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

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.

Interested in exploring BridgeUSA’s Workshop Programs?

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 your institution’s needs and help identify the most suitable training options for you.

First Name

Last Name

What organization or university are you a part of?

What is your role or title?

Select all that you're interested in:

Basic Dialogue Participation Workshop Advanced Dialogue Participation Workshop Basic Dialogue Facilitation Workshop Advanced Dialogue Facilitation Workshop Other

Other :

What is your message?

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:

Understand and Practice Essential Dialogue Skills
Address Barriers and Misconceptions about Dialogue
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:

Understand and Adapt to Diverse Thinking Styles
Identify and Overcome Challenges to Dialogue
Master Advanced Communication and De-escalation Techniques
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:

Understand the Fundamentals of Dialogue Facilitation
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:

Master the Fundamentals of Dialogue Facilitation
Develop Advanced Facilitation Techniques
Enhance Confidence and Moderator Authority
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

Dialogue-Centered Engagement and Learning BridgeUSA champions dialogue as both an effective communication method and a powerful educational tool, fostering active participation to maximize impact. Our programs focus on using dialogue to exchange ideas, broaden perspectives, and foster mutual understanding, with advanced workshops incorporating ample practice time through dialogue circles and moderator roleplay. As the fastest-growing nonpartisan democracy movement for young people, we successfully engage this demographic on a national scale, promoting dialogue among diverse groups and establishing ourselves as a leader in civic engagement.

Empowerment through Diverse Skill Development:BridgeUSA empowers participants with the tools and skills for effective dialogue and leadership through workshops rooted in both research and practical experience. Our approach enhances dialogue skills, critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to engage in inclusive conversations, ensuring impactful and transformative training sessions that empower participants to become thoughtful and engaged citizens.

Outcome Oriented: Every training session is developed with clear objectives in mind, designed to achieve measurable outcomes that align with the broader goals of promoting understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.

More Information

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