We strengthen American democracy by preparing leaders to bridge divides.
WE CALL THESE LEADERS CIVIC BRIDGERS.
Civic Bridgers model humanity, humility, and accountability.
They are visionaries who recognize the limits of “winner-takes-all” leadership. They don’t wield power over people. Instead, they leverage collective power and viewpoint diversity to solve some of our nation’s greatest challenges.
OUR PROGRAMS
BEYOND CIVICS
FOR TEENS
Beyond Civics is a 10-week enrichment program that trains teens to become Bridgers: community leaders who engage and solve problems across lines of difference.
CAMPUS BRIDGING INITIATIVE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Campus Bridging Initiative bridges the urban-rural divide by uniting urban and rural college students for immersive cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
FELLOWSHIP
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
The Civic Bridgers Fellowship immerses emerging leaders in a year of bridge-building at a local nonprofit or government agency.
Fall 2025 Virtual Beyond Civics Fellowship
In partnership with the Institute for Youth in Policy, we are excited to launch the Beyond Civics Fellowship for Minnesota-based high school students. Sessions will be for 75 minutes on Zoom twice a week from September - November 2025.
Session Topics:
Co-creating democracy as civically engaged citizens before voting
Dialogue skills to combat polarization and strengthen relationships
Media literacy, digital citizenship, and tools to engage with people online
Community Action Initiative development and more!
Objectives:
Increase interest and commitment to participating in civic life
Improve skills in collaborating across differences as global citizens
Develop a concrete action plan for civic action in the short term (next 3-6 months)
Connect with youth across Minnesota through civic engagement
Bridging is possible and we’re the proof.
"Most Americans value connecting across difference – and are most interested in activities where they can work together. A majority (66 percent) of Americans across all demographic groups feel they can learn something valuable by connecting with others who are different—and seven in ten (70 percent) feel a responsibility to do so."
– MORE IN COMMON
THE CONNECTION OPPORTUNITY REPORT 2025
OUR PARTNERS IN BRIDGING
