The Democracy & Belonging Forum is a global network of over 350 civic leaders from Europe and North America working together to strengthen democracy and reduce harmful divisions in society. The Forum focuses on 'bridging' approaches that bring different groups together instead of pushing them apart. They believe democracy works best when everyone feels they belong, especially people from marginalized communities.
The network was created to counter authoritarian populism - movements that gain power by making people afraid of those who are different from them. Through research, meetings, and funded experiments, the Forum helps communities build coalitions that can defend democracy while advancing social justice. They offer three levels of engagement: Get Informed (learn through research and analysis), Get Involved (join the network and attend events), and Get Activated (lead bridging initiatives and join leadership programs).
The Forum is connected to UC Berkeley's Othering & Belonging Institute and provides tools, frameworks, and programs like the Democracy & Belonging Leaders Cohort to help people create positive change in their communities.