What’s Bridging Blocks?
Bridging Blocks is a free community engagement initiative that brings people together to foster thoughtful civic dialogue around complex and often divisive issues in respectful, open, and welcoming spaces.
One of our core goals is to empower people to become active participants in civic life and use their voices to help shape the future of their communities. Over the past four years, we’ve partnered with organizations such as the Free Library of Philadelphia, local schools, universities, and senior centers to facilitate meaningful conversations on topics including gentrification, immigration, democracy, artificial intelligence, aging, green spaces, and more.
These conversations create opportunities to connect with neighbors, build relationships across different perspectives, and ensure every voice has a place in the discussion. You’ll find us in communities throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Have an idea for where Bridging Blocks should go next or what we should talk about? We’d love to hear from you!
Join us, meet new people, broaden your perspective, enjoy some snacks, and be part of the conversation. Thank you for supporting WHYY and helping keep public media strong. Communities are stronger because of people like you.
Testimonials
“So great to hear different perspectives from people I wouldn’t normally meet/ talk to.” – Marisa D.
“Listening is critical to learning- so many ideas” – Kate C.
“Many different views among people of good will.” Bruce H.
FAQs
Philly’s housing market takes center stage during ‘Bridging Blocks’ event
About a dozen residents participated in Thursday’s discussion inside the Walnut Street West Library in University City.
2 years ago
Bridging Blocks has Philadelphians focused on dispelling myths around immigration
Context and understanding was at the heart of Bridging Blocks’ latest talk, which addressed border policy and immigration during an election year.
2 years ago
Listen 1:03
Despite diverging viewpoints, attendees agreed that stronger support systems are needed for children and families.
3 years ago
WHYY News to host its first civic news conference May 3-4
The events are open to the public and free to attend, but registration is required. A panel will feature journalists implementing civic dialogue and community building.
3 years ago
WHYY News hosted a conversation at the Chestnut Hill Library in Philadelphia to discuss the ruling in Alabama and the June 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade.
3 years ago
Bridging Blocks event unearths the impact of Philly’s Mummers
The significance of Philadelphia’s Mummers tradition was the focal point of a WHYY News and Free Library of Philadelphia community discussion.
3 years ago
WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia held a Bridging Blocks discussion Thursday on the Mummers, and how they want to shape the tradition for future generations.
3 years ago
Listen 1:39
The nearly two-hour conversation centered on youth homelessness — a growing problem in the region, according to recent city data.
3 years ago
Listen 1:10
Bridging Blocks program at WHYY News promotes civil debate among neighbors
The discussions have tackled everything from voter turnout and preservation to ATVs and motorbikes.
3 years ago
South Philly residents discuss supervised injection sites at Bridging Blocks event
Opponents and supporters of supervised injection sites gathered at South Philadelphia Library to plead their case on the best solutions for opioid addiction.
3 years ago
Listen 1:27
As Philly gears up for its mayoral election next month, WHYY’s Bridging Blocks team raised the question: Will this next election season have low voter turnout? If so, why?
3 years ago
Listen 1:31
North Philadelphians discuss involving youth with historic preservation during Bridging Blocks event
North Philadelphians talked about the importance of engaging with the youth to preserve Philadelphia’s history.
3 years ago
Listen 1:01
South Philly residents discuss signs of gentrification during Bridging Blocks event
Attendees at the Guerin Recreation Center discussed the obvious and not-so-obvious signs that gentrification is about to impact a neighborhood.
3 years ago
Listen 1:07
The conversation focused on the influx of wealth and redevelopment of Philly’s neighborhoods.
4 years ago