See what our students have to say!
(All opinions expressed are of the individual and do not reflect the views of BridgeUSA.)
Cornell Institute of Politics and Global Affairs
Manu Meel & Jessica Carpenter
Improving Our Democracy One Conversation at a Time
| The most fundamental unit of democracy is people, and our institutions were designed to serve the people. To strengthen our civic fabric and inculcate democratic values within the next generation of Americans, we must strengthen our civic fabric and highlight opportunities for common purpose amongst the American people. |
USA Today
Amanda Shafer
‘Fake governance’ has plagued my generation. Here’s how we rise above it.
| “Tomorrow’s leaders see the need to rise above partisan rhetoric. We have the potential to reach consensus on the problems corrupting our country. We just have to be willing to engage with one another to find it.” |
RealClear Public Affairs
Manu Meel
Why I Still Believe In America
| We have the opportunity to listen and to understand the pain and struggles of our fellow Americans, to move past our political affiliations in search of common purpose. We have the choice to empathize with those of different backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, to build coalitions that facilitate real and unified change. We have an opportunity to embrace the story of America. |
The Fulcrum
Vince Cahill
Online politics is rough, sure, but wading in makes for a better electorate
| There are no two ways about it: Political discourse is increasingly taking place online, and not only because of COVID-19 lockdowns. More than 70 percent of American adults were using at least one social media platform as of last year, according to a Pew Research Center survey. As would be expected, the figure soars above 90 percent among adults younger than 30. |
Channel Kindness
Chloe Johnston
Bridging the Gap
| Even in these trying times, it is through Jakob’s efforts that we can see that open, constructive dialogue is possible, regardless of ideology or belief. With empathy and understanding it is possible to move beyond what we assume to be true and truly listen to understand people different than ourselves. |
Haaretz
Alex Leopold
Israel-UAE Deal Is Peace Through Personality – and Political Opportunism
| The normalization agreement reached last week between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, brokered by the Trump administration, is a diplomatic achievement for all the parties involved. The U.S. has brought two of its close allies in the region together; Israel has garnered diplomatic recognition from a third Arab state without making territorial concessions to the Palestinians; and the UAE has strengthened its own regional position and enhanced its reputation in Washington on both sides of the aisle. |
The Fulcrum
Noah Jennette
Community engagement as a vital component of civic education.
| By fostering a community built on mutual respect, rigorous dialogue and solution-oriented strategies, young people will be able to enhance their civic education before entering the often-toxic public discourse. |
The Fulcrum
John Overing
Is there a way to combine two flawed election systems into a better hybrid?
| Public trust in the American government has been declining for decades, forcing lawmakers and citizens alike to rethink the most fundamental element of our democracy: how we elect our leaders. |
Association of American Colleges and Universities
Isaac Huang
Bridging the Political Divide
| Labels only divide us. Let us remember that we share this country and planet and that it is our collective responsibility to secure our future. There is an optimistic saying about today’s students becoming the leaders of tomorrow. While I appreciate the sentiment, I would make a slight correction: our students are leading America today. |
Huffington Post
Manu Meel
We Need To Change Our Political Culture.
| In the short term, the idea of talking to someone you disagree with sounds like the cause of a headache. It appears naive that the solution to political gridlock can be as simple as facilitating discussions between opposing political viewpoints. However, the alternative of staying within our ideological bubbles is much worse. |
The Fulcrum
Amanda Shafer
Don’t give up on democracy, fellow young voters
| We have the power to unrig the system. Political apathy is not the answer. As a generation, we must turn to peaceful activism and civic engagement to demand a government that listens to us and a democracy that works for every American. |
USA Today
BridgeUSA Collective Op-Ed
How will the coronavirus pandemic shape Gen Z? University students share their thoughts
| For my generation, Gen Z, the COVID-19 pandemic will leave a scar on us. The question is how will it shape our view of the world? Students from across the nation share how the pandemic is affecting us, the future of America. |