On 18 September 2025, Princeton University’s Bridging Divides Initiative hosted a virtual launch for its discussion paper, “Understanding How the Community Safety and De-Escalation Ecosystem Is Responding to Political Violence Risk.” Over Zoom, Executive Director Shannon Hiller and Policy Director Theo Sitther introduced a panel of practitioners who shared insights from the paper and discussed practical approaches for supporting communities through heightened tensions in the United States.

Opening Remarks

Shannon Hiller welcomed attendees by framing the initiative’s focus on tracking and mitigating political violence while bolstering pluralist, multiracial democracy. She emphasized that the webinar reflects over three years of work to elevate de-escalation and community safety practices, driven by growing demand for concrete tools amid recent spikes in violence. Hiller noted that this session would draw on contributions from practitioners with decades of experience in communities across the country.

Policy Overview and Event Context

Theo Sitther provided an overview of the day’s agenda and the new discussion paper. Sitther explained that the paper is grounded in interviews with 32 practitioners and trainers conducted in early spring 2025. Although it does not capture every evolving dynamic, it offers a timely snapshot of community safety and de-escalation efforts, with the aim of fostering knowledge sharing and strengthening the ecosystem as the political context continues to shift.

Key Findings from the Discussion Paper

Yvette Dean, BDI Senior Research Specialist, presented the paper’s four main findings. First, surging demand for training has created both opportunities and obstacles for collaboration, particularly around differing approaches to law enforcement engagement. Second, definitions of community safety and de-escalation are expanding to include skills such as digital security. Third, while networks like Shanti Sena and the Trust Network provide infrastructure, many practitioners still lack regular information-sharing channels. Finally, funding has not kept pace with demand, leaving organizations under-resourced despite rising community needs.

Research Design and Methodology

Dr Mindy Burrell, Independent Peacebuilding Expert, described the research process underpinning the paper. Building on a 2023 convening, BDI formed an advisory committee and conducted a literature review before interviewing 34 practitioners from 30 organizations between January and March 2025. Burrell noted that, although law enforcement perspectives were not included here, the study applied a four-pillar field-building framework—actors and leaders; shared knowledge base; connective infrastructure; and supportive policy and funding—to analyze emerging trends.

Collaboration and Funding Perspectives

Che Johnson-Long, Vision Change Win’s Community Safety and Education Coordinator, reflected on the importance of collaboration in meeting high demand. Drawing on Vision Change Win’s eleven-year legacy rooted in Black Panther and Young Lords security traditions, she advocated for coalition-wide safety planning and shared skill-building to avoid duplication. Johnson-Long also urged funders to streamline grant requirements, invest in dedicated safety staff, and support planning for both high-visibility leaders and behind-the-scenes organizers.

Frontline Implementation in Protest Zones

Mary L. Hanna, Operations Manager at Meta Peace Teams, shared how decades of unarmed civilian protection work have adapted to rising threats. Once receiving only a handful of training requests each year, her team now fields urgent calls for bystander intervention and direct accompaniment at events ranging from Pride marches to high school performances. Hanna highlighted two bright spots: an interfaith coalition in Muskegon training ministers to become local de-escalation trainers, and a veterans’ group applying military-style strategic planning to nonviolent conflict prevention.

Election Worker Safety and De-Escalation

TJ Pyche, Director of Operations and Partnerships at The Elections Group, discussed his work connecting election jurisdictions with de-escalation resources. As election workers increasingly represent the public face of contentious processes, Pyche’s team has developed off-the-shelf materials that offices can integrate into existing poll-worker trainings. He recounted a mix-up in one jurisdiction where a poll worker accidentally attended a law-enforcement restraint class, underscoring the need for clear, role-appropriate guidance rather than advanced physical tactics.

Strengthening Field Infrastructure through Storytelling

Bill Froehlich, Director of the Divided Communities Project at Ohio State University, underscored the power of sharing practical vignettes to bridge silos across movements and disciplines. By showcasing diverse approaches—from community mediation centers to abolitionist groups—storytelling can foster collaboration, highlight gaps, and inspire adaptation. Froehlich encouraged institutions to convene both online and in-person, not only to exchange resources but also to cultivate the relationships that undergird sustainable field-building.

The webinar concluded with an open Q&A, during which panelists explored points of convergence—such as shared training modules and public education campaigns—and acknowledged areas of principled divergence, particularly around law enforcement engagement. Attendees were invited to download the discussion paper slides and access the Community Safety and De-Escalation Directory on the Bridging Divides Initiative website for further resources.

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The Princeton University’s Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) is a non-partisan research effort dedicated to tracking and mitigating political violence in the United States. By producing action-oriented data and analysis, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and advising policymakers and community leaders, BDI empowers stakeholders to build local resilience, de-escalate conflict, and strengthen a pluralistic, multi-racial democracy.

The Conf is a platform that reports on scholarly conferences, symposia, roundtables, book talks, and other academic events. It is managed by a group of students from leading American and European universities and is published by Alma Mater Europaea University, Location Vienna.