Building Bridges for America is an active nationwide all-volunteer grassroots group that formed in March 2020. We were initially led by volunteer leads from the Pete for America campaign who were determined to continue to use our grassroots skills, networks, and passions to work for progressive candidates from the White House to Georgia and local communities across the country. There are no days off, we work every day to provide programs for volunteers to continue the hard work of progress.
Our dedicated team trains and engages voters, volunteers, and leaders. We have hosted over 400 events and courses attended by thousands of Democrats from all 50 states. Our focus on volunteers with free virtual programs with a low bar of entry has allowed us to reach Democrats where traditional organizing cannot.
We fill a unique and needed niche in Democratic organizing. In order to provide the sustainability the role requires, we partnered with Public Democracy America to formalize our grassroots group in 2023 as Building Bridges for America Action Fund, a non-profit 501c(4).
what Drives us
our lenses
We strive to inform and engage ourselves in the work of delivering racial equity, bridging rural and urban communities, reforming our democracy, and creating a sense of belonging.
Who we are
Started by former grassroot leaders from the Pete Buttigieg Presidential campaign, our goal is to mobilize and empower grassroots leaders through leadership development, education, resource sharing, and opportunities for activism. Everyone is welcome whether experienced or new to progressive politics and causes.
Nebraska
Wes Jensen
Director, Social Media and Director, Book Club
Wes is an avid sports fan (Go Huskers!), beer drinker & socializer, but defending democracy through local & national activism is just as important to him.
Indiana
Caz Margenau
Co-Director, Leadership Development
Caz gives people agency to take control by providing them with the know-how to take real world action. She is driven to strengthen our democracy and make progress a reality.
Washington
Wes Edwards
Voter Registration Director
Wes Edwards has been involved in politics since he was a kid growing up in Georgia. Early inspirations were Jimmy Carter, Andrew Young and John Lewis. He has worked in the federal government and nonprofit sector. He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest. He has been part of Building Bridges since 2020, leading its effort to mobilize voters who are away from their voting home-- in military service or outside the country.
Indiana
Jenny Okamoto
Co-Director, Leadership Development
Jenny’s primary goal is to help people find their passion, talents, and strengths and help them to effect progressive change.
Kansas
Jodi Carter
Director, Heartland Movement
Jodi is a leading grassroots fundraiser and seeks to encourage political involvement with progressive campaigns and causes in the state of Kansas and the western half of Missouri.
Ohio
Melissa Hoin
Vetting Director, Roadmap for Progress
Melissa is a history and research nerd and avid sports fan who loves to connect inspirational candidates with volunteers to bring positive change to communities and politics.