Millions of Americans are delighted, and millions are dismayed. Now what?

It feels like our divisions are sharpening even further, doesn't it? Depending on one's political, ideological, and cultural leanings, these past several weeks might have felt dizzying, disorienting, disruptive, destructive, dreamlike, or long overdue. We know that among those of you reading this newsletter, some are still celebrating Trump's popular vote win, while others have likely taken to the streets during the recent and recurring "Hands Off" protests nationwide.Where do we go from here? It isn't easy to see how we navigate this next stretch. But ... what if turbulence could lead to transformation? What if grievance could give way to generosity? What if we could lay down our rhetorical weapons and pick up the tools we need to restore, renovate, and renew the American experiment, the American dream, for all?

"This moment calls on all Americans to be awake, respectful, patriotic, courageous, and powerful."

Kristin's weekend post: What this moment asks of all AmericansWhat if we aren't actually a 50-50 divided nation, but we are instead an emerging 80-20 (or better) supermajority for a more empowered, prosperous, and peaceful future for our children. What if?At Civic Health Project, we're fortunate to work with civic bridgers and builders all across the country, of all backgrounds and beliefs. People who love America, and their fellow Americans. People who ascribe goodwill and good intent to the millions of people who voted differently than they did. People who peer across from both sides of yet another closely divided election and ask, with genuine humility and curiosity, "What am I missing? What do I still not understand?"

Scroll down to learn how Americans even now are building trust, craving connection, choosing deliberation, and renewing communities.

As always, our aim is to convey a sense of hope. Read further to learn how Americans just like you are "strengthening the fabric of one nation, indivisible," stitch by loving stitch, while the tempest rages all around them.

DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER:
America's Bridge-Building Movement in 2025

Need some hope? Download and read this new white paper from Civic Health Project & Listen First Project!

"America’s bridge-building leaders have made enormous strides in scaling this grassroots-led, skill-building movement by partnering with key civic sectors, working in local communities, and activating national campaigns. Collectively, this field is reaching and positively impacting millions of Americans during an era of high conflict in our national civic life."

Download our new white paper

The National Week of Conversation Returns
April 21-27, 2025

This week, April 21–27, join thousands across the country for the 8th Annual National Week of Conversation—a powerful invitation to step out of echo chambers and into spaces of connection, curiosity, and courage. Whether it’s through a community dialogue, a campus event, or a film screening from the Better Together Film Festival, NWoC offers meaningful ways to engage with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. The films this year spotlight real stories of bridge-building, healing, and hope—perfect for sparking conversation where you live, work, or learn. In a time of deep divides, this is a chance to be part of something bigger: a national movement to rediscover what unites us.

Learn about the National Week of ConversationLearn about the Better Together Film Festival

New Report Shows 70% of Americans Feel a Responsibility to Connect Across Differences

A new report from More in Common, The Connection Opportunity, offers a fresh and hopeful look at how Americans really feel about bridging divides. Despite headlines focused on polarization, most Americans—across political, racial, and socioeconomic lines—are not only open to connecting across difference but feel a responsibility to do so. The report finds that people are especially interested in working together toward shared goals, rather than engaging in abstract conversations about group tensions. The biggest obstacle isn’t hostility—it’s a lack of opportunity. These findings are a powerful call to action for leaders, institutions, and communities to create more spaces where connection can thrive.

Download "The Connection Opportunity"

Civic Health Project Now Co-Chairing the
Council on Tech and Social Cohesion

How can we design and deploy tech to build social cohesion, rather than drive polarization and violence? Through a popular Substack, six thematic Hubs, and a global membership roster, the Council on Technology & Social Cohesion elevates perspectives and shares initiatives underway to incentivize tech that builds trust and collaboration. Civic Health Project is proud to serve as a new co-chair of this dynamic ecosystem of academics, peacebuilders, and technologists from around the globe.

Subscribe to the Tech and Social Cohesion SubstackFollow the Council's Work on LinkedInFollow the Council's Work on BlueSky