Bridging is a concept that helps us form connections and partnerships between dissimilar individuals and groups. It occurs when members of different groups reach beyond their own group to members of other groups. Building bridges to unite diverse groups can help expand our social networks, revitalize our communities, and establish a more fair and equitable society. Bridging reminds us that we are inextricably interconnected and it helps us build a large “we” that does not demand assimilation. Meaningful bridging must acknowledge, respect, and appreciate differences as a starting point, not try to erase them.

The ultimate desired result of bridging is belonging – which can exist in many forms or be expressed or experienced in a myriad of different ways. Importantly, b​elonging means having a meaningful voice and the opportunity to participate in the design of political, social, and cultural structures that shape one’s life — the right to both contribute and make demands upon society and political institutions. To belong is not just to be a citizen or member in the weakest sense, but to be able to participate in co-creating the thing you belong to. This makes it different from inclusion. OBI’s Director, john a. powell, uses a simple metaphor to explain belonging: Instead of inviting you to the table that I built and set, you and I co-create the table and the menu together.