BridgeUSA Founder to Visit UW for Panel April 6; Workshop to Follow April 7

Manu Meel, the founder of BridgeUSA, a national bridging and dialogue organization, will visit the University of Wyoming for a panel discussion about political polarization Monday, April 6. Meel's visit will be followed by a workshop from BridgeUSA leadership Tuesday, April 7.

Monday's event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 5-7 p.m. in the Wyoming Union's West Ballroom. Refreshments will be served.

Meel was invited by UW's BridgeUSA student chapter, BridgeUWYO, one of the largest student chapters of BridgeUSA's nearly 100 student chapters across the country.

"Meel is passionate about empowering young people to bridge divides," organizers say.
"As CEO of BridgeUSA, Meel is building the largest and fastest-growing student movement to bridge our differences and change how we talk about politics."

In 2022, Meel was recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for leading BridgeUSA.

He also hosts the weekly podcast "The Hopeful Majority" and is a contributor at Forbes. His work has been featured in The New York Times and The Washington Post, among other media platforms.

From 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the East Yellowstone Ballroom of the Wyoming Union, leaders from BridgeUSA will offer an Advanced Dialogue Facilitation Workshop, which includes a certificate of completion. Participants will practice moderating dialogues, de-escalating conflict and guiding discussions toward solutions. The workshop is made possible by UW's Free Expression, Intellectual Freedom and Constructive Dialogue Program.

Registration is required. To register, go here.

"We're thrilled to offer this training opportunity to students and employees," says Martha McCaughey, the program's director. "National studies suggest that employers look to hire people who can engage constructively in contentious dialogue."