What is the Block, Break, Bridge, Build framework?

by | Mar 9, 2025 | Blog | 0 comments

The Block, Bridge, Build framework, with the addition of “Break,” is an evolving strategy for pro-democracy movements to counter authoritarianism and promote inclusive, multi-racial democracy. This framework combines defensive and constructive approaches:

  1. Block: Resist authoritarian policies and protect democratic institutions through nonviolent methods12. This includes:
    • Mass mobilizations and rapid response actions
    • Pressing non-MAGA forces to defy executive branch mandates
    • Engaging at the local level to protect democratic processes
  2. Break: A civil resistance tactic involving strategic nonviolent action to disrupt complacency and raise awareness of key issues4.
  3. Bridge: Build understanding and relationships across diverse groups to3:
    • Break down unhelpful assumptions fueling polarization
    • Develop trust among diverse actors
    • Encourage active citizen engagement
  4. Build: Develop independent progressive power and create alternatives12. This involves:
    • Strengthening grassroots organizations
    • Deepening roots in working-class communities
    • Offering credible paths to implement programs that address majority needs

The framework emphasizes synergy between these elements, recognizing that resistance actions can build movement strength, while community-building increases capacity to resist attacks1. It aims to create a broad-based, diverse pro-democracy movement with various skills and experiences to effectively counter authoritarianism and promote inclusive democracy2.

Citations:

  1. https://convergencemag.com/articles/block-and-build-2-0/
  2. https://commonslibrary.org/block-bridge-build-playbook/
  3. https://commonslibrary.org/bridge-building-and-power-building-an-ecosystem-approach-to-social-change/
  4. https://belonging.berkeley.edu/podcast-leaning-paradox-how-we-can-block-bridge-build-our-democratic-future-together
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmt92brtjnI
  6. https://korbel.du.edu/sites/default/files/2021-11/Movement%20Building%20and%20Civil%20Resistance-%20Key%20Resources%20for%20Movement%20Organizers.pdf
  7. https://oxfordre.com/internationalstudies/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190846626.001.0001/acrefore-9780190846626-e-737?d=%2F10.1093%2Facrefore%2F9780190846626.001.0001%2Facrefore-9780190846626-e-737&p=emailAERBMzWbnU2kM
  8. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2158379X.2023.2168369

The Block, Bridge, Build framework, with the addition of “Break,” is closely aligned with Democracy Action Network’s (DAN) strategic approach and principles. This framework relates to DAN in several key ways:

  1. Alignment with Core Principles: The framework’s emphasis on nonviolent resistance and inclusive coalition-building mirrors DAN’s foundational principles of defending constitutional democracy and commitment to nonviolent action13.
  2. Strategic Approach: DAN’s three-phase strategy (Immediate Resistance, Democratic Restoration, and Democratic Renewal) corresponds well with the Block, Break, Bridge, Build framework:
    • “Block” aligns with DAN’s immediate resistance phase, focusing on protecting democratic institutions and resisting authoritarian policies16.
    • “Break” relates to DAN’s tactics of disrupting complacency and raising awareness through strategic nonviolent action3.
    • “Bridge” reflects DAN’s emphasis on inclusive coalition building and fostering national unity2.
    • “Build” corresponds to DAN’s long-term goals of democratic renewal and creating sustainable organizing structures13.
  3. Tactical Implementation: DAN has embraced tactics of nonviolence, noncooperation, and resistance, which are key components of the Block, Break, Bridge, Build framework36.
  4. Focus on Paradoxes: The framework acknowledges the paradoxes inherent in pro-democracy work, such as being in “resistance mode while also being restorative,” which aligns with DAN’s approach to navigating complex political landscapes3.
  5. Emphasis on Diverse Skills: Both the framework and DAN recognize the need for a broad-based, diverse movement with various skills and experiences to effectively counter authoritarianism13.
  6. Long-term Vision: The framework’s focus on building towards an inclusive, multi-racial democracy aligns with DAN’s goals for democratic renewal and fostering national cohesion13.

By adopting this framework, Democracy Action Network positions itself to effectively resist immediate threats to democracy while simultaneously working towards long-term democratic renewal and inclusive governance.

Citations:

  1. https://commonslibrary.org/block-bridge-build-playbook/
  2. https://commonslibrary.org/bridge-building-and-power-building-an-ecosystem-approach-to-social-change/
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmt92brtjnI
  4. https://belonging.berkeley.edu/podcast-leaning-paradox-how-we-can-block-bridge-build-our-democratic-future-together
  5. https://bridge-project.org
  6. https://www.reddit.com/r/democracyaction/comments/1iq8f95/organizing_principles_for_democracy_action/
  7. https://dividedwefall.org/bridge-building-ecosystem/
  8. https://www.naco.org/resource/bridging-divides-tools-county-leaders-overcome-division-and-foster-collaboration

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