Our Programs

1. BridgeUSA chapters

In recent years, college campuses have become more polarized, and students find themselves often self-censoring in class or in conversations with their peers. BridgeUSA hopes to challenge that and bring to light different perspectives, experiences and beliefs that students have, so that we may better understand each other and be better able to tackle the problems of today and tomorrow.

What is a chapter?

BridgeUSA chapters are student led clubs on campus that welcome students into constructive discussion.

Discussions are not meant to change one’s mind, but encourage participants to seek an understanding of different perspectives.

College Chapters
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What do chapters do?

Norms of discussion

“Each discussion is possible through our norms of discussion that chapter leaders follow to ensure productive dialogue.”

1. Listen to listen, not to respond

2. Don't interrupt or have side conversations

3. Address the statement, not the person

4. Participants represent only themselves and not the groups they belong to

2. Workshops

Our suite of workshops equips students and young people with the skills necessary to engage constructively across diverse viewpoints.

Through interactive and collaborative workshops, participants learn to navigate complex discussions, foster stronger communities, and enhance dialogue capabilities, both as participants and facilitators, to effectively address contemporary challenges.

For inquiries, please fill out the form below or contact our Learning and Development Manager at workshops@bridgeusa.org.

If you’re interested in exploring BridgeUSA’s workshop programs, please complete the form below. A member of our team will reach out to discuss pricing, your institution’s needs, and help identify the most suitable training options for you.

Workshop Offerings

Basic Dialogue Participation Workshop

This interactive workshop provides a foundational understanding of dialogue and deep listening across differences. Participants will learn and practice essential communication skills, explore strategies for navigating challenging conversations, and leave equipped to engage in constructive dialogue.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Understand and Practice Essential Dialogue Skills
  2. Address Barriers and Misconceptions about Dialogue
  3. Integrate Dialogue Principles into Personal Practice

Duration:  90 Minutes

Advanced Dialogue Participation Workshop

This workshop equips you with the skills to engage effectively in complex conversations, even on divisive topics. Learn to analyze arguments, overcome communication barriers, and de-escalate tension while fostering understanding. Leave with the confidence to navigate challenging discussions and promote productive dialogue.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Understand and Adapt to Diverse Thinking Styles
  2. Identify and Overcome Challenges to Dialogue
  3. Master Advanced Communication and De-escalation Techniques
  4. Apply Advanced Skills in Complex Dialogue Scenarios

Duration:  180 Minutes

Basic Dialogue Facilitation Workshop

This workshop equips participants with the essential skills to facilitate constructive dialogues. Participants will explore dialogue principles, effective facilitator traits, and strategies for creating inclusive spaces. The workshop concludes with participants planning discussions and crafting conversation guides.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Understand the Fundamentals of Dialogue Facilitation
  2. Acquire Practical Facilitation Strategies

Duration:  90 Minutes

Advanced Dialogue Facilitation Workshop

This advanced workshop builds on the “Basic Dialogue Facilitation” workshop, providing skills to de-escalate conflict, assert authority, and guide discussions toward solutions. Through the “Instigator/Moderator” activity and role-play, participants practice moderating dialogues and receive feedback. This workshop equips participants to confidently and effectively moderate their own dialogues.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Master the Fundamentals of Dialogue Facilitation
  2. Develop Advanced Facilitation Techniques
  3. Enhance Confidence and Moderator Authority
  4. Apply Skills in Real-World Scenarios

Duration: 180 Minutes

Why Choose BridgeUSA

For young people by young people

BridgeUSA has engaged over 25,000 young people in constructive dialogue across difference since 2018. It’s what we do.

Based on firsthand experiences from campuses, our workshops utilize pertinent knowledge to foster a bottom-up approach aimed at enhancing conversations.

Our Methodology

Leveraging Experience and Evidence: Our workshops rely heavily on experience-based approaches grounded in current research. By leveraging our extensive experience and research-backed dialogue methods, our workshops are not only impactful but also transformative, empowering participants to become thoughtful and engaged citizens. As the fastest-growing cross-partisan movement for young people, we promote dialogue among diverse groups on a national scale.

Dialogue-Centered Engagement: BridgeUSA champions dialogue as a powerful tool for communication and education, fostering active participation to maximize impact. Our programs use dialogue to exchange ideas, broaden perspectives, and foster understanding.

Diverse Skill Development: BridgeUSA empowers participants with the tools and skills for effective dialogue and leadership through experience-based, interactive workshops. Our approach enhances critical thinking, empathy, and inclusive communication, empowering participants to become better communicators.
Outcome Oriented Workshops: Each training session is crafted with specific objectives to achieve measurable outcomes that promote understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.

If you’re interested in exploring BridgeUSA’s workshop programs, please complete the form below. A member of our team will reach out to discuss pricing, your institution’s needs, and help identify the most suitable training options for you.

More Information

Are you ready to foster meaningful conversations in your community? To learn more about our workshops and pricing, please contact our Learning and Development Manager at workshops@bridgeusa.org