The BriD Initiative

We must be honest with ourselves and admit that debates, discussions, factual information, political education and democracy campaigns are all over. They no longer work! Around a third of Germans subscribe to anti-democratic movements, and in states such as Saxony-Anhalt, the figure is as high as 40% — and rising. At the same time, mistrust and division continue to spread, opportunities for dialogue are dwindling, and relationships with acquaintances are breaking down. Personal and social trust is being lost, often even within families and circles of friends. This exacerbates social fragmentation and isolation. It is in this state that we are now approaching state elections that could determine the future of Western democracies as a whole.

But if our traditional political patterns no longer work, how can we find a common democratic consciousness and social cohesion despite conflicts, tensions and blatantly increasing social inequality?

An approach that does not require megaphones and cameras, and that unfolds beyond all media and internet portals, is an interpersonal conversation among acquaintances, which has good prospects here and has simply never been tried before. These conversations are conducted in a wise and thoughtful manner. Many people participate simultaneously. It takes place in spontaneously created informal spaces, bilaterally and not publicly, e.g. in the community, at work, in church, in clubs and associations, in trade unions, in adult education centres, etc. This form of dialogue refrains from any desire to persuade. It is not intended to be a debate. Rather, it is about the human desire to understand others and to express one's concerns about democracy, freedom and cohesion.

These are 'bridge-building dialogues in one's immediate circle of acquaintances' (BriD), which are systematically encouraged and conducted within one's immediate social environment. People concerned about democracy, who are recruited and trained as members of large regional organisations, approach self-declared sympathisers of anti-constitutional movements individually. They identify these individuals within their own social circles and invite them to a personal conversation about current social issues.

These BriD dialogues are deliberately held in a private, non-political setting to help restore the ability to engage in calm discussion and controversial negotiation.
Those involved receive expert assistance and coaching to ensure they can engage in BriD dialogue with confidence. This is based on narrative and relationship-dynamic communication science methodology, ensuring that the conversation does not become heated or break down. At a later stage, it is also possible to progress to the level of a mature political debate on conflicting points of view.
If numerous people do this — each anchored in clubs, associations, businesses, trade unions, sports organisations, adult education centres, churches, political parties and so on — and if these conversations continue to branch out dynamically and are methodically accompanied by expert advice, and if the member organisations ultimately adopt the BriD initiative and set up an independent dialogue infrastructure because they recognise its added value for their own interests and want to take responsibility for the social space and economic location — if they see themselves as local stakeholders and form alliances with other equally committed organisations — and if this leads to a far-reaching increase in the population's capacity for dialogue in a region, then our democratic society will gain vitality and resilience. It will also be better able to withstand powerful anti-democratic forces in the region and worldwide.

The pilot project will result in the following:

• a BriD core team within a respected civil society institution in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt;
• a BriD discussion methodology that can be transferred to other areas for civic outreach, dialogue and engagement;
• a BriD advocacy procedure that can be used to effectively address large member organisations in the region or federal state;
• a concrete cooperation with at least one large organisation from each of the following areas: [i] clubs/associations; [ii] chambers of commerce/industry; [iii] trade unions; [iv] sports; [v] universities/adult education centres; [vi] church/religious institutions; [vii] political parties; [viii] foundations.
• A short training course in BriD discussion methodology for key figures in the member organisations.
• More comprehensive BriD training for internal BriD working groups within the organisations.
• A process of practical support and coaching for active BriD participants (intervision, strengthening dialogue skills and quality assurance).
• A collection of thematic options and dialogue strategies for BriD discussions.
• A transferable methodological guide for BriD discussions and regional BriD network formation.
• Finally, an advocacy concept for the independent continuation and consolidation of the BriD initiative within the respective organisation.

Overall, an innovative methodology for dialogical political education is provided which is outreach-based and participatory. It is conducted on an equal footing in a dialogical peer mode and implemented locally in the community. Offline and online spaces for political encounters are important, and both adults and young people can be involved. Points of contact with education policy and schools are actively sought.