International Bridge Building

Widen the Circle builds bridges between educators and activists in the U.S. and Germany to share tactics and strategy, and with thought leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to engage with and support this work. Activists in both the U.S. and Germany use the power of local history to combat racism and prejudice, as well as deal with the historic legacies of injustice. They often face similar challenges but use different approaches. International Bridge Building consists of two components: The Berlin Fellowship and Learning and Dialogue.

The Berlin Fellowship

The Berlin Fellowship is a year-long program anchored by an 8-day immersive learning experience in Germany. Activists and scholars from the U.S. come to Germany to engage in a powerful weeklong agenda that enables participants to look at modern issues in new ways. They experience firsthand Germany’s vibrant remembrance culture, which serves as a foundation for combating bigotry today, and meet personally with people doing dynamic work. Remembrance activists and practitioners learn both through the people they meet and from one another. After the live learning in Germany, participants stay in touch through a series of conversations focused on deep learning and work-in-progress.

Learning and Dialogue

 In 2020, Widen the Circle started a series of virtual conversations. They consisted of both public events and private dialogue between Germans and Americans who focus attention on the enduring legacies of racism and discrimination in local communities. The goal of these conversations is to shine a light on this vital work and increase its impact by enabling educators and activists on both sides of the Atlantic to learn from one another. They represent a starting point as we focus on building stronger connections in effective ways.

Learning and Dialogue Online