News and updates from the
dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement field
December 2024

A reflection from NCDD's Executive Director, Keiva Hummel​

As we enter 2025, the NCDD team has been reflecting on all we accomplished together over the past year. While the holidays brought a welcome opportunity to rest and recharge, we are excited to take a moment to share the highlights of 2024 before diving into all that this new year has in store. Thank you for being part of this incredible community and for your continued support as we strengthen dialogue, deliberation, our connections, and our communities!

Accomplishments in 2024

• Updated Member Map: We fully updated the NCDD Member Map to improve its functionality, allowing members to be searched based on region and area of work. This makes it easier for members to be tapped for professional opportunities and collaborations. Explore the map: ncdd.org/map.html
• NCDD Jobs and Internship Board: We launched the NCDD Jobs and Internship Board, a centralized resource to help members connect with professional opportunities in dialogue, deliberation, and civic engagement. This board supports practitioners in advancing their careers while helping organizations find talented individuals in the field. More here: ncdd.org/dd-jobs-internship-board 
• Working Groups and Collaboratives: We launched key working groups and collaboratives this year. Learn more: ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html
  • Media Collaborative: This group focuses on strengthening relationships between the engagement field and journalism.
  • Higher Ed Exchange: Connecting practitioners in higher education for learning and collaboration.
  • Emerging Leaders Initiative: A space dedicated to practitioners under 35 who are newer to the field.
• Conversation Café Transition: We successfully moved the Conversation Café website and information onto the NCDD website, ensuring these vital resources are more accessible to our community. Check it out: ncdd.org/conversationcafe.html
• Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy: After beginning development of this initiative at the start of 2024 and officially launching it in the summer, we have hosted monthly forums and a monthly Community of Practice ever since. These events connect and support practitioners in dialogue, deliberation, facilitation, and mediation to strengthen democracy and foster impactful collaboration. Dive deeper: ncdd.org/practitionermobilization.html

Personnel Updates

• Leadership Transitions: After over five years of exceptional service as Executive Director, Courtney Breese transitioned into the role of Director Emeritus. Courtney continues to share her invaluable wisdom and insight, focusing on NCDD’s library engagement work. Keiva Hummel stepped into the Executive Director position, bringing fresh energy and vision to the coalition. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and a deep passion for fostering meaningful connections, Keiva is excited to guide NCDD into a new chapter of growth and impact.
• New Team Members: We welcomed Izzy Henry as Communications Coordinator after meeting her at the 2023 NCDD conference. Roshan Bliss returned as Director of Democracy Innovations, strengthening our work in meaningful ways.

Board Updates

• New Board Member: We are thrilled to welcome Rhonda Fitzgerald to our board. Her vibrance, knowledge, and expertise will be a tremendous asset as we grow and strengthen NCDD.
• Gratitude for Past Board Members: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Brad O’Rourke and Hollie Cost (HoCo) for their years of dedication and service on the board. Their insight and contributions have deeply impacted our coalition, and while their presence will be missed, we wish them the very best in their future endeavors.

Join or Renew Your Membership

As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you to deepen your connection to this thriving community by becoming a member of NCDD or renewing your membership. Being part of NCDD gives you access to an incredible network of innovators in dialogue, deliberation, and facilitation. 

Members benefit from:

• Access to a wealth of information and resources to support your work.
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from leaders in the field.
• Invitations to exclusive events, forums, and learning exchanges.

Your membership strengthens NCDD’s ability to provide valuable programs, foster collaboration, and drive innovation in dialogue and deliberation. Together, we can amplify our collective impact and continue to create meaningful change. Learn more and join the coalition: ncdd.org/join.html

Support the Coalition

In addition to membership, we would like to invite you to support NCDD by making a donation. Your contributions help us pay our dedicated staff, sustain programming, and bring together even more events in the coming year. Every gift strengthens our ability to foster dialogue, deliberation, and connection across communities. Please help us build a stronger coalition by donating today: ncdd.org/donate.html

Looking Forward

Thank you for being a part of the NCDD community. Reflecting on 2024, we are energized by the opportunities to grow and strengthen our coalition.

