BridgeUSA

Congratulations, Jack, on this incredible opportunity to share BridgeUSA’s work on fostering constructive dialogue! Sharing insights on bridging divides and engaging in meaningful conversations is crucial as institutions like Monticello reflect on the evolving American identity. We’re proud to see you representing BridgeUSA in such an important space, and appreciate your dedication to strengthening civic discourse. Looking forward to seeing the continued impact of your work! ?? ??

Protests, lock-ins, encampments, cancellations… this is the culture on university campuses as political discourse worsens among young people. Here's what our CEO Manu Meel has to say about it! Watch the discussion on Win-Win Podcast with Liv Boeree: https://lnkd.in/gZVJzWWc

Political conversations in the U.S. often feel more divisive than productive, but what if they didn’t have to be? Last week, BridgeIowa, the first BridgeUSA chapter in the state, held its first discussion, proving that conversation is still possible—and necessary. The chapter discussed concerns and hopes for President Trump’s second term with students from across the political spectrum, creating a space for students to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue. “It’s really important that we enter these things with the thought that maybe we won’t change our mind, but we’ll listen to another," said Cielo Herrera, Founder of BridgeIowa. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFviTvAg

In 2023, housing affordability in California hit a 16-year low, with more than half of Californians now considering themselves "rent burdened." This growing crisis has left many young people feeling the pressure of an unaffordable housing market. At BridgeUSA's San Jose State University chapter, students are stepping up to drive meaningful change. In a recent open discussion on the housing crisis, BridgeSJSU demonstrated the power of young voices to break through political gridlock and focus on collaborative, bipartisan solutions. ??? Read more about their discussion: https://lnkd.in/gmiQP8Ee

Rider University is kicking off its inaugural campus debate with a topic that sparks passionate discussion across New Jersey: Is it Taylor ham or pork roll? ???? While this lighthearted debate brings students together for fun and friendly discourse, it also serves a greater purpose—building a culture of constructive dialogue on campus. With guidance from BridgeUSA, Rider hopes to foster respectful conversations on more complex and pressing issues in the future. This is just one example of students creating spaces for constructive dialogue across the country. Let the debate (and the taste test) begin! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmt9GSDF

This month, BridgeGW brought together 64 students from across the political spectrum to discuss President Trump’s recent executive orders. Partnering with GW College Democrats and College Republicans, the chapter facilitated an open and respectful dialogue at a time of deep political division around these executive actions. “It exceeded expectations,”?said Jacoby Sypher, president of BridgeGW and a senior at George Washington University. “The level of substantive discussion, respectful disagreement, and intellectual curiosity was exactly what BridgeGW strives for." Read more about the discussion on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gJ456Ucj

We are hiring a Chief Development Officer to join the BridgeUSA team! ?? Exciting things are ahead at BridgeUSA as we work toward our ambitious goal of establishing 800 college chapters in the next four years! To fuel this growth, we’re searching for a dynamic and experienced fundraising leader who shares our passion for empowering the next generation of bridge-builders. This is a unique opportunity to shape a sustainable development and finance strategy that will expand our impact and ensure BridgeUSA continues to thrive—if you or someone you know is up for the challenge, let’s connect! Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gVsgd3z2

Our CEO, Manu Meel, is a contributor at Forbes! Check out his latest column on how pluralism can take hold on college campuses! ?? "A culture of bridge building and pluralism on campus will not only transform students’ academic experiences, but it will provide a blueprint for how the rest of American society can chart a course beyond the toxic polarization of today." https://lnkd.in/gHRcsQZB