The BriD Initiative ©

About one-third of people in Germany currently support anti-democratic and authoritarian movements; in some regions, the figure is even higher. This makes it increasingly difficult to achieve meaningful results through political debates, factual information, democracy campaigns, or civic education. At the same time, we are seeing mistrust and division take hold, opportunities for dialogue dwindle, personal connections break down, and personal and social trust erode—often even within families and circles of friends. This exacerbates social fragmentation and leads to isolation. And it threatens our fundamental order based on freedom and human rights.

How can we nevertheless succeed in fostering a shared sense of civic consciousness and cohesion in our communities—despite all the conflicts, resentments, and polarization, and in the face of starkly rising social inequality? In this regard, an approach that requires no megaphones or cameras—and that unfolds beyond all (social) media and internet portals—holds great promise: face-to-face conversations among friends and acquaintances.

This dialogue within the social context can be conducted in a wise and humanely thoughtful manner. It takes place simultaneously among many people within the community—in spontaneously created informal settings, one-on-one, and privately—for example, in the neighborhood, at work, in church congregations, in clubs and associations, in labor unions, at (adult) community colleges, etc. This form of conversation avoids any attempt to persuade others. After all, it is explicitly not meant to be a debate. Rather, what is meant is a human desire to understand others—and a personal effort to convey one’s own concerns about democracy, freedom, and social cohesion.

Promote the Ability to Engage in Dialogue

“Bridge-building conversations within one’s immediate circle of acquaintances” (BriD) should be systematically encouraged, methodically supported, and conducted within one’s immediate social circle. In this process, “people concerned about democracy”—who are reached and trained as members of local organizations—individually engage with “democracy skeptics” or supporters of political movements and parties whose commitment to the constitution and respect for human rights must be considered questionable. They find these fellow citizens in their social circles and invite them to a personal conversation about contemporary social issues and how they feel about them.

For these BriD discussions, we are deliberately seeking out a private, pre-political space at first, in order to rebuild—from the ground up—the lost ability to engage in direct one-on-one dialogue across deep ideological divides. Only then can we move on to a level-headed discussion and a spirited exchange of views—and work together for a common cause in the community.

To ensure that those involved in the dialogue can approach BriD discussions with confidence, they receive preparation and coaching. These sessions are based on the methodology of narratological, relationship-dynamic communication—so that these discussions do not become unnecessarily heated or break down. In reflection sessions, the experiences from these dialogs are synthesized and can lead to concrete local engagement—for example, through a future conference.

If numerous people in a community engage in these BriD discussions—each rooted in clubs and associations, business and labor unions, sports, (adult) education centers, churches, political parties, and other organizations—… if these discussions are conducted primarily through storytelling and continue to branch out dynamically—… if they are supported by a structured approach and expert guidance is provided—… if the local member organizations ultimately adopt the BriD initiative and establish their own independent dialogue infrastructure because they recognize the added value it brings to their own interests and want to take responsibility for the social environment and the local economy, … if they see themselves as local stakeholders in this regard and form BriD alliances with other equally committed organizations, ... If this leads to a significant increase in the capacity for dialogue within a community, … then our liberal-democratic society gains vitality. — And it is better able to withstand the powerful authoritarian forces at work in the regions and around the world.

Thus, a BriD initiative can create a new, transferable model of outreach-based civil society dialogue and civic engagement that lays the foundation for a sustainable democratic culture in everyday life.

A BriD pilot project will result in:  

• a BriD core team at a respected local municipal or civil society organization
• the transferable BriD discussion methodology for outreach-based civic dialogue and engagement
• a BriD advocacy process for effectively engaging with large membership organizations in the region, locally, or within the state
• Partnerships with three local organizations in the following areas: [i] clubs/local networks, [ii] sports, [iii] church and religious institutions, [iv] chambers of crafts and commerce, [v] labor unions, [vi] colleges and adult education centers, [vii] political parties, [viii] foundations
• a short training course on BriD discussion methods for key representatives in the member organizations
• more comprehensive BriD training for internal BriD working groups within organizations
• a process involving practical guidance and coaching for active BriD participants (intervision, strengthening dialogue skills, quality assurance)
• a collection of thematic options and dialogue frameworks for BriD discussions
• a transferable methodological guide for facilitating BriD discussions and for building regional BriD networks
• building on this: local focus groups on “The Future & Cohesion” to identify local needs and resources. They prepare a future conference and engagement working groups in which both groups—those concerned about democracy and those skeptical of it (!)—participate together.
• ultimately, an advocacy concept for the independent continuation and institutionalization of the BriD initiative within the respective organization and municipality.

Overall, the initiative offers an innovative approach to fostering community dialogue and promoting democracy, one that takes an outreach-based, participatory approach on an equal footing—and is implemented through peer-to-peer dialogue within the local community. Spaces for political engagement and interaction, both offline and online, are important; both adults and young people are involved; and opportunities for collaboration with education policy and the work of schools are sought.