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

We suggest all facilitators begin by taking the 45–60 minute online course Part 1: We Can Build Bridges to familiarize themselves with concepts foundational to bridgebuilding.

The following materials are sequential and designed for anyone working with a group of people who are interested in pursuing bridgebuilding in their own lives. Learners are welcome from a wide variety of sectors and experiences.

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

This 4.5 hour synchronous curriculum invites learners to explore powerful psychological and sociological dimensions of bridgebuilding and develops 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.

The curriculum includes support for both in-person and virtual learning.

Coming Soon

Want Even More?

Interfaith America’s Skills for Bridging the Gap curriculum builds on Bridgebuilder Basics, going deeper into the mindset and skills required to tackle tough conversations. Facilitators and educators may wish to explore both curricula as they plan their bridgebuilding learning approach.