Why Civic Learning and Bridgebuilding Matter More Than Ever

Every day, in communities across the country, Americans with different backgrounds and beliefs work, learn, and create community together. This variety of thought, perspective and life experience enriches and distinguishes our country. And yet, too often, our differences divide us.  

This week is Civic Learning Week – a powerful reminder that listening to and learning from each other can help us break down barriers and build bridges. This annual celebration of civil discourse and engagement is organized by iCivics, a longtime partner of the Y.

Civic learning is not only about understanding how government works but also developing the skills needed to communicate productively, find common ground and forge a shared path forward. At the Y, we see civic learning as essential to a thriving democracy, and we are committed to supporting it. From youth programs that teach leadership and service, to community conversations that encourage dialogue across differences, the Y strengthens civic education and engagement.

Last week, during our National Advocacy Days, nearly 400 advocates from Ys across the country came together in the nation’s capital and put their civic skills to work in meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Our group included 50 high school students, most who also participate in the Y’s Youth and Government program back in their home communities. 

One of the priorities our advocates shared during their meetings with lawmakers was support for the Building Civic Bridges Act. This bipartisan legislation, led by Senators Coons (D-DE) and Young (R-IN) and Representatives Houlahan (D-PA-6) and Barr (R-KY-6), would support much-needed civic learning and bridgebuilding efforts across the country and fund research on civic engagement and social connection. Civic bridgebuilding activities, like Youth and Government, foster respect, strengthen relationships and forge a sense of common civic purpose. At its core, bridgebuilding means stepping outside of our comfort zones and working together toward shared goals. It means fostering curiosity rather than judgment and replacing “otherness” with togetherness.

Creating connection through bridgebuilding is a goal of the Team Up Project, an initiative of the Y and our nonprofit partners Catholic Charities USA, Habitat for Humanity and Interfaith America. Together, we are championing the power of connection to help narrow divides and cultivate collaboration, and we’re investing in this work in communities nationwide.

During this Civic Learning Week, the Y is calling on members of Congress to support civic learning and bridgebuilding by cosponsoring the Building Civic Bridges Act when it is reintroduced this spring. Based on what we see in YMCAs and our communities every day, we know this legislation has the potential to foster a more united country and develop new generations of thoughtful, compassionate and effective civic leaders.

Let’s lean into our differences as a fundamental strength of our country and work together to build bridges across them, connect people to each other and create a better future for us all.