Scaling bridging norms through civic sectors,
local communities, and mass social campaigns
Civic Health Project is a recognized thought leader and movement builder in America’s vibrant bridge-building ecosystem. We are committed to the idea that overcoming our country’s deep political and social divisions requires a movement-based approach that inspires millions of Americans to embrace, practice, and model bridge-building norms.
Inspiring the adoption of bridging norms requires meeting Americans in the place where they live, work, play, learn, lead, and serve. Accordingly, to accelerate the bridge-building movement, we invest in three primary vectors of scale: civic sectors, local communities, and mass social campaigns. Our overarching goal is to equip millions of Americans with the skill, will, and opportunity to bridge our political and social divisions.
This movement’s success will ultimately be measured through identifiable norms shifts occurring at the individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels.
Spotlight Solution: #DisagreeBetter National Campaign
The National Governors Association’s #DisagreeBetter campaign is bringing a hopeful, inspiring message to millions of Americans during a divisive, fraught election year. More than 20 U.S. governors, as well as celebrities, influencers, civic and NGO leaders, and thousands of everyday Americans have amplified this campaign’s call to action:
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“America is deeply divided. And most Americans are tired of the division. Disagreeing better – not disagreeing less – is the answer. When we engage in healthy, honest dialogue, we avoid demonizing others. And we’re more likely to find solutions …. Nothing is less American than hating our fellow Americans. But harnessing our differences to get things done? That’s as American as it gets.” – Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Chair, National Governors Association
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Governors Spencer Cox (R-UT) and Wes Moore (D-MD) model “disagreeing better” at Washington National Cathedral, February 21, 2024
Governors Mike Parson (R-MO) and Laura Kelly (D-KS) model “disagreeing better” and talking sports teams in a nationally promoted public service announcement
National Week of Conversation 2024: Disagree Better
MNational Week of Conversation was created for those exhausted by the division and hatred in our country. For those seeking ways to turn down the heat of polarization, it is a week to become inspired, equipped and engaged in activities that build bridges across differences.
The 2024 National Week of Conversation takes place April 15th – April 21st and is themed Disagree Better. This year’s event features both signature experiences and the Better Together Film Fesival. Through these conversations, cultural events, learning activities, panel discussions and other offerings, everyday Americans can join the movement to help shift our country away from toxic division towards increased curiosity and cohesion.
Better Together Film Festival
Throughout the week of April 15-21, 2024 – as part of the 7th annual National Week of Conversation – community spaces across the country will participate in the Better Together Film Festival.
Selected films include: Black White and the Greys, Dialogue Lab: America, LIST(e)N, Public Enemies, Private Friends, PURPLE: America We Need to Talk, and UNDIVIDE US. These nonpartisan films were selected for the Better Together Film Festival because they inspire hope and exemplify how everyday Americans and leaders can find common ground and understanding with each other, despite their differences.
Meeting of America
Meeting of America is an unprecedented endeavor to decrease the painful, dangerous division in the country by gathering millions of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs to recognize shared humanity, values, and concerns then find a way forward together. The experience begins with small group conversations on a custom online video platform built to enable real, respectful exchanges that inspire and unite Americans.
Those who choose to participate in all three one-hour conversations are invited to establish a new kind of community, a place of belonging and identity outside warring tribes. Those inclined to move from building trust to taking action will work together as an unlikely coalition to fix things they broadly agree are broken.
America Talks
In June 2021 and April 2022, thousands of Americans matched on political differences conversed one-on-one or in small groups, face-to-face, on video. Each conversation provided a repairing stitch to America’s frayed social fabric, as participants shifted perspective from “us versus them” to “you and me.”
Millions more Americans were inspired by these conversations, which were amplified via news media, social media, influencer campaigns, live streaming events. America Talks served as the headline event kicking off the 2021 and 2022 National Week of Conversation (NWOC), which provided additional ways for Americans to connect across differences in mutually respectful, constructive conversations.
Civic Health Project has also awarded catalytic grants to:
