Bridging Blocks program at WHYY News promotes civil debate among neighbors

Bridging Blocks is a partnership between WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia aimed at bringing together culturally and politically diverse households for civil dialogue and understanding.

The programs take place at least once a month at local library branches or community spaces across Philadelphia and beyond. Members of the WHYY News Community and Engagement Team canvass a ZIP code to bring together neighbors with a diverse set of opinions and views for a 90-minute conversation.

Bridging Blocks prompts sharing stories between neighbors that might not normally have an opportunity to get together. The outcomes from this civil exchange exercise is more empathy, information and education on hot-button topics. The sessions are attended by community members and at times their respective public officials.

Some discussion topics include:

• Supervised injection sites
• Voter turnout
• Historic preservation
• Use of motorbikes and ATV

News coverage:

• NBC10 feature

Bridging Blocks is made possible thanks to the generous support of Fred and Barbara Sutherland.