The Change Engine
Bridging Divides Initiative
BDI is a non-partisan research initiative at Princeton University that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States.
About
BDI is a non-partisan research initiative at Princeton University that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States.
How to reach them
Services
10Political Violence Research and Data AnalysisThis research center studies political violence in America and creates tools to help communities stay safe. They track threats against local officials, map areas of risk, and build early warning systems. Their research helps reporters, community groups, and officials understand and respond to political violence. They provide data, reports, and analysis that communities can use to protect themselves. The center works with media, officials, and community groups to share information and prevent violence.
Early Warning System for Violence PreventionThis program watches for early signs that violence might happen in communities. They collect information from many sources and share reports with community leaders and organizations. The system helps groups prepare for and respond to threats before they become bigger problems. They create regular reports about risk trends at the national and state level. They also provide special monitoring and support for high-risk states. The goal is to help communities stay safe by getting ahead of dangerous situations.
Risk and Resilience Mapping ToolsFree online tools that help communities understand and prepare for political violence risks. The maps show where problems might happen and connect you with local groups working to keep communities safe. You can find organizations that teach conflict resolution, de-escalation, and community safety. The tools include maps of demonstrations, violence data, and groups doing racial healing work. Perfect for community leaders, organizations, and anyone wanting to make their area safer.
Cross-Sector Collaboration and ConveningThis service helps different community groups meet and work together to prevent violence and make neighborhoods safer. They organize meetings where organizations can share ideas, plan projects, and build partnerships to solve community problems together.
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Early Action and Response Support for CommunitiesThis service helps community leaders get ready for and respond to political violence and threats. The team provides training, tools, and advice to help communities stay safe. They connect local groups with resources and help them build plans for when dangerous situations happen. In eight high-risk states, they give extra personalized support. The service includes alerts about emerging threats and direct help for community leaders who need to respond quickly to violence or safety concerns.
State Violence Prevention SupportThis group helps local communities watch for signs of trouble and stay safe from violence. They connect communities with training, resources, and other groups so everyone can work together to keep their neighborhoods peaceful.
Policy Support for Communities Against Political ViolenceThis program helps community leaders and government officials create policies to stop political violence. They provide custom briefings, training materials, and expert advice to local, state, and national decision-makers. The team creates tools and resources to help communities work together on solutions. They also train the next generation of policy makers through education and mentorship programs. Communities can request custom help and support for their specific needs.
Policy Briefings and Advisory SupportThe Bridging Divides Initiative helps government officials and community leaders understand and prevent political violence. They provide briefings, advice, and support to help create better policies. Their experts share research and bring in community voices to help decision-makers understand local problems. They offer both public briefings that anyone can attend and private custom briefings for specific groups. You can request custom help by contacting them directly.
Cross-Sector Collaboration ServicesThis service helps different community groups work as a team to keep everyone safe from political violence. They connect organizations that want the same things and help them make plans together to protect their communities.
Political Violence Data and Analysis LibraryThis is a research library that will help people find information about political violence and conflict. Experts will help you access data and research from BDI and other organizations. The library will make it easier to find research, discover what information is missing, and connect with other data sources. This service is coming soon and not available yet. You can sign up for their newsletter to get updates about when it will be ready.
Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.
Rainer Maria Rilke