Map FAQ

Using our maps

We've outlined some commonly asked questions about our map and broader initiative here.

We hope you feel free to explore our Bridging Divides Map. Selecting filters of interest, zooming in or out to different geographies, or downloading data of organizations you want to contact are just a few of the ways we hope you engage with the resource.

For more general inquiries or interest, sign up for periodic updates or email [email protected] to discuss other ways to use our data, map, or other resources. We also want to hear from you how our map could better help your community or organization.

How can I add my organization or network to your map?

There are several ways your organization can join our map:

Join one of the networks represented:
- Become a member of the #ListenFirst coalition by contacting Jaclyn Inglis at [email protected] (no fees).
- Become a member of the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) by clicking here (annual membership dues required).
- Submit your organization to Peace Direct’s Peace Insight Map by clicking here (no fees).
- Apply to become a member of the Bridge Alliance by completing an application (must meet certain minimum requirements; no fees).
Email us about your network, coalition, or group or one you’re a part of that you think should be included.

Based on our current methodology, organizations cannot join our map individually. See our Codebook for details or email us for ways you can still use our data to visualize your work.

Why does an incident or my organization show up at a random point at the center of my city?

We do not presently share exact addresses publicly because in some cases people work out of their own homes, however many organizations have information available on their websites. Locations of organizations and their work are generally intended to be accurate at least to the city/county level, in some cases, however, it is a state-wide program, or we were otherwise unable to identify a particular city in which to locate an organization’s work.

Where the “organization” has primarily an online presence, it is geolocated as a resource at the center of each state. This sacrifices some precision, while still allowing users to download lists of state or community based resources. For full coding details, see our Codebook.

Why don’t / do you have X organization on the map?

On the Bridging Divides map, the organizations represented are connected to one of four groups – Bridge Alliance, the #ListenFirst Coalition, National Center for Dialogue and Deliberation, and Peace Direct.

In many cases, the national headquarters signed up with one of these four groups. In a few cases, a local chapter of national organization joined one of the 4 groups individually.

In both cases, we expanded geographic coverage to include associated, local and regional programs, staff, and long-term volunteers. We make a special note if the expansion was from one local chapter, rather than the headquarters, and those groups are tagged as "BDI expansion from Network" to clearly note they are not a member of the other networks. If you are represented and would like to be removed, please contact [email protected].

There are more networks and a range of people and organizations not connected to a national network that are vital resources in peacebuilding, in addressing political violence, and in responding to it. The map does not currently represent the breadth of social justice organizations, networks of Government officials committed to reconciliation (except as they are connected to a national program), security personnel (such as local police & sheriffs explicitly working on de-escalation), election programs and staff, journalists and a broader swath of non-governmental organizations and local leaders. In an expanded version of this map, these would all be valuable datasets. If you have a dataset you would like to share, please contact [email protected].

What are the sources of data for your maps?

See our Codebook for full documentation. We also intend to share our map and cleaning code on Github soon.

How often is your data updated?

See our Codebook for full details on data sources and frequency of updates.

In general, we are always working with new networks to include their members in our Bridging Divides Map. We update with new organizations after cleaning/coding each organization’s information.

For risk and other political data, we are working to release static sources which vary widely from information released on a yearly basis (FBI Hate Crimes) to information updated daily (Count Love protest tracking).

We are actively working with several partners and collaborators to seek new ways to build dynamic data relevant to the US context.

Can I use your map on my site?

Contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to replicate the map or a portion of the map on your organization’s website.