Since joining Braver Angels, a national nonprofit focused on uniting Americans through civil discussion, I’ve longed to see the organization — along with hundreds of other such “bridging” groups — get together to strategize.
And specifically, discuss how to reach that elusive target: the 60% of Americans who make up the “exhausted majority” — those of us who are desperate for decency, calm and a good quality of life — with a clear message:
Let’s unite in a Common Ground Movement where:
- all Americans are welcome, no matter your political viewpoint
- we work together on what we want our society to look like: 1) greatly reduced polarization, 2) an effective means of blocking the negative messaging of conflict entrepreneurs, 3) citizen commissions to find common ground on major issues regarding immigration, housing, jobs and healthcare
- we develop a roster of Common Ground candidates dedicated to working together in a nonpartisan way to solve problems
- we have the clout to make our elected officials fulfill our desire for a healthier, happier, more democratic, less chaotic America
Imagine my delight when a subscriber and fellow political activist and friend sent me an article that mentioned an inaugural in-person “Bridging Movement Summit” in late September at Mount Vernon in Virginia. The event was organized by the Listen First Project, an event that involved the members of dozens of “bridging” organizations, or those dedicated to bridging the divide between differences.
Yes, 100 million people, because that’s what it’s going to take to fight back against the high-powered, monied and unscrupulous conflict entrepreneurs — politicians, political parties, hostile foreign nations and others who are purposely dividing us in the name of gaining wealth and power.
What’s at stake
James Coan, co-founder and executive director of More Like US, does a fabulous job in his article, “At the Bridging Movement Summit, Let’s Disagree With Each Other About How To ‘Bridge’” (Sept. 25, 2025, Fulcrum) of outlining why it’s so important to aim high.
- America is a big country, so only large-scale change in attitudes and behavior can shift social norms.
- Building trust one-on-one takes too long. Coan wrote that to engage 100 million people in that manner, at say 1000 conversations per day, would take 270 years.
- To have any broad influence, consistent, ongoing, targeted messaging needs to convey there is no “other side,” but instead we Americans are all on the same side. In specific, Coan advocates for evangelizing, i.e., aggressively reaching out to others with the goal of bringing them into the movement.
- Rather than state those messages just by word of mouth, they need to be broadcast widely throughout our society across all media platforms.
Coan, along with everyone I’ve talked to so far, admits that getting 100 million Americans on the same page will not be easy.
But they all say the need to move is now if we want to stave off authoritarianism, which people tend toward when they’re fearful. A recent Gallup poll found that only 29% of Americans are satisfied with America’s direction (“US Mood Sours as Crime, Unity Concerns Rise”).
The payoff
Coan argues that backed by the civic muscle of 100 Americans, the payoff will be huge.
We can get rid of the bad, namely, the polarization that’s led to so much mistrust and that threatens institutional legitimacy, social cohesion, public discourse, and even democratic stability
And we can increase the good, such as reducing anti-“other” animus, countering mis/disinformation, lowering support for political violence, curbing negative partisanship, and affecting how people vote.
Agreement
In “Bridging Movement Summit Recap,” David Beckemeyer summed up what he learned during the event:
Place-Based Work Matters
The most effective efforts to bridge divides start locally. Community-based programs that foster dialogue and trust have lasting real-world impact.
Collaboration Over Conversation
Dialogue is valuable, but true transformation happens when people work together on shared projects, building relationships that endure political and cultural tensions.
The Need for Better Public Understanding
Many Americans misunderstand what “bridging” means, often expecting partisan debates. The movement must communicate more clearly through compelling stories and outreach.
Navigating Cynicism and Skepticism
While some doubt that bridging can change minds, real examples show that kindness and reciprocity can ripple outward, proving progress is possible.
My question for you
While I’m all for doing what I can to help the Common Ground Movement gain momentum, I want to know what you think.
Are you ready to join the movement, or simply just inclined? If the latter, what would convince you to become one of the 100 million Americans necessary to reform our culture and government to serve people better?
If you’re not on board yet, what’s holding you back?
Join the Common Ground Movement!
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Definition of Common Ground Movement: placing your loyalty with other Americans, rather than any political party, and embracing the fact we have more in common than not.
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