Storytelling for Bridging Divides

In an era marked by isolation, polarization, and division, stories have the power to reconnect us - locally, within our countries, and even globally. This 4-week immersive course is for people who want to use storytelling to foster understanding, empathy, and trust in order to bridge divides.

Early Bird Registration: $450 Dec. 31, 2025

Around the globe, we are all navigating overlapping challenges. Conflict, migration, global uncertainty, and social fragmentation have made it harder to see each other’s full humanity. In an era when narratives that amplify fear and division are growing, trust in one another becomes even more fragile.

At the same time, momentum is growing around efforts to build understanding, strengthen communities, and reimagine how we live together. In the United States, 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Even as divisions can be seen along many lines, including political, this milestone invites reflection on values that unite and encourages action that builds “the next loop.”

Whether you live in the U.S. or not, 2026 is an important time to reflect on our interdependence. Around the globe, we are connected by systems we rely on, choices made by leaders at many levels, and our shared humanity.

Grounded in democratic values and real-world experience from nonprofit and civic work - in the United States and around the world - this course explores how stories can humanize opposing perspectives, interrupt stereotypes, and build bridges across differences.

Whether you’re experienced in your career or just getting started, everyone interested in bridging divides is welcome to join this course, regardless of your level of familiarity with storytelling. (If you don’t yet have a foundational understanding of storytelling, we recommend also taking our Storytelling 101 course but need not do so prior to enrolling in this course.)

As a member of civil society/nonprofit/NGO, community organizer, faith leader, elected official, public servant, journalist, educator, volunteer, or simply someone seeking tools for meaningful dialogue, you'll gain skills to tell powerful stories that can reach hearts and minds—and shift perspectives.

Through interactive workshops, peer learning, and reflection, you will:

Learn the principles of story-based strategies for social connection and civic engagement;
Explore the neuroscience of storytelling and its role in overcoming bias;
Analyze stories that have successfully (and unsuccessfully) navigated division in communities;
Practice crafting your own "bridge-building narrative" rooted in your own authentic experience; and
Gain tools for creating story-sharing spaces that encourage listening, dignity, and mutual respect.

This course includes:

Four (4) 75-minute sessions + 15-minute “after party” (optional time to continue discussion or ask additional questions)
One (1) 30-minute 1:1 coaching session
Between session assignments requiring up to one (1) hour of time each week on your own schedule

The course is taught live, so please confirm you’ll be able to join all 4 sessions from your time zone.

All sessions will be held in English.

500 USD

450 USD for registrations before December 31, 2025