In 2025, we are excited to focus on building our coalition membership, increasing funding to ensure NCDD is a sustainable and thriving organization, and deepening our regional organizing efforts. We also aim to expand event hosting opportunities to foster even greater collaboration and connection. Most importantly, we are working to evolve NCDD into a true coalition model, where members play an even more integral role in shaping our shared mission and impact.

We look forward to collaborating with you in these efforts and invite you to join us in driving this vision forward. Together, we can continue to strengthen dialogue, deliberation, our democracy, and our communities.

Keiva Hummel
Executive Director
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD)

1. Join the NCDD Network and participate in monthly member calls!

Being a member of the NCDD network is making a commitment to be in community together and to explore the next steps we can take to continue to broaden the reach of dialogue & deliberation practices. One of the ways we create community is by hosting monthly Member Calls on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific. These calls are meant to provide an opportunity for members to come together and share exciting announcements with one another, as well as give us as a community additional opportunities to connect, explore best practices, discuss challenges, and collaborate. ​
 
Want to join these opportunities? Join NCDD as a member to get access to these calls and more! If you are not sure about your membership status, please check with our office manager, Joy, at Joy@ncdd.org. 
 

1. Got News to Share? Submit it to the NCDD Blog!

NCDD has been blogging for the dialogue and deliberation community since 2004 about job and funding opportunities, training and conferences, national projects and media coverage, and NCDD’s own programs and events.  We also use the blog to share thoughtful opinion pieces by NCDD members and leaders, and to propose new ideas. Do you have an announcement or opinion piece to share? Submit it now!
 

1. New Book or materials? Share them in the NCDD Resource Center!

The NCDD Resource Center is a clearinghouse of top-notch resources that help people facilitate, teach, plan, evaluate and study dialogue and deliberation. We aim to present each resource in a useful, practical way (not too puff piece-y, jargony or generic), and link directly to the resource so people can get to what they need quickly. Submit your resource here. ​

A Note from NCDD's Executive Director,
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday—a global celebration of generosity and a chance to invest in the work that truly makes a difference. At NCDD, we don’t just talk about change—we create the spaces where it happens. We are the hub for dialogue and deliberation, connection and collaboration, bringing people and communities together to tackle the toughest challenges of our time.
Why NCDD? Because we help communities connect and thrive.
At NCDD, we bring people together to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and work collaboratively toward solutions. Whether addressing pressing challenges, offering practical tools and resources, or creating opportunities to build relationships across sectors, NCDD strengthens the bonds that unite us and creates space for meaningful action.
Your tax-deductible gift makes a tangible impact by helping us:

• Sustain Our Team: Provide vital support for the people behind NCDD’s work to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.
• Expand Access: Ensure membership opportunities and programs are available to anyone interested in engaging with this important work, regardless of financial barriers.
• Host Transformative Convenings: Bring people together in spaces where ideas are exchanged, relationships are built, and actionable solutions emerge.
• Support Emerging Leaders: Equip individuals and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and connections to strengthen their communities.

This is your opportunity to invest in a movement of connection and collaboration. Supporting NCDD means fostering a future where people come together to understand one another better, address shared challenges, and create stronger communities. With the year coming to a close, now is the perfect time to make a tax-deductible contribution and help sustain this vital work.
Visit www.ncdd.org/donate today to make your Giving Tuesday gift. Your generosity ensures that NCDD can continue creating spaces where connection and collaboration flourish.
Want to do more?

• Join NCDD or renew your membership and recommit to strengthening dialogue and relationships.
• Gift a membership and introduce someone new to this inspiring community.

The time to act is now. Let’s build a future where dialogue, collaboration, and shared understanding unite us all. Be part of something bigger. Be part of NCDD.

​Keiva Hummel
Executive Director
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD)

As we reflect on last month’s election, sustaining and strengthening democratic practices is more critical than ever. Through your dedication to practice, reflection, and connection, you play a vital role in fostering the dialogue and collaboration that uphold the values of democracy in our communities. Democracy is not limited to Election Day—it is an ongoing journey built through everyday actions that promote understanding, trust, and shared purpose.
​
Below are key updates for the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) initiative as we continue this essential work together.

December PMD Forum: Closing the Year Together
To continue our shared work and accommodate the holiday season, we’ve scheduled a special December PMD forum:

• December 17 at 10am PT / 1pm ET – Closing the year with insights and shared visions for 2025
• Theme: Closing the year with insights and shared visions for 2025

This forum will allow us to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, exchange ideas, and shape our collective path forward. If you haven’t yet, mark your calendar or sign up for more information—and consider inviting colleagues and peers to join this important conversation.

