BridgeMakers

At BridgeMakers, we believe that understanding others starts with the willingness to step outside our own beliefs and try on perspectives we may not naturally hold. Virtual reality (VR) offers the perfect space to do this. It allows us to safely engage with new ideas, experience different viewpoints, and even question the foundations of what we “know” to be true—all in a way that feels immersive and interactive.

On Sundays we do an event rooted in Street Epistemology, a practice designed to uncover the many layers of ideas we often take for granted. Inspired by Peter Boghossian’s Spectrum Street Epistemology, this isn’t about debating or proving who’s “right.” Instead, it’s about exploring the why behind our thoughts and those of others. It’s an invitation to stretch our minds and engage in civil discourse about complex, sometimes uncomfortable topics.

How It Works

1. Introductions and Intentions

We begin each discussion by introducing ourselves and setting intentions for the experience. Together, we reflect on the question: How do we want to grow through uncomfortable moments? This helps us ground ourselves in curiosity, kindness, and mutual respect as we prepare to navigate a spectrum of ideas.

2. Level 1: Playful Perspectives

To warm up, we start with a light and playful topic, such as “Pineapple belongs on pizza.” This easy level gets us out of neutral and allows us to engage with each other in a fun, low-stakes way. It’s a great opportunity to feel comfortable expressing passionate (and sometimes silly) viewpoints while finding our rhythm as a group.

3. Level 2: Broad or Historical Topics

Next, we move to a broader or historical topic—something that may not directly impact all of us but still invites reflection on how we form opinions. For example, we might discuss an event or concept from the past, encouraging us to think critically about how distance and context shape our perspectives.

4. Level 3: Current and Relevant Topics

Finally, we tackle a topic that’s more pertinent to today’s world—something likely in the news or that could create division. These conversations ask us to lean into discomfort and practice engaging in civil discourse on challenging issues while respecting one another’s views.

5. Check-Out and Reflection

We close with a check-out where everyone shares what they learned about themselves and what they appreciated about how others expressed their perspectives. This reflective moment helps us integrate the experience and recognize the value of diverse voices.

Why This Matters

This event is a brave space. It’s not about debating or “winning” but about practicing curiosity, listening, and expressing ideas thoughtfully. It’s about learning to connect even when we don’t agree, creating a foundation for real understanding and growth.

Details:

• This event is held weekly on Sundays at 1 PM PST.

• Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you’re ready to dive in.

• If you’d like to join us in the future, please comment below with what you enjoyed or thought about this event, and we’ll be in touch!

At its core, this practice isn’t just about exploring perspectives—it’s about practicing how to connect, even when we don’t agree. That’s the heart of building bridges and what BridgeMakers is all about. Join us and discover the power of seeing the world through new eyes.