#BuidlingCivicBridges

U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Building Civic Bridges Act, to establish a pilot program through AmeriCorps that would empower local communities to address contentious civic issues and reduce polarization at the local level. The House companion bill was introduced by Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) and Andy Barr (R-Ky.)

Policy Brief: Building Civic Bridges Act

Overview of the Bill

Sponsors (Senate): Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.)
Sponsors (House): Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Andy Barr (R-Ky.)
Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Action: Senate - 04/22/2024 Introduced and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Issues Addressed in the Bill: 

• Combating Political Polarization

Political polarization has reached unprecedented levels in the United States, making constructive dialogue increasingly difficult. The Building Civic Bridges Act seeks to empower local communities to engage in civic bridgebuilding, reducing tensions and fostering respectful discourse.

• Strengthening Civic Engagement

Democratic participation requires active and engaged citizens. This bill aims to provide resources to local organizations that work on promoting civil discourse, conflict resolution, and public trust, ensuring that Americans can work together despite ideological differences.

• Equipping Local Leaders

Community leaders play a crucial role in addressing civic conflicts, but many lack the training or funding to do so effectively. The bill seeks to establish a federal support system for local bridge-building initiatives, helping leaders mediate conflicts and promote unity.

• Investing in Domestic Civic Programs

While the U.S. invests heavily in international efforts to strengthen democracy and civil discourse, similar initiatives at home are often underfunded. The Building Civic Bridges Act would direct federal resources toward domestic civic engagement programs, prioritizing reconciliation and cooperation within American communities.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Creation of the Office of Civic Bridgebuilding

• Establishes a new Office of Civic Bridgebuilding within AmeriCorps to oversee the initiative.

• Develops national strategies to address polarization and support civic engagement efforts.

Competitive Grant Program for Civic Organizations

• Allocates federal grants to community-based organizations that promote dialogue and civic unity.

• Prioritizes funding for organizations working in politically and socially divided communities.

Training for AmeriCorps Members

• Provides specialized training for AmeriCorps members in conflict resolution and civic engagement.

• Equips volunteers with the skills necessary to facilitate discussions and mediate disputes.

Support for Local Community Initiatives

• Funds local projects aimed at defusing civic tensions and increasing mutual understanding.

• Encourages collaboration among faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and local governments to bridge societal divides.

Lobby Day

Join us on February, 10 2024, at 3:30 CST for an email/phone-banking event in support of the Building Civic Bridges Act. Participants will be provided with the necessary resources to advocate for the bill, including a script and list of offices to call. 

*Sample Call Script:

Hello, my name is [Your Name] from [Your City/State]. I’m calling on behalf of Project TEAL, a student-led, non-partisan organization dedicated to reducing polarization and fostering constructive civic engagement. I am reaching out to express my strong support for the Building Civic Bridges Act.

Polarization has reached an all-time high, making it difficult for Americans to have constructive discussions across political and ideological differences. This bill provides critical funding for community-based initiatives that facilitate dialogue and build trust. It also equips AmeriCorps members with essential conflict-resolution skills to help unite our communities.

Please support the Building Civic Bridges Act to strengthen civic engagement and help our country move toward a more collaborative future. Thank you for your time and consideration!

We called a total of 94 Congressmen and Congresswomen across states like Indiana, Arizona, Massachusetts , North Carolina and many more!