Explore Our New Website Space and Share Feedback
We’re excited to announce the updated website here on the NCDD site! This space is designed to be a comprehensive resource and engagement hub for the PMD initiative. We invite you to explore the site and share any feedback to help us continue improving it. Check it out at ncdd.org/practitionermobilization.html 

PMD Listserv Options: Stay Connected and Engaged
To keep our network informed and engaged, we offer two PMD listservs:

• PMD-INFO: A one-way listserv for key updates, announcements, and resources from the PMD initiative. Subscribe by sending a blank email to: PMD-INFO-subscribe-request@lists.ncdd.org
• PMD-DISCUSSION: A collaborative discussion platform for practitioners to share insights, explore strategies, and connect with peers. Subscribe by sending a blank email to: PMD-DISCUSSION-subscribe-request@lists.ncdd.org. To join the conversation, email: PMD-DISCUSSION@lists.ncdd.org.

A Commitment to Dialogue and Respect
As the post-election period continues, your work as mediators and facilitators is more vital than ever. Democracy is a practice rooted in listening, understanding, and collaboration—and your efforts show what is possible when we make space for respectful and constructive conversations.

Let’s use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our communities and ourselves. Thank you for continuing to show up in meaningful ways and for being part of this collective effort to build connection and trust in our democracy.
​
Together for community,
The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Team

• A Braver Way Podcast: Election Survival Guide
• Collaborative Communication Takes Center Stage in IF's Workshop Series
• A Braver Way Podcast: "Ask Me Anything" Edition
• Post-Election Resources from Essential Partners for Connection and Healing
• Six Tips for Dialogue & Understanding This Holiday Season
• Ordinary Citizens Tackle Youth Homelessness in Oregon
• Help Choose the 2024 Aicher Impact Award Winners, Voting Open Now

Read more D&D information on the NCDD Blog at: www.ncdd.org/news

​
​An Extended Note from NCDD's Executive Director,

In today’s world, democratic values face challenges from rising polarization and declining trust in institutions. At a time when public discourse often feels fragmented, dialogue and deliberation have become essential tools for building trust, bridging divides, and fostering community resilience. Democracy, at its core, rests on the principle that all voices deserve to be heard, regardless of political stance. By cultivating spaces where diverse perspectives can coexist and be respected, dialogue and deliberation ensure that policies are inclusive, reflecting a broad spectrum of experiences and values.

Dialogue and Deliberation: Essential Pillars of Democracy
Democracy relies not just on voting and representation but on the strength of our connections and the ability to find common ground, especially during times of division. Dialogue and deliberation are two foundational practices that bring these connections to life, offering structured ways for individuals to engage, listen, and understand one another’s unique perspectives. Each practice plays a distinct role in fostering democratic values: dialogue fosters empathy and mutual respect, while deliberation channels these connections into meaningful, actionable solutions. Together, they create a pathway for people to move beyond disagreement toward collaboration, navigating even the most complex challenges with integrity and inclusivity.

Dialogue allows people to share their stories, listen deeply, and connect on a personal level. By nurturing understanding and empathy, dialogue helps individuals see beyond labels and stereotypes, fostering a sense of shared humanity. Through genuine listening and open exchange, dialogue builds trust among participants, creating a foundation for productive engagement.

Deliberation moves conversations toward collective action by inviting people to weigh different viewpoints, consider trade-offs, and collaboratively develop solutions. This process ensures that decisions are informed, inclusive, and considerate of all voices. Deliberation empowers communities to face even the most challenging topics together, transforming differences into strengths and enabling more balanced, sustainable outcomes.

In practice, dialogue and deliberation not only foster empathy and collective action but also anchor the democratic process itself. By engaging communities in open conversations and collaborative decision-making, these practices allow individuals to actively participate in shaping policies that reflect shared values and goals. This approach doesn’t just resolve immediate issues; it strengthens the core principles of democracy—self-governance, civic responsibility, and inclusivity—making communities more resilient and better equipped to face future challenges.

