In the biggest global election year, new
non-profit will equip citizens to overcome extremist thinking and
toxic polarization in media, civics, and education
NEW
YORK, May 14, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Today is the launch of Builders, a global
initiative spearheaded by a coalition of leaders, including
Lonnie Ali, Erskine Bowles, Katie
Couric, Jonathan Haidt,
Daniel Lubetzky, Jesus Mantas,
Liev Schreiber, Andrew Yang, and others, aimed at addressing the
pervasive "us vs. them" mentality that has led to dangerous levels
of polarization worldwide. The organization is dedicated to
equipping individuals with the skills, tools, and network necessary
to overcome extremist ideologies and work together on pragmatic
solutions.
Expanding upon the foundational work of the non-profit Starts
With Us, Builders arrives in the biggest election year in history,
when over 4 billion people will cast votes across at least 64
countries. It is also a time marked by heightened concern about
tensions among citizens in many nations. Recognizing that regional
divides resonate on a global scale, Builders is addressing
extremist ideologies that fuel polarization in the United States, as well as in conflict
zones like the Middle East and
amidst international crises such as the Russian invasion of
Ukraine.
Daniel Lubetzky emphasized the
urgency of the initiative, stating, "At a time marked by increasing
division propagated by authoritarian figures, hyper-partisan
politics, and social media echo chambers, Builders is committed to
empowering individuals to prioritize flexible thinking and
constructive problem-solving over blind allegiance to extremist
narratives."
Builders is advancing its mission by equipping citizens to
actively engage in key areas that shape culture and thought, such
as media, civics, and education.
Citizen Solutions, one of Builders' flagship programs, is
being piloted to address hyper-partisan gridlock at the state level
in the US. By engaging citizens in deliberative dialogue sessions
and incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders, Citizen
Solutions has produced consensus-backed policy proposals in states
like Tennessee and Wisconsin, reflecting the collective will of
the people.
Builders Media, another arm of the organization, is
dedicated to producing digital content that challenges divisive
narratives and stereotypes. By encouraging viewers to consider
different perspectives, Builders Media aims to break down social
media silos and help viewers expand their hearts and minds.
Builders Toolkit focuses on equipping educational
institutions with resources to promote critical thinking and
deliberative dialogue among students K through University. By
empowering young people to question rigid ideologies and engage in
constructive discourse, the Builders Toolkit aims to cultivate a
generation of thoughtful problem-solvers. The Toolkit will include
over 140 online activities aimed at fostering empathy and
understanding among school-aged children, contributed by Empatico,
an initiative of The KIND Foundation whose work will continue as
part of Builders.
To amplify influential voices offering constructive pathways
forward, Builders is tapping the broad spectrum of perspectives
across its extensive Builders Network of leaders. Notable
figures like Liev Schreiber and
Lonnie Ali are taking part.
Said Liev Schreiber, "We are
living in a world in which algorithms designed to divide and
categorize for the purpose of marketing have separated us so
completely from any true sense of ourselves, that we have forgotten
who we are, where we come from, and perhaps most importantly, the
shared values and moral imperatives that should bind us
together."
Said Lonnie Ali, "Extremists get
up each morning with the intention to further their cause -- only
they are driven to divide and destroy. We need to channel that same
energy, but with the motivation to unite and build."
People ready to unite, build, and bring light, can access
practical tools through the growing Builders Resource Hub at
http://www.buildersmovement.org/.
About Builders
Builders Network (Builders) is a
nonprofit organization committed to equipping people with the
skills, tools, and network to overcome extremist thinking and toxic
polarization to solve our toughest problems together. As societies
become increasingly divided, Builders is tackling extremist
thinking leading to toxic polarization in the United States, the conflict in the
Middle East, and the Russian
invasion of Ukraine. Builders
initiatives seek to equip citizens to take action in spheres that
shape culture and thought, including media, civics, and education.
People can join the movement to unite, build, and bring light to
the world at www.buildersmovement.org.
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SOURCE Builders Network