Ecosystem Organizing

At a time when authoritarianism and divide-and-rule politics are resurgent and democracies have been backsliding in the US and globally, there is a need for fresh approaches to pro-democracy movement building. Research has found that investments in training and cross-border learning is one of the most effective ways to build skills, relationships, and solidarity needed to block anti-democratic practices, bridge across difference, and build strong and resilient democracies. A block, bridge, and build strategy requires different approaches, tools, and skills from various disciplines and communities.

The Horizons Project is carefully curating insights, conducting research and supporting deep relationship-building across these diverse sectors and disciplines to promote movement building amongst the broadest coalition(s) possible. We are conscientiously fostering trusting relationships and strengthening channels of communication to then share materials and learnings with key network nodes within the social justice, peacebuilding, and democracy communities in the US and globally.

To build “connective tissue” within the ecosystem, The Horizons Project regularly convenes network leaders and key influencers to explore the intersections among the social justice, bridge-building, peacebuilding, and democracy strengthening spaces. Through small group salons, public webinars, and other events, we support these diverse communities to build trusting relationships, develop mutual understanding, share experiences and learning and work through tension points and blind spots.

The team participates in many diverse coalitions and networks and maintains close connections with professional peacebuilders, activists and movement leaders, religious leaders, as well as key individuals in academia, the nonprofit community, the US government, community based associations, the creative and entertainment industry, the business sector and many others. Through these wide contacts, we actively share insights, make connections and proactively bring together “unlikely bedfellows.”