How Dialogue and Deliberation Strengthen Democracy
Dialogue and deliberation empower communities and support a resilient democracy through:

• Building Trust and Bridging Divides: Structured conversations create safe spaces for open dialogue, fostering trust and unity across social, political, and cultural divides. By actively listening, participants find common ground and build a shared purpose. 
• Promoting Transparency: Dialogue and deliberation invite open discussion and transparent information-sharing, fostering accountability in public decisions.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Dialogue brings diverse perspectives together, generating innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Encouraging Civic Responsibility: Meaningful conversations about community issues instill a sense of civic duty and responsibility. 
• Reducing Polarization: By fostering empathy and understanding, dialogue and deliberation reduce partisan hostility.
• Empowering Citizens: Inclusive deliberation enables individuals to make informed choices, actively participate, and take ownership of community decisions, fostering engaged and resilient citizenship. 

Democracy Is for Everyone: Bridging Ideological Divides
In these polarized times, even the term “democracy” can feel divisive. Different groups in recent years have often used it to champion their ideals while questioning the legitimacy of others, turning “democracy” into a rhetorical tool rather than a shared value. This selective framing risks overshadowing the true essence of democracy as a system designed to be inclusive and representative of all voices. At its core, democracy is for everyone, creating a foundation where diverse perspectives can coexist, engage, and contribute to a shared future.

The strength of democracy lies in its ability to resonate across ideologies, fostering a system where a variety of values coexist and contribute to collective decisions. For those who identify as conservative, democracy aligns with values like personal responsibility, individual freedoms, and thoughtful engagement in governance. Dialogue and deliberation uphold these values by encouraging reasoned, respectful exchanges that allow voices to be heard and respected. For those with liberal views, democracy embodies inclusivity, equality, and empathy. Dialogue and deliberation amplify marginalized voices, fostering empathy and driving decision-making that reflects a broader social conscience. Ultimately, democracy thrives on its ability to balance diverse perspectives, creating a shared space where different ideals can shape policies that reflect the community as a whole.

NCDD’s Role in Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue and Deliberation
The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) serves as a vital convener and resource center dedicated to advancing the practices of dialogue and deliberation. Our work unites people across sectors and society to foster conversations and collaboration that strengthen democracy. Through national conferences, regular networking calls, and accessible resources, we bring dialogue and deliberation to the widest possible audience. These initiatives and tools empower individuals and organizations with essential skills for fostering inclusive, participatory environments where every voice is valued.

Join us in this essential work. Whether by becoming a member, attending our events, or supporting us with a donation, you directly contribute to programs that bring dialogue and deliberation to life in communities across the nation. Your support allows us to expand our reach, develop new resources, and create spaces for the conversations that nurture democratic engagement and civic capacity.

Democracy depends on each of us doing the hard work of listening, deliberating, and acting together. Dialogue and deliberation are not only tools for democratic engagement—they are at the heart of it. In a time of increasing polarization, these practices remind us of what we can achieve when we come together, connect, and collaborate. Help us strengthen the democratic foundation we all share. By supporting dialogue and deliberation, you contribute to a resilient, well-informed democracy where every voice plays a part in shaping our collective future.

For a resilient democracy,

Keiva Hummel
Executive Director
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD)

At the beginning of 2024, NCDD began to roll out our new collaborative working groups and higher education exchange. Learn updates below...

Emerging Leaders Initiative: For people 35 years and under

• We are currently working to establish a new monthly meeting time, if you are part of this group, please fill out this form so we can see when works best! 

Media Collaborative: Join this working group to collaborate on strengthening the connection between D&D and journalism.

• These calls will be monthly on the second Tuesday. The next call is Tuesday, November 12th at 12-1pm Eastern, 9-10am Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here.

Higher Education Exchange: Community of practice tailored for faculty and staff in higher education engaged in dialogue and deliberation work.

• Join us on Tuesday, December 3rd at 1:30-2:30pm Eastern, 10:30-11:30am Pacific. Catch up on the notes linked here.

​Find full details on each of the groups on the NCDD Working Group & Exchange page at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

A few NCDD events happening this upcoming month... Please join us!

