Building Bridges
Helping Us Have Those “Difficult Conversations”
“We have to face the fact that either all of us are going to die together or we are going to learn to live together, and if we are to live together, we have to talk.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
Advocacy is hard work. Constantly butting up against opposition can wear us out. As an antidote to frustration and burnout, sometimes we just need to sit down and talk to one another. But how do we do that in today’s polarized society?
The Building Bridges program uses the Living Room Conversation model as a way for people from differing perspectives to have meaningful conversations. Rather than seeking to convince one another, we practice listening and engage our authentic curiosity. Good conversations help build relationships and illuminate the places where values align—which is where agreement can grow even if opinions differ.
We encourage you to explore Building Bridges through conversation events and training workshops.
Upcoming workshops:
Difficult Conversations: The Art and Science of Working Together
Part I: Tuesday, August 6
Part II: Tuesday, August 13
10:00 am – 12:30 pm PT / 1:00 – 3:30 pm ET
In every organization, every family, every community, and every country, a viable future depends on people trusting each other and working well together. That’s why this moment in our country—especially during this election year—is so critical. Our viable future is at risk. Which means that now more than ever, we need people with the skills to heal our divides — people who know how to build bridges and strengthen relationships so that a new era of trust and collaboration can begin.