February 2025
February is sweeping the world along in a brisk wind of change and disquiet. Many in the human rights sector are struggling to imagine what will come next, while many of our long-time defenders are reminding us: This is the work we do.
These challenges have always been here; taking different forms, with shifting names, identities, and methods of attack, and there are times when they are powerful and times when they are in retreat. Our work was here yesterday, and it will be here tomorrow. So, what can we do when the challenges mount?
During the recent webinar Executive Actions and Their Impact on Charitable Nonprofits, Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits said,
“2025 will be a tremendously consequential year for the nonprofit sector. Put simply, there isn’t a way for the nonprofit sector to end 2025 in a neutral place.
We’ll either end this year on a spectrum of harm; either somewhat harmed…to potentially decimated. Or, we’ll end it strengthened. And not just in spite of, but because of these challenges we’ve faced.”
So this month, Mindbridge shares our work with you with hope, and with invitation: join us to learn more about our programs. Our Healing Racial Trauma Initiative will be expanding this month. The Mindbridge Institute will be offering courses that help navigate the very difficult landscape of divided culture the world is experiencing. Our Research and Development team has been hard at work in applying science to human rights. And our book club for February features Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals by Alexis Pauline Gumbs.
So, in Diane’s words:
“If we do this right, we as a sector can be strengthened. Through new partnerships and collaborations, expanded coalitions. Through clear and robust communications to shore up support for nonprofits. We will be strengthened by new legal strategies. And we’ll be strengthened most of all by uniting as a sector to respond to and defeat these threats.”
Mindbridge will remain committed to working for human rights, collaborating and calling in our partners in this mission.
Onward.
- Mindbridge Center
February Program Recap
The Mindbridge Institute is excited to share that we have two free online courses happening next month!
Bridging Divides: Turning Conflict into Conversation.
This course is for anyone who wants to better understand today’s ideological shifts and develop the skills to engage loved ones with compassion, critical thinking, and confidence.
The U.S. faces a rapidly changing social and political landscape, with rising polarization and extreme beliefs straining relationships, organizations, and communities. When someone you care about begins adopting harmful or radical ideologies, it can be painful, confusing, and even isolating. Understanding how these beliefs take root—and learning how to respond with empathy and clarity—can make all the difference.
Join us for Bridging Divides: Turning Conflict into Conversation, a free live online course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate these difficult discussions. We’ll explore how extremist ideologies spread and practice strategies for engaging in meaningful, constructive dialogue without deepening divisions.
With reinvigorated energy from the start of the new year, the RED team, like many, spent much of 2025’s first weeks setting research goals and laying the groundwork needed to accomplish these objectives in the coming months.
Following our submission to present findings from our recent Countering Extremism’s Directive pilot research at the 2025 American Psychological Association (APA) Convention, we began consulting with members of the Mindbridge Institute on critical follow-up research. This research is aimed at utilizing and expanding on existing evidence-based interventions to target the psychological drivers that foster political and ideological radicalization.
The start of the RED team’s new year also saw the conclusion of several long-term collaborative projects, including our recent research with a national partner, which started in May of 2024. The RED team is currently analyzing data collected from seven survey distribution cycles on behalf of our partner organization, with well over 10,000 respondents to offer insights into American’s beliefs and attitudes towards key social issues in the United States leading up to and following the 2024 election.
As RED looks towards the remainder of 2025, we are also looking forward to the start of a large-scale, multi-year collaborative research partnership and excitedly await the opportunity to share more about this work in the coming months. Stay tuned!
This month HRTI will be holding our 2nd Advisory Committee meeting, with a few new additions to the team! We plan to touch on several topics about creating culturally sensitive and relevant programming through HRTI for the BIPOC community in Maine.
Our team will soon begin to accept applications for an upcoming training series with Dr. Janeé Steele! We are looking for 20 eager individuals ready to learn about culturally sensitive therapy techniques - stay tuned for more details!
Every month, a member of the Mindbridge team will highlight a piece of media (book, podcast, movie, etc) that connects to our central mission and values.
This month’s book recommendation is Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals by Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Focused on the subversive and transformative lessons of marine animals, this meditative book delves into various topics surrounding social justice. Gumbs is an American poet and activist who self describes herself as a “Queer Black Troublemaker” and “Black Feminist Love Evangelist”.
A Mindbridge team member writes: “If you have any sort of connection to the ocean- and you are also a fan of Mindbridge- this book is scratches both itches”.
“The prevailing explanation is that dolphins evolved the dense tissue that became dorsal fins because they needed to in order to live in the wild movement of the ocean. In other words, dolphins evolved dorsal fins from practice across generations. By accepting that the ocean would always move, and becoming accordingly. An embodied emphasis towards balance.”
Happenings & Events
This new platform gives you direct access to longer-form content that dives deep into human rights issues, and explores the fascinating intersection of psychology and neuroscience.
We're passionate about making this information accessible to everyone, which is why subscribing is completely FREE! These findings and conversations shouldn't be behind a paywall.
However, if you’re interested in supporting our mission, we’ve also launched a monthly paid subscriber option of just $5 a month - about the price of a cup of coffee. Every little bit helps us continue this important work.
Upcoming Days of Observance:
2/1: Black History Month
February 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to honor and recognize the contributions, history, and culture of Black people throughout American history. Now more than ever, this encourages us to reflect on the ongoing struggles for equity and justice, while also highlighting the achievements and resilience of the Black community.
2/11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
February 11th is dedicated to the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrating the crucial role women and girls play in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The day advocates for gender equality in these fields and highlights the need to empower and support women in pursuing education and careers in science.
2/12: International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism
On February 12th, the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism is observed, focusing on the importance of fostering peace and preventing violence. In the present landscape, it is vital to better address the root causes of extremism while also promoting effective peacebuilding strategies.
2/20: World Day of Social Justice
February 20th marks the World Day of Social Justice, emphasizing our need to address issues like poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Achieving justice for all requires inclusive economic growth, equal access to opportunities, and the promotion and advocacy of human rights.