• November 12th: Media Collaborative meeting from 12-1pm ET, 9-10am PT
• November 14th: BUILD Community of Practice from 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT. Learn more.
• November 19th: Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy monthly forum at 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT. Sign up here!
• November 20th: NCDD Member call from 2-3pm ET, 11am-12pm PT

​To join the working groups and/or learning exchange, find information at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Check out the NCDD Community Event Calendar for more: ncdd.org/community-events.html. Want to add something to the calendar? Reach out to izzy@ncdd.org.

​Executive Director Updates from September: 

NCDD Members and Friends,
As we navigate an important chapter in NCDD’s journey, I’m excited to share how we’re advancing our mission and building toward a more connected, empowered, and engaged community. It’s inspiring to witness the collective energy of our members as we continue strengthening our coalition, expanding our membership, and securing the resources we need to thrive.

Strengthening Our Coalition
Our strength lies in the diversity and passion of our community, and we’re continuously working to bring people together in meaningful ways. One of the most exciting developments is the growing momentum of our Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy initiative, which connects facilitators and mediators nationwide, empowering them to take action in democracy and their communities. Just announced on the blog today - We’re excited to share the launch of our brand-new Conversation Café page on the NCDD website! This comprehensive resource is your go-to guide for hosting and participating in open dialogues, featuring essential tools, tips, and information on upcoming events. Explore the page today and discover how you can join the conversation! These updates are just the beginning as we continue to fortify the spaces that unite us in dialogue.

Growing Our Membership
Our coalition’s growth is not just about numbers—it’s about broadening our reach and deepening our impact. We’re launching an ambitious membership campaign that embodies the spirit of community and shared purpose at the heart of NCDD - "Growing the Power of We: Dialogue as the Heartbeat of Democracy". Now more than ever, we need to bring new voices into our conversations, and I invite each of you to play a role in this effort. Together, we can amplify the power of dialogue to strengthen democracy and create lasting change. Stay tuned for more about how you can help spread the word and grow this movement with us. We’re also proud of our enhanced Member Directory, designed to foster stronger connections, highlight the incredible work happening across our network, and create new opportunities for collaboration.

Securing Major Funding
Alongside these initiatives, securing the resources necessary to support our vision remains a top priority. We’ve set bold goals to ensure we have the funding required to fuel NCDD’s ongoing work, including paying our critical staff, enhancing our programs, providing more opportunities for members, and supporting key initiatives like our Practitioner Mobilization. This effort to secure major funding is crucial to our success, and with your support, we are closer to reaching these milestones. If you have ideas or connections to help us secure major funding, I would love to hear from you at keiva@ncdd.org.

Relatedly, we are launching three strategic subcommittees focused on fundraising, program development, and building strategic relationships—all aimed at securing transformative funding and ensuring NCDD’s long-term growth and success. We invite you to join us! Learn more about each subcommittee and sign up using the link here.

Thank you for being part of this journey with NCDD. Together, we are making a real difference in how communities engage with and shape democracy. Let’s continue to build on this momentum as we move into our next exciting phase!

Warm regards,
Keiva Hummel
Executive Director
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD)

NCDD Launches 2024 Membership Campaign! 
​
The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024 membership campaign, "Growing the Power of We: Dialogue as the Heartbeat of Democracy." This campaign is centered on bringing people together to strengthen democracy through meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts. At the core of NCDD’s mission is the belief that constructive and inclusive dialogue can empower both individuals and communities, fostering greater understanding and action.

Key Campaign Goals:
This year’s membership campaign has three major goals, starting with a bold aim to grow our membership by 45% in just one quarter. We’re welcoming both new members and renewals as part of this effort. Alongside membership growth, we want to boost engagement—setting a target to increase participation in NCDD’s events, forums, and webinars by 15%. These opportunities provide spaces for members to collaborate, share ideas, and deepen their skills in dialogue and deliberation. Additionally, we’re working to raise $50,000 to support important initiatives, such as expanding resources, enhancing the member directory, and funding the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy initiative.

Why Join NCDD?
By joining NCDD, you’re not just becoming part of a network—you’re becoming part of a movement. Together, we champion the critical link between dialogue and democracy. Don’t wait too long—this campaign and its special offers are only available for a limited time. Now is the perfect opportunity to take action and be part of something bigger. Your membership will contribute directly to initiatives that address pressing societal issues, promoting understanding and inspiring positive change. As an NCDD member, you’ll receive a range of exclusive benefits, including early access to valuable resources, event discounts, spotlight on NCDD platforms and in the monthly newsletter, and invitations to members-only webinars. As a special perk, anyone who joins during this campaign will receive a limited-edition NCDD toolkit, available only this month.

