11 ORGS · 249 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Convene-to-Connect

By convening diverse stakeholders in structured, neutral dialogue, foster mutual understanding and reduce polarization, because shared experiences and open discussion build trust and reveal common ground across divides. This strategy centers on using intentional convening—often in neutral, rule-bound, or expert-facilitated settings—to create safe spaces for dialogue among ideologically, politically, or sectorally diverse participants. Unlike general advocacy or education strategies, it emphasizes relationship-building and interpersonal trust as prerequisites for systemic change, particularly in polarized contexts. What distinguishes it is the theory that sustained, respectful interaction itself—rather than information alone—drives shifts in attitudes, collaboration, and democratic norms.

11
orgs running it
249
activities of those orgs
12
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 11

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Digital outreach and policy messaging CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    advocacy
    Operates a website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel to convene progressive leadership and amplify policy-related communications.
  • National Campaign Incubation CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    advocacy
    Incubates national campaigns focused on critical long-term policy issues.
  • National campaign incubation CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    advocacy
    Incubates national advocacy campaigns focused on critical long-term policy issues.
  • National public policy advocacy platform CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    advocacy
    Manages a web-based national public policy action foundation with contacts in all 50 states and two U.S. territories to advance policy initiatives.
  • Progressive Leadership and Activist Training CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    capacity building
    Convenes and educates progressive thinkers, organizers, and community activists through web-based and in-person training, providing opportunities to present fact-based testimony at national, regional, and local levels to strengthen collective advocacy.
  • Progressive leadership convening and education CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    capacity building
    Convenes and educates progressive thinkers, organizers, and community activists to strengthen collective advocacy capacity.
  • Public Education Center operations CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    direct service
    Operates an Education Center open to the public for research and participation, offering educational data and tools to support strategy and policy development.
  • Public Education and Research Center CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    direct service
    Operates an Education Center available to the public for research and participation, providing educational data and tools to help develop strategies and policies, and organizes workshops and lectures through the participation of faculty and administrators.
  • Public Policy Advocacy and Messaging CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    advocacy
    Manages a national web-based public policy action foundation with contacts in all 50 states and two territories, operating a website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel to convene progressive leadership and amplify policy messaging.
  • Public education workshops and lectures CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    direct service
    Organizes workshops and lectures involving faculty and administrators to engage the public in educational activities.
  • Training and testimony support for advocates CITIZENS POLICY FOUNDATION INC
    capacity building
    Provides web-based and in-person training, including opportunities to present fact-based testimony at national, regional, and local levels.
  • Community Engagement and Collaboration RIO SALADO FOUNDATION
    capacity building
    Engages volunteers in project committees and participates in collaborations such as presenting the Papago Park Regional Master Plan, funding the grand opening of Tempe Center for the Arts, and establishing the Children’s Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park.
  • Community Project Support and Development RIO SALADO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Supports and participates in the development of various community projects, including the Papago Park Regional Master Plan, funding the grand opening of Tempe Center for the Arts, and establishing the Children’s Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park.
  • Community and Educational Facility Operation RIO SALADO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Operates various facilities that serve as educational centers, meeting spaces, and event venues, such as the SRP Water Education Facility, the Eisendrath Center for Water Conservation, and a Visitor's Center offering docent-led tours.
  • Community and Recreational Project Support RIO SALADO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Supports the construction and development of various community and recreational projects, such as the Tempe Center for the Arts, the Children’s Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park, and the Papago Park Regional Master Plan, contributing to public spaces and amenities.
  • Community and Recreational Project Support RIO SALADO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Supports the construction and development of various community and recreational projects, such as the Tempe Center for the Arts, the Children’s Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park, and the Papago Park Regional Master Plan, contributing to public spaces and facilities.
  • Community and Recreational Project Support RIO SALADO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Supports the construction and development of various community and recreational projects, such as the Tempe Center for the Arts, the Children’s Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park, and the Papago Park Regional Master Plan, contributing to public spaces and amenities.
  • Historical and Cultural Preservation Projects RIO SALADO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Supports and manages the restoration, construction, and preservation of historical, cultural, and recreational projects along the Rio Salado Corridor and Papago Park, contributing over $18 million since 2001. Key projects include the Hayden Flour Mill, Eisendrath House, and the Sandra Day O’Connor House.