In an October 8 open letter in Democracy Notes, leaders from across the bridging and pluralism field argue that bringing people together across divides depends on a healthy civic foundation: an independent civil society, free expression, fair elections, and respect for the dignity of people we disagree with. The letter is co-authored by Mariah Levison and Monika Glowacki (Convergence), Mary Ellen Giess and Homayra Ziad (Interfaith America), Lauren Higgins (New Pluralists), Allison Ralph (Cohesion Strategy), and Shannon Green (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement).

The authors call on pluralism organizations to keep building bridges and to protect the conditions that make that work possible. They also describe the shared infrastructure the field needs to act together when it matters, such as trusted relationships, decision-making tools, and coordinated planning. That work starts with the 2026 midterm elections.