BridgeUSA is a multi-partisan student movement that champions viewpoint diversity, responsible discourse, and a solution-oriented political culture.
The purpose of BridgeUSA is to build a community — one in which students from across the ideological spectrum can engage as a group working together to understand, and to bridge, the various perspectives behind the important political and social issues of our time.
At BridgeColumbia, we seek to reduce political polarization within the wider Columbia community, emphasizing the need to respectfully engage with and listen to ideas from across the political spectrum. We tackle the most pressing political challenges of our time — from upcoming elections to global events — through constructive disagreement and honest engagement.
We host speaker events, town hall meetings, and other organized assemblies in the hopes of fostering a collective empathy and cooperation within the Columbia student body that will allow us to approach these issues holistically.
Our History
Fall 2023
Columbia’s campus made national headlines as protests raged in response to Israel’s war in Gaza. Students reported high levels of division and confusion as protesters and counter-protesters alike felt compelled to self-censor.
September 2024
BridgeColumbia officially launches at Columbia. Founders Harvey Pennington, TJ Gill, and Nick Baum partner with BridgeUSA to bring a multi-partisan dialogue coalition to campus, joined by faculty mentor Peter T. Coleman, a renowned social psychologist and expert in constructive conflict resolution.
Today
BridgeColumbia continues to champion the spirit of open dialogue. We host speakers, open forums, and club collaborations in an effort to bring the campus together, especially during periods of heightened political tension.
The Bridge Mindset
Instead of planning how to respond or thinking about what to say next, focus on listening to and understanding the ideas of others before formulating a response.
We are all here with the best intentions. By not interrupting and not talking on the side, we ensure that all voices are heard and respected.
When responding to arguments and comments, we address what was said — not the worth, morality, or goodness of the person who said it. The discussion is about ideas.
Though we may reflect the views of our communities, within the dialogue no one is expected to represent organizations or groups. Identity experiences are welcome and should be treated with respect.
