By Jared Mead and Nate Nehring / For The Herald
Last year, we co-founded The Building Bridges Project with the goal of promoting civil discourse and engaging in a respectful way with those whom we disagree with. As the old adage goes, “we can disagree without being disagreeable.”
We try our best to live up to this as local elected officials, and the launch of The Building Bridges Project has allowed us to engage with others in this important work. This effort has been extremely rewarding as we have had the opportunity to work with many organizations and groups, particularly students.
Over the course of this school year, we had the privilege of spending nearly 100 hours guest-teaching for five Advanced Placement government classes at Henry M. Jackson High School, one day a month during the academic year. The class visits included discussions on the history of polarization in our country, the dangers of excessive social media use and the hyper-partisan echo chambers which can be created online, and how we can each play a role in building a brighter future for our nation by humanizing our neighbors, especially the ones we disagree with.
In addition to these in-class conversations, we also had the opportunity to take the AP government students on a field trip to the State Capitol in Olympia, where the youths were able to witness firsthand the passage of a resolution related to civic health which they helped to write. A special thank you to state Sen. John Lovick for sponsoring that effort on behalf of the Jackson High School students. The students also led a community service project to collect food and clothing donations for those most in need in the local community.
Neither of us could have anticipated how much these students would be dedicated to the principle of civic health. We were and are amazed and inspired by their passion and feel enthusiastic optimism about the future of our community when this next generation of leaders takes charge. The students participated in an essay contest on how this work around civic health will impact their future, and the Daily Herald has graciously offered to print the five winning essays.
Working with these students has been immensely valuable and has taught us much about the critical role young people will play in bringing our divided nation together. We are sincerely grateful to the Everett School District and the staff at Henry M. Jackson High School (particularly teacher Jeana Schafte) for partnering with The Building Bridges Project on this program and we look forward to continuing to work with students and those of all ages across Snohomish County in the months and years to come.
To celebrate the achievements of these students as well as highlight the current and future work of The Building Bridges Project, the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce will host The Building Bridges Summit later this month. The event is free to attend and all are welcome. Please consider joining us from 6 to 7:30 p.m.. Thursday, June 26 at the Washington State University-Everett. RSVP for this event at tinyurl.com/BBSummit2025.
Nate Nehring and Jared Mead co-founded The Building Bridges Project. Each also serves as Snohomish County Council members, representing different political parties.
Leading by listening first
The Building Bridges Project taught me how to communicate better with people who have different perspectives.
In today’s world, conversations often turn into arguments, especially about politics or social issues. This program showed me the importance of listening, staying respectful and finding common ground. These skills will help me in my daily life and future career.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is the value of listening. Instead of focusing on what I want to say next, I now try to understand the other person’s perspective. This has helped me in school, sports, and everyday conversations. As a team captain in golf and swimming, I often solve conflicts and make sure everyone feels heard. Thanks to this program, I’ve become a better leader by listening first and speaking second.
The project also taught me how to have respectful discussions, even when I disagree with someone. Social media often encourages arguments, but this program showed me a better way.
I’ve learned to stay calm, be patient, and look for shared values. These skills will help me in any career, whether in business, law, or public service.
The Building Bridges Project changed how I approach discussions. Instead of seeing differences as barriers, I now see them as opportunities to learn. I will carry these lessons with me in school, leadership, and my future career.
— Lindsay Catli
Politics doesn’t have to polarize
If I’m honest, I didn’t even think about civic health before Nate and Jared came into our class. When we started having discussions about polarization in politics, it opened my eyes to something that I didn’t even know was an issue. I thought politics were supposed to be heated and emotionally messy. Their lessons for Building Bridges made me realize that having conversations about politics doesn’t have to be polarizing and uncomfortable. Although being uncomfortable is natural, keeping an open mind and humanizing the “other side” is what fosters civic health.
Often times, we can immediately close off our compassion or empathy for people who think differently than us in any form or fashion. In political conversations, it may be that someone voted differently than you or are apart of a different political party. Jared and Nate talked about how they were able to find common ground, about being dads and having families, despite their belonging to different political parties. They called each other up when they wanted an opposing perspective on their ideas or policies.
Knowing that they both enjoyed each other’s company, had compassion for each other and they could talk openly about politics changed my mind about how I approach political conversations, especially with some of my family and also my friends. I know that in any situation from now on, I will strive to have the same understanding and compassion that the Building Bridges project teaches about.