How to Join:
Joining NCDD is simple. Click here to visit our dedicated membership page and sign up or renew today. But don’t wait too long—this campaign and its special offers are only available for a limited time. Now is the perfect opportunity to take action and be part of something bigger.

Love NCDD? Tell us in the membership campaign survey!
We are excited to invite you to participate in our 2024 membership campaign survey! As we launch the "Growing the Power of We: Dialogue as the Heartbeat of Democracy" campaign, we want to celebrate our members' incredible impact. We’re asking you to share your experience with NCDD, and how the network has supported your work in the dialogue and deliberation community. Your quotes may be featured in our campaign materials to inspire others to join us in strengthening democracy. Fill out the survey here!

Additional NCDD Announcements: Join the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy
​
We are a unified coalition of individuals and organizations who share a profound belief in the inclusive and deliberative nature of democracy. Now more than ever, our country requires the expertise of conflict-competent practitioners to navigate tensions and mend societal fractures. With the skills you have, your conscious participation in any democratic process will be transformative. Our mission is to ignite and inspire a diverse coalition of collaborative engagement practitioners to actively participate in revitalizing democracy and local engagement. 

​Join the Monthly Forum (Fourth Thursdays): Sign up here!
Time: 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT 
Upcoming Forum: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 

​Join the BUILD Community of Practice
BUILD Community of Practice is a lab and learning space for conflict engagement and other practitioners who are working on pro-democracy efforts. It is also a ‘connecting space’ for lay and professional practitioners who are just beginning to explore how to bring their skills to community-building and democracy spaces. 

​Upcoming Dates: Monthly BUILD Community of Practice

• October 10th, 10am PT, 1pm ET
• And every 2nd Thursday of the month, moving forward. 

​Sign Up Here: For the Community of Practice monthly event.

NCDD Partner Announcements: 

• The Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI) and AAC&U’s Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) are teaming up to host a free HELPDESK for educators and practitioners on campuses with timely advice - troubleshooting - when faced with difficult, confounding, new, frightening, nasty, threatening, and other conflicts and challenging conversations. These moments can happen in the classroom, in administrative decision making, in co-curricular programming, and even when engaging communities off campus. All inquiries are confidential. With a contentious election providing context for the fall semester, we anticipated a need among educators. Our team of experienced scholars and practitioners are ready to help. Let us know how at at the link here after our early September launch.  NCDD members in higher education: Are you interested in joining our bench as a volunteer consulting scholar-practitioner? We may need to enlist more volunteers if our initial group of volunteers is overwhelmed. Email info@sustaineddialogue.org if you might want to be contacted or if you are interested in supporting or funding this grassroots initiative after January 2025.

​
Are you an NCDD partner and have an announcement to share? Submit them via the NCDD Blog submission form, or email NCDD's Communications Coordinator, Izzy Henry at izzy@ncdd.org.

NCDD Member Announcements: 

• Deliberative Poll Highlights Evolving Youth Perspectives on 2024 Election
• Enhance Discussion Skills: Free Workshop Series for College Students
• Register for the Citizens' Assembly Capacity Building Fall School Now!
• Celebrating 20 years of Citizens' Assemblies: A Livestreamed Public Dialogue
• Resources from the Sustained Dialogue Institute: Workshops, Student Dialogues, & Campus Support
• Call for Abstracts: Contribute to Upcoming Volume on Facilitative Leadership in Divisive Times

​
Are you an NCDD member and have an announcement to share? Submit them via the NCDD Blog submission form, or email NCDD's Communications Coordinator, Izzy Henry at izzy@ncdd.org.

From the NCDD Blog: 

• Essential Partners Strengthens Collaborations & Shares Retreat Experience
• Building Peace and Strengthening Democracy: A Resource Hub
• Uniting Through Public Purpose: Submit Your Proposal to Compact25 Now!

Read more D&D information on the NCDD Blog at: www.ncdd.org/news

Updates from the NCDD Working Groups & Exchange:

At the beginning of 2024, NCDD began to roll out our new collaborative working groups and higher education exchange. Learn updates below...

