Building Civic Bridges Act
Summary
The Building Civic Bridges Act aims to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 by establishing an Office of Civic Bridgebuilding within the Corporation for National and Community Service. This office would administer grant programs, provide training, support research, and foster public conversation around civic bridgebuilding. The Act emphasizes using scientific research and consultation to guide these efforts.
Expected Effects
The Act would create a new governmental office focused on promoting social cohesion and reducing polarization through civic engagement activities. It would also establish a pilot grant program to support local initiatives aimed at addressing community needs and fostering understanding across diverse groups. The Comptroller General would be required to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the grant program.
Potential Benefits
- Fosters respect and understanding between diverse communities.
- Supports social cohesion and reduces polarization.
- Addresses public concerns such as unmet human, educational, health care, environmental, or public safety needs.
- Provides resources, networking, and collaboration opportunities for civic bridgebuilding programs.
- Promotes the use of scientific research and best practices in civic engagement.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill explicitly states that no federal funds are authorized, relying solely on donations, which may limit the scope and sustainability of the program.
- The effectiveness of the program is dependent on the quality of research and consultation processes.
- There is a risk that the definition of 'civic bridgebuilding' could be interpreted differently by various groups, leading to potential conflicts or inefficiencies.
- The reliance on a pilot program with limited funding cycles may not provide sufficient time to demonstrate long-term impact.
- The success of the program hinges on the ability of the Office to effectively coordinate with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex social dynamics.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and ensuring domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble. The emphasis on free speech and assembly through civic engagement aligns with the First Amendment. The establishment of an office and grant program falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).