Bridges of Understanding

Bridges of Understanding, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, nonpolitical organization established in 2007, seeks to enhance positive relations between the United States and the Arab World through one-to-one connections between thought leaders and the creation of original youth focused programs. During this period of increasing unrest in the Arab World,as defined by the League of Arab States, the work of Bridges of Understanding resonates deeply. For those engaged in the region, the organization's education and outreach programs provide an empowering lifeline — an opportunity to have their voices heard in the classroom and by their peers in the United States. And, for Americans, these initiatives showcase the diverse Arab cultural legacy and paint thoughtful, nuanced portraits of those whose respective homelands are often characterized by strife. Throughout the years, innovative initiatives and partnerships have allowed Bridges of Understanding to enter into the classrooms at the middle school, high school, and university levels, providing the opportunity to curate conversations that remind educators and students alike to look beneath the surface, to question preconceived notions and prejudices on the journey to global citizenship. Ultimately, through thought-provoking lessons and dialogues at the desk, in the field, and online, ‘the other' is humanized — so that the very notion may one day cease to exist.