and Social Divides

Deep Dive Workshop
Bridging Divides

This workshop is a kick-off to a 3-month fellowship for those who are interested in bridging differences in their communities. You’ll practice and discuss how to use these science-based practices in your work and life. In addition to getting support from a peer group, there will also be mentors who are practitioners in the bridge building space supporting you along the journey. Please only take this workshop if you are committed to the three month timeline. There will be two additional calls after the workshop to check-in on progress. Presented by Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley Sponsored by …