Gap Bridgers: Teaching Skills to Cross Lines of Difference

Abstract

Because polarization and demonization of the “other” are increasingly prevalent in today’s America, there are limited opportunities for deep and informed engagement across lines of difference, particularly on college campuses. “Bridging the Gap: Dialogue across Difference” (BTG) is a 2–3 week January term immersive experience that teaches students, from two very different higher education settings, the skills and approach to effectively communicate, understand and solve problems across lines of difference. BTG is predicated on the belief that engagement across difference strengthens, not weakens, our identities and calls on us to practice humility and curiosity. This work requires students to develop a set of skills and practices that too often go untaught. Piloted in January 2020 with Spring Arbor University and Oberlin College, BTG used a skills-based approach that tied together relationship-building, intellectual humility, and open-mindedness among people who disagree deeply to explore important matters. This article highlights experiences from the 2020 BTG pilot program and provides an in-depth description of the BTG approach and methodology.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Robert Gass for teaching many of these practices, Dan Zucker for inspiring this pilot, Andy Potter for his leadership and inspiration, Steve Fischman for his steadfast support, Michael Murray for his early enthusiasm, Mary Ellen Giess for inviting us in, Corey Post for her tireless efforts, and Presidents Ellis and Ambar for taking the leap.

Notes

¹ Bridging the Gap was created by Simon Greer. It is supported by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation as well as the Interfaith Youth Core’s Courageous Pluralism Initiative (supported by the Fetzer Institute and the Charles Koch Foundation). Visit www.ifyc.org to learn more about IFYC.

² Picture Your Legacy™ is a product of 21/64 and is available at https://2164.net/product/picture-your-legacy/

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Simon Greer

^a

Simon Greer ([email protected]) is the founder of Bridging the Gap. He works with unusual allies and diverse stakeholders building a movement of bridge builders committed to common good politics and addressing the spiritual crisis underneath our political crisis.

Kevin Brown

^b

Kevin Brown ([email protected]) serves as the chief diversity officer and director of intercultural relations at Spring Arbor University. Kevin has over 30 years of experience in secondary and higher education, as well as community leadership.

Meredith Raimondo

^c

Meredith Raimondo ([email protected]) serves as vice president and dean of students at Oberlin College. Her work includes creating connections between curricular and cocurricular experiences, advising on life skills development, and bridging intellectual and personal communities.