Harnessing Creativity To Mobilize A Movement

Our mission is to equip citizens to overcome toxic polarization and solve our toughest problems together.

Shifting Culture Starts With Us

If enough people adopt a Builders Mindset, we can replace our toxic “us vs. them” culture with one of curiosity, compassion, courage, and creative innovation.

It won’t be easy. The incentives in our media, social algorithms, and politics reward and amplify the conflict entrepreneurs working overtime to divide, diminish, and destroy.

Our approach is to reach and teach people at scale with powerful content, equip them with new skills and innovative tools, and mobilize the growing Builders movement with grassroots civic programs to hold political leaders accountable for being Builders.

It’s time to take action. Join us. Be a Builder.

Builder
Build·er /ˈbildər/
noun A flexible thinker and constructive problem solver who recognizes the dignity of all people.

We:

Reject violence, absolutism, and dehumanization

Balance passionate convictions with critical thinking

Take action to solve problems together

Hear From Builders

Woman with long black hair wearing a white shirt, smiling against a plain background.

“I’m so grateful for your organization. Thank you for empowering people to engage across differences and see each other’s hearts.”

Sharon Windwer, New York

A man in a suit and tie smiling against a plain background.

“We share so much more than what separates us. Your work reinforces the value of civility and understanding — even when there are big differences in beliefs.”

James Knibbs, Chicago

A person in a plaid shirt smiles while standing in a greenhouse surrounded by potted plants.

“I'm grateful you encourage dialogue and listening, and that you emphasize the humanity of people who have different politics.”

Chanel Monge, Texas

Smiling man in a light gray suit jacket and white shirt against a plain gray background.

“This is a noble cause and you're doing impactful work. I believe most Americans have more in common than what divides us. I want to do what I can to help.”

Casey Barton, Ohio

Smiling woman with short hair, wearing colorful rectangular earrings, stands outside with trees in the background.

“The Builders community is a welcome pocket of sanity in a divisive world. Their work brings reality back into focus and I hope more people join them.”

Jess Munro, Texas

Practicing the 4Cs Daily

The Builders mindset is rooted in the 4Cs: curiosity, compassion, courage, and creativity. By adopting these values as daily habits, we promote flexible thinking, constructive problem solving, and respecting the dignity of all people.

People walk in front of a large electronic display of the American flag at night.

Curiosity

We have intellectual humility, actively seeking out new and different perspectives, continually questioning our own assumptions, and thinking critically about even our most strongly held positions.

Compassion

We strive to understand and empathize with other people’s core needs, values, and concerns — especially across lines of difference.

Courage

We dare to be vulnerable, to criticize our own side, to engage with “the other side” in good faith, and to speak up and stand up for ourselves, even when it may not be popular.

Creativity

Our “secret weapon” – we harness the power of art, humor, and imagination to spark fresh ideas, forge unexpected connections, and inspire action toward a more united and hopeful future.

Add caption here

Our Initiatives

Builders Media

We create content that fosters flexible thinking and problem-solving, flooding feeds with constructive perspectives.

Get Inspired

$Smartphone displaying a webpage with "BUILDERS" at the top, images of a red elephant and blue donkey, and "Polarization fractures relationships" text.$

Builders Toolkit

We’re building the go-to home for educational resources that equip citizens to solve divisive problems in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Get Equipped

Smartphone displaying a website titled "Detox From the Political Polarization Trap," with options to set a daily reminder.

Citizen Solutions

We convene Americans who passionately disagree in order to uncover common ground and co-create solutions to divisive issues affecting their home state.

See Solutions