Bridging Divides Initiative

Bridging Divides Initiative

BDI is a non-partisan research initiative that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States.

About our work

We're committed to a future where communities are:

  • prepared to respond in periods of risk

  • empowered to address the long-term divides we face as a society

  • supported to build a pluralistic, multi-racial democracy

Delivering Action-Oriented Research

We provide actionable data and analysis to fill information gaps, establish shared structures for early warning, and empower people working to mitigate political violence in their communities.

Our data + analysis

Creating Space for Cross-Sector Collaboration

We deliver concierge services across the risk mitigation ecosystem, bringing together a diverse network of partners to foster improved coordination for crisis response.

Our Collaboration efforts

Building Frameworks for Effective Policy Response

We equip local, state, and national decision-makers with the tools they need to take action against political violence and implement whole-of-society policy solutions.

Our Policy Projects

Featured Projects

Understanding Threats and Harassment

Get data and analysis from our first-of-its-kind research project tracking hostility faced by local officials around the country.

Elevating Community Safety and De-Escalation Approaches

Explore our state-by-state directory of de-escalation, bystander intervention, and community safety resources and trainings.

BDI Updates

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Mitigating Threats Against School Board Officials: Mixed Methods Research to Understand and Respond to Rising Hostility

Insights from over 800 survey responses and nearly 40 in-depth interviews reveal that local school boards are facing high levels of hostility — but also developing effective strategies to push back.

Local Officials Seek Increased Safety Support Amid Heightened Threat Environment, Survey Results Show

Findings from our expanded survey indicate that local elected officials are looking for new resources to mitigate the risk of threats and harassment, including enhanced privacy protections, personal security, and tools to manage conflict during public meetings.

Explainer: How Did the Trump Administration’s First 100 Days Impact Political Violence Risk?

The opening phase of the second Trump administration has had wide-ranging effects on the political violence risk environment. Drawing on our latest data and analysis, this explainer answers frequently asked questions about the trajectory of current political violence trends and highlights positive steps local leaders are taking to keep their communities safe.

BDI in the News

BDI is a go-to resource for national and local media reporting on political violence, crisis response, and de-escalation efforts around the United States. Take a look at the latest coverage featuring our work.

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