— Grace Jones
Excited about a future in politics
I couldn’t have imagined that one of the most impactful moments in my life would happen in Mrs. Schafte’s third-period AP Government class, thanks to the Building Bridges Project. When Jared, Nate and Josh Estes walked into the classroom and started discussing a Snohomish County issue, I felt something inside of me click. After class got out that day, I immediately texted my mom and said this is where I’m meant to be, and what I’m meant to do.
The Building Bridges Project inspired me to follow a dream deep inside me that I always assumed was unrealistic. Not only have their experiences guided me to a career pathway I’m very passionate about, but the lessons they’ve taught me along the way have been very insightful. Leading up to the Olympia visit, I was ecstatic. Getting the opportunity to meet state representatives, legislators, and our senator was a life-changing experience for me.
I left the Capitol that day feeling inspired and felt a calling to the profession. I was inspired to see average everyday people working in such a high profession, and knowing that they work hard to fight for changes in our state. Although I owe it all to the Building Bridges Project, without their guidance and the opportunities they provided, I wouldn’t be who I am today. They have taught me that no dream is unachievable and have given me the confidence to one day work in a political position.
— Madison Spano
Seeing issues from the ‘other’ side
Building Bridges has been a very eye-opening experience for me. After the 2024 election I realized I had been living in an echo chamber of my own political beliefs. While shameful to admit, I’d never even considered that other people had such differing opinions from my own. I was quick to write off members of the opposing party as “crazy” or “brainwashed.” but seeing politicians of opposite parties interacting so regularly helped me realize how immature my thought process had been.
As I enter my adult life it’s becoming increasingly important to build strong connections, and it would be unfortunate if I let differing political views dictate my choices. One of the activities that most helped me realize how dangerous political polarization is was when we had to argue for an assigned side of a political issue. I was assigned something completely different to my own views, and although my research didn’t change my opinion it did help humanize the other side for me. In fact someone in my group for that exercise had a view different from mine.
It was such a simple instance, but it really helped clear up some of my misconceptions. The Building Bridges program has helped me grow as a student and a person.
— Emmaline Beatty
Starting from common ground of shared values
The Building Bridges Project is more than just a political initiative; it is a mindset that can transform the way we interact with others in our daily lives and future careers. When I first learned about this project, I was struck by its emphasis on respect, dialogue and understanding across differing viewpoints.
These values are not only essential in politics but also in personal relationships, workplaces and community interactions. By adopting the principles of the Building Bridges Project, I have found ways to enhance my communication skills, develop leadership qualities and foster a culture of collaboration in my own life.
In daily life, disagreements are inevitable, whether with family, friends or colleagues. However, rather than allowing differences to create division, I have learned to approach conversations with an open mind, seeking to understand before being understood. The Building Bridges Project teaches that productive dialogue starts with respect, and I have found that simply listening to others’ perspectives without immediately reacting defensively leads to more meaningful conversations. For example, when discussing social or political issues with friends who have opposing views, I remind myself that our shared values — such as kindness and a desire for a better future — can serve as common ground for a respectful exchange of ideas.
Beyond personal interactions, the principles of the Building Bridges Project are also crucial in professional settings. In any workplace, collaboration is key to success. Miscommunication and conflicts can arise when individuals approach problems from different angles, but by fostering a culture of respect and understanding, teamwork can become more effective.
As someone who aspires to a leadership role in my career, I see the value in promoting civil discourse and compromise. Leaders who practice these values create inclusive environments where employees feel heard, respected, and motivated to contribute. By integrating these ideals into my approach to teamwork, I am preparing myself to handle workplace challenges with professionalism and grace.
Additionally, networking and career advancement often require the ability to build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether attending conferences, job interviews or networking events, I recognize the importance of maintaining a respectful and open-minded attitude. The ability to connect with individuals who may think differently is a skill that can open doors to new opportunities. Through the Building Bridges Project, I have gained insight into how empathy and constructive dialogue can strengthen these professional connections, making me more adaptable and resilient in an increasingly diverse workforce.
Ultimately, the lessons from the Building Bridges Project are not limited to political discussions; they are essential life skills. By embracing respectful dialogue, fostering collaboration, and striving for mutual understanding, I am better equipped to navigate personal relationships and professional challenges. As I continue to apply these principles, I am confident that they will help me become a more effective communicator, a stronger leader, and a more compassionate member of my community.
— Ryan Yeon
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