The Challenge
National observers widely agree the US justice system faces serious challenges. The system is expensive and strained, with high incarceration costs and overcrowded facilities. There is public concern about crime and safety, especially in urban and tourist areas, which fuels demands for change.
The Bridge Institute’s Role
The Bridge Institute is launching a justice breakthrough mission, to bring all parts of the ecosystem together through a breakthrough process, focusing first on Jacksonville, Florida.
The first priority is to meet key stakeholders and determine the strategic question. A draft question has been set out below.
“How can the government, business and civil society of Jacksonville come together to create a more equal, fair and cost-effective justice system?”
Our Approach
We believe the breakthrough solutions are already in the community. We aim to bring together courageous leaders, trusted mentors, inspired employers, and the young people most at risk - and equip them to co-create something powerful and lasting.
The first phase is to identify the points of leverage in the system. Potential points of leverage are illustrated below by the illustration of the late systems thinking pioneer, Donella Meadows.
The Bridge Institute is meeting with all parts of the ecosystem to determine the points of leverage that will uplift the whole system.
What’s Next
The Bridge Institute is aiming to host a Breakthrough Summit in Jacksonville, in the latter part of 2026.
The Summit will help all leaders to:
- See differently – uncover the real root causes of the challenges.
- Convene courageously – bring together unexpected allies.
- Create breakthrough – where insight meets possibility and action.
- Sustain transformation – through Changemakers and Impact Teams.
