Welcome to the Network: Partnering with Bridge Alliance for a Healthier Democracy

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) is excited to welcome the Bridge Alliance to our network of changemakers dedicated to building a healthier democracy. With nearly a decade of experience uniting civic organizations and championing justice, equity, and civic innovation, Bridge Alliance brings invaluable momentum to our shared mission. Their work—spanning public engagement, collaborative action, and inclusive leadership—embodies the spirit of dialogue and deliberation that defines NCDD. Read more in the blog post below.

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NCDD is proud to welcome the Bridge Alliance to our network of members dedicated to strengthening democracy through dialogue, deliberation, equity, and collaboration. With a bold vision and nearly a decade of leadership in uniting democracy-focused organizations, Bridge Alliance brings an extraordinary commitment to community-centered action and civic innovation.

​A Mission Rooted in Justice, Inclusion, and Civic Health

At the heart of Bridge Alliance’s mission is a powerful promise: to welcome and support people and organizations in a co-created movement to bring about a thriving, just, and healthy democratic republic. This mission is not simply aspirational—it’s operationalized through a diverse ecosystem of projects, partnerships, and platforms designed to expand civic participation, amplify collaborative efforts, and ensure inclusive representation across all sectors of American life.
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From their early days of strategic convenings and vision-building in 2015 to their current portfolio of innovative initiatives, Bridge Alliance has consistently served as a backbone for a growing national movement. Their work embodies the values that define NCDD—trust-building, civic learning, cross-partisan connection, and a commitment to listening across difference.

Expanding, Amplifying, and Representing the Movement

Bridge Alliance structures its work around three guiding goals:
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• Expanding the Movement by Welcoming Citizens – Through platforms like Citizen Connect, the Bridge Alliance lowers the barrier to entry for civic engagement, serving as the “front door” for those eager to participate in strengthening democracy. Projects like the Engaged Athlete Fellowship empower student-athletes to step into leadership roles and model civic responsibility to their peers and the youth.
• Amplifying the Movement by Connecting Organizations – Bridge Alliance fosters collaboration through shared campaigns, collective action grants, and educational initiatives for its members. Their support of initiatives like The Fulcrum, The Civvys, and Citizen Connect helps elevate the work of democracy practitioners and builds awareness of the ecosystem as a whole.
• Ensuring Representation in the Movement – Equity is embedded in the DNA of Bridge Alliance. Through projects like JEDIs for Democracy, the Diversity and Opportunity Project, and the Justice, Diversity, Equity Fund, they’ve made tangible strides toward building a movement that reflects the full breadth of American society—across race, age, ideology, geography, and experience.
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These efforts are further supported by a robust team, visionary leadership, and a track record of convenings, sector-specific collaborations, and data-driven research, including their groundbreaking Diversity Report. Their current and past projects span dialogue and deliberation (Dialogue Policing Initiative), civic education (Healthy Democracy Project), and timely research, offering models for systemic change rooted in community voice.

A Shared Path Forward

NCDD and Bridge Alliance are deeply aligned in purpose. Both organizations recognize that democracy must be lived, not just theorized—that it grows stronger through inclusive dialogue, intentional engagement, and structural support for civic participation. Together, we’re expanding what’s possible for our field and for the communities we serve.

We’re thrilled to have Bridge Alliance as part of the NCDD family. Their inclusion strengthens our collective capacity to foster understanding, bridge divides, and co-create the future of our democracy.

Explore the full history, projects, and vision of Bridge Alliance at https://www.bridgealliance.us/our-story