Religious Diversity & Bridgebuilding
Bridgebuilder Basics
Bridgebuilder Basics explores the vision, knowledge, and skills required to effectively cross lines of difference and take common action for the common good.
Bridgebuilder Basics
Our Goal
The United States has long been defined by the great diversity of its people. Whether that diversity enriches or divides the nation, however, is not a given. Where there is deep difference, there is a need for bridgebuilders: citizens with the mindset and skills to transform diversity into pluralism.
What is Bridgebuilding?
Bridgebuilding is intentionally coming together across differences to respect diverse identities and divergent ideologies, cultivate mutually inspiring relationships, and cooperating to take shared action for the common good. Bridgebuilding is both a choice in any given moment and a lifelong process of continued learning.
Resources for Learners
for Learners
Part 1: We Can Build Bridges
This interactive 45–60 minute online course (hosted by our partners at ReligionAndPublicLife.org) demonstrates bridgebuilding in action, defines the goals of bridgebuilding, and considers where you might take steps to build bridges in your own life. The course is free and can be started, stopped, and resumed at your own pace.
Resources for Facilitators
for Facilitators
Part 1: We Can Build Bridges Synchronous Curriculum
This 90-minute synchronous curriculum defines the goals of bridgebuilding, offers examples, and invites participants to reflect on where they might take steps to build bridges in their own lives.
The curriculum includes support for both in-person and virtual learning.
for Facilitators
Gathering Learners Who Have Asynchronously Completed Part 1: We Can Build Bridges
This accompanied guide is intended to offer facilitators some ideas for bringing learners together live after they have asynchronously completed the online course Part 1: We Can Build Bridges. The suggested time frame is two hours, but facilitators are encouraged to adapt content to best suit their needs and setting.
for Facilitators
Part 2: How to Build Bridges Synchronous Curriculum
This synchronous curriculum invites learners to explore powerful psychological and sociological dimensions of bridgebuilding and develop skills for effectively listening and sharing across difference. In addition to gaining facility with key concepts and practices, learners will examine opportunities to build bridges in their own lives and commit to next steps.
In total, Part 2 is comprised of seven hours of content including three suggested breaks throughout totaling 80 minutes of non-instructional time. The curriculum includes support for both in-person and virtual learning and facilitators are encouraged to break up the content to best suit their needs.
Want Even More?
Skills for Bridging the Gap
A curriculum for educators and facilitators focused on the bridgebuilding practices and skills that help people engage across deep divides.Praise for 'We Can Build Bridges'
by George Zavala, Manager of Community Bridging and Belonging at YMCA of the USA
The course’s interactivity was particularly impressive. Each element was crafted to engage the participant actively, from embedded questions within videos to interactive essays. Every component worked seamlessly, from video playback to interactive quizzes.
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THE FIRST STEP YOU NEED TO
Build Bridges
Learn about the goals of building bridges and hear from those who have successfully crossed lines of difference to take action for the common good.
Contact Us
Please contact us with any questions about Bridgebuilder Basics.
Marley Pierce
Program Manager
Interfaith America
Latest Articles
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Everyday Pluralism
How Pluralism Can Make Us Better: Two Interfaith Professionals on Bridgebuilding
August 12, 2026
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