Introduction
Bridge Makers is a dynamic cooperative committed to building resilient and inclusive virtual communities. We acknowledge that bridges, while they connect, can also break. This duality is our foundational truth as we work towards fostering strong, interconnected digital spaces.
Mission
Our mission is to create and sustain virtual reality (VR) communities that thrive on collaboration and resilience. By engaging disruptive elements constructively and integrating flexibility into every layer of our work, we ensure that our communities remain robust and adaptable. Our initiatives, such as The Troll Project, channel potentially disruptive energy into roles that enhance community resilience.
Vision
We envision a future where virtual communities are inclusive and dynamic, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. By bridging gaps in leadership education for community leaders and world builders, we aim to foster spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Core Philosophy
At Bridge Makers, we believe in the power of constructive disruption. Counter-movements like Bridge Breakers are not adversaries but essential components of a balanced ecosystem. By providing space for these voices, we transform potential disruptions into opportunities for growth, preventing larger fractures through micro-breaks.
Key Initiatives
• Human on Purpose (HOP) Groups: We travel the multiverse together, exploring how we fear and flow as community builders, world builders, and humans.
HOP groups meet on: Tuesdays (Quest-friendly) and Thursdays (PCVR-friendly) from 7-9pm, fostering a shared journey of growth and understanding.
• Leadership Development: We offer conflict resiliency education aimed at social transformation. Our Leadership in Training (LIT) program addresses issues such as racism, sexism, trolling, LGBTQ+ prejudice, and challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
• Inclusive Community Building: We create and iterate on educational templates for building diverse and inclusive communities, ensuring that healthy community norms are established and maintained through immersive experiences.
• Bridge Shakers: Engages trolls early to channel their energy into constructive roles, such as system testers and creative provocateurs. This approach tests the resilience and flexibility of our communities.
Community and Core Group
Our community comprises established VR leaders, influencers in recovery, ex-trolls, and creators of immersive experiences. The core group includes leaders who innovate and transform social XR (Extended Reality) spaces, participating in weekly check-ins and monthly meetings to disseminate expertise and mentor new leaders.
Leadership
Bridge Makers is spearheaded by Dr. Ruth Diaz, a social scientist and conflict resiliency innovator. Dr. Diaz’s extensive experience in psychological frameworks and immersive reality innovations guides our mission and vision. Under her leadership, we aim to bridge the gap between vicarious consumers and collaborative communities.
Get Involved
We invite passionate individuals to join us in this journey. Whether as community leaders, volunteers, or partners, there are numerous ways to contribute to and benefit from our work. Together, we can create virtual communities that are not only resilient but also transformative.
For more information on our initiatives and how to get involved, please comment on a blog post to show you are starting this conversation with a contribution, and we will be in touch!