Becvar is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and executive director of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, the parent organization of The Fulcrum.
We are constantly hit with reminders of the divisive state of society in the news and social media. It is very easy to get caught up in a cycle of frustration, anger, tribalism, and resignation when thinking about what comes next in our collective future. We all need to find tools to make it easier to break that cycle and focus our energy, stress, and anxiety about the future into something that helps us make meaning out of this moment in time. Citizen Connect is one of those tools.
Citizen Connect, a signature project of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund alongside The Fulcrum, is a complementary vehicle for delivering on BAEF's primary goals. As a “front door” to over 600 organizations, Citizen Connect welcomes people to the healthy democracy movement, offering access to many resources and events to foster civic learning, engagement and understanding.
Bridge Alliance Education Fund's primary goals
Launched in early 2021 amid deepening political divides and widespread misinformation in America, Citizen Connect has emerged as a beacon of hope. The platform was created to bridge the ever-widening gaps in our society by connecting individuals with diverse viewpoints and fostering constructive dialogue.
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Recognizing the need to tailor the site as our communities have evolved, Citizen Connect has been re-architected to present focused landing pages that reflect key areas of practice among our practitioners. These pages are dedicated to resources on bridging, civic learning and participation, governance, and trustworthy information:
- Find Common Ground: Facilitating understanding and collaboration among people with different perspectives.
- Democracy 101: Educating citizens about the fundamentals of democracy and the importance of civic participation, as well as offering ways to increase civic engagement.
- Change the System: Promoting systemic reforms that enhance democratic integrity and functionality.
- Seek the Truth: Addressing misinformation and promoting media literacy to ensure a well-informed citizenry.
In addition to these core areas, Citizen Connect has introduced a top-level section of hot topics to provide visitors with immediate points of entry and action on pressing issues. As a movement, we’ve talked a lot about rapid response and addressing current issues. Initially focusing on critical election-related topics such as voting, nonviolence, and disinformation, these pages are adaptable and can be expanded to cover more subjects and create localized hub guides.
Despite the site’s reconfiguration to include these new landing pages, Citizen Connect has preserved its original functionality. Users can still search for events, on-demand content and organizations as before. This ensures that the platform remains a comprehensive resource for those seeking to engage in civic activities and familiarly access valuable information.
The resources and events offered by Citizen Connect are not just tools but a vital lifeline for those seeking to foster understanding and meaningfully engage in civic life. By connecting individuals with diverse organizations and initiatives, Citizen Connect empowers citizens to take an active role in shaping the future of democracy.
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