Bridging involves bringing people together, listening to diverse voices, and being active in your community. Senior Fellow Angelina Rueda has demonstrated years of commitment to these practices and continues to embody what an active citizen looks like.

“We had to sit back and wait, especially at the beginning, because when you put good in, you get good out. We would spend the year completing active, exciting work, but to do so we must adopt patience and constructive habits.”

“Day 3 showed that bridging is not about erasing the differences between us. It is about becoming curious enough to understand those differences, humble enough to recognize the limits of our own understanding, and intentional in searching for our shared humanity.”

"Overall, the day reminded me that democracy isn't something we sit around and wait for, it's something we can build. I left the retreat with curiosity, more tools, and more hope than I arrived with. The sessions gave me new tangible ways to address problems I see in my own community, and strategies I can use to work with others to fix them.”

“This day taught me that civic service is not about projects and programs, not about measurable results, but about people, their stories and communities. It is about being hospitable, listening to another person's story, welcoming strangers, traveling together, breaking bread, and creating space where people with different backgrounds can meet. If this first day was any indication of the year ahead, I am excited to see where this journey of service, relationship, reflection, and bridge-building will lead.”

“I feel proud of the work that I did during my year of service as an Americorps VISTA member stationed at Civic Bridgers. But beyond the work, I will remember most fondly the connections that I was able to create with peers in my cohort, members and partners in the Civic Bridgers network, and my mentor.”

“The day to day work at a non-profit is almost never the same. The day to day work in a newsroom is also rarely the same. So, couple those two together (and maybe throw in a videographer position that has existed for less than a year) and you have day-to-day work that is absolutely never the same.”

“Though bridging might look different in rural communities as opposed to urban ones, it is still vital to a healthy community. Bridging plays a significant role in the Initiative Foundation’s work, and is vital to the revitalization we seek to achieve in rural Minnesota.”

Executive Director Libby Stegger appeared on WCCO to announce the launch of Minnesota: Land of Neighbors. “We need every Minnesotan to participate, because that is how we make this a land of neighbors.”

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“When we give into division, when we give into despair and withdraw from each other and from civic life, we are ceding our inherent power." Executive Director Libby Stegger joined Alexandra Vollman for a discussion on problem solving in a polarized world.

“I led discussions about why community kitchen models like Sweet Ren are successful, and why its uniqueness addresses persistent problems in the specialty coffee industry.”

“To fully solve the issues plaguing our schools, we need the engagement of everyone, including the perspective of those who most clearly remember what High School was actually like.”

“Energy is not everyone’s cup of tea, but energy assistance provides immediate positive effects, and how we provide that assistance can offer lessons in other areas of our bridging work.”

Executive Director Libby Stegger joined Steve Margerin on the Unscripted Leader podcast for a discussion on leading through challenging times.

Jeremy Fugleberg writes on America’s Future Summit for the West Central Tribune: “From a small Minnesota conference room, grappling with 'wicked problems'“

While America’s Future Summit saw many amazing, inspired pitches from highly motivated teams, only three teams could take the top spots. Here are the podium winners from America’s Future Summit 2026.

As morning broke on the second day of America’s Future Summit, a sense of anticipation filled the room at Willmar Conference Center.

During the first day of the America’s Future Summit, students learned from industry professionals at the top of their field and began working on their final pitch.

“During my year of service, I am conducting qualitative research, including focus groups, surveys, and interviews, to better understand the needs of the community at Neighborhood House’s newest location.”