Turning Dissent Into Dialog

By Wayne Jacobsen 

Differences of opinion don't have to erupt into full-blown conflict. BridgeBuilders has helped districts discover how to turn community frustration into the kind of civil conversation that can build bridges between diverse groups and help fashion a stronger school district.

Whether it's frustration over HIV/AIDS curriculum, holiday celebrations, math programs or school reform, many communities are learning how to create the environment that allows constructive dialogue between diverse members of the community to forge a district-wide consensus that will enhance the mission of public education.

While BridgeBuilders offers special expertise in dealing with religious-based concerns and helping districts create a genuinely religious-neutral environment, we are also applying the same strategies to other parent and community issues with wonderful results.

We can help you develop strategies for your own community, or facilitate the kind of civil conversations in your community that will help diverse groups

• Listen to each other
• Understand what's at stake for other groups
• Seek win/win solutions that build a stronger district for all students

Here are just a few of the resources that might interest you. Next time your district needs to build some bridges in your community, let us show you how we can help.