Emerging Leaders Initiative: For people 35 years and under

• We are currently working to establish a new monthly meeting time, if you are part of this group, please fill out this form so we can see when works best! 

Media Collaborative: Join this working group to collaborate on strengthening the connection between D&D and journalism.

• These calls will be monthly on the second Tuesday. The next call is Tuesday, October 8th at 12-1pm Eastern, 9-10am Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here.

Higher Education Exchange: Community of practice tailored for faculty and staff in higher education engaged in dialogue and deliberation work.

• These calls are picking back up for Fall! Join us on Tuesday, October 1st at 1:30-2:30pm Eastern, 10:30-11:30am Pacific. Catch up on the notes linked here.

​
Find full details on each of the groups on the NCDD Working Group & Exchange page at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Upcoming NCDD Events:

A few NCDD events happening this upcoming month... Please join us!

• October 1st: Higher Education Exchange from 1:30-2:30pm ET, 10:30-11:30am PT.
• October 8th: Media Collaborative meeting from 12-1pm ET, 9-10am PT
• October 16th: NCDD Member call from 2-3pm ET, 11am-12pm PT
• October 24th: Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy monthly forum at 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT. Sign up here!
• October 25th: Emerging Leaders Initiative meeting from 1-2pm ET, 10am-11am PT, dependent on scheduling survey results. 

​
To join the working groups and/or learning exchange, find information at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Check out the NCDD Community Event Calendar for more: ncdd.org/community-events.html. Want to add something to the calendar? Reach out to izzy@ncdd.org.

Ways to Get Involved with NCDD:

Join the NCDD Network and participate in monthly member calls! Being a member of the NCDD network is making a commitment to be in community together and to explore the next steps we can take to continue to broaden the reach of dialogue & deliberation practices. One of the ways we create community is by hosting monthly Member Calls on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific. These calls are meant to provide an opportunity for members to come together and share exciting announcements with one another, as well as give us as a community additional opportunities to connect, explore best practices, discuss challenges, and collaborate. ​
 
Want to join these opportunities? Join NCDD as a member to get access to these calls and more! If you are not sure about your membership status, please check with our office manager, Joy, at Joy@ncdd.org. 

Got News to Share? Submit it to the NCDD Blog! NCDD has been blogging for the dialogue and deliberation community since 2004 about job and funding opportunities, training and conferences, national projects and media coverage, and NCDD’s own programs and events.  We also use the blog to share thoughtful opinion pieces by NCDD members and leaders, and to propose new ideas. Do you have an announcement or opinion piece to share? Submit it now!

New Book or materials? Share them in the NCDD Resource Center! The NCDD Resource Center is a clearinghouse of top-notch resources that help people facilitate, teach, plan, evaluate and study dialogue and deliberation. We aim to present each resource in a useful, practical way (not too puff piece-y, jargony or generic), and link directly to the resource so people can get to what they need quickly. Submit your resource here. 

Want to share news in the next NCDD monthly newsletter? Send an email to: keiva@ncdd.org

​Executive Director Updates from August:

NCDD Members and Friends,
As we continue to build momentum this year, I’m excited to share some updates and initiatives driving our work forward. Your support and engagement are truly at the heart of everything we do. I’m thrilled to inform you how we’re strengthening our coalition, growing our membership, and securing the resources we need to make a lasting impact.

Strengthening Our Coalition
I’m excited to share some initial news—our Member Directory has significantly upgraded! This enhancement will make it easier than ever for you to connect with fellow members, showcase your incredible work, and explore new opportunities. Keeping your profile up-to-date will ensure you get the most out of these improvements.

Our Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy initiative is also gaining traction. This month, we held our second monthly forum, bringing together a dynamic group of mediators and facilitators dedicated to pro-democracy efforts across the country. We’re thrilled to launch a monthly Community of Practice for these facilitators, starting with the first host training sessions in September and an official kick-off event in October.

Growing Our Membership
NCDD is preparing to launch a major membership campaign this September! This campaign is more than just an opportunity to grow our ranks—it celebrates our community's incredible power and potential. We’re calling on you to join us in this effort as we invite new voices to the table and expand our impact. This campaign will embody our commitment to fostering dialogue and building stronger, more connected communities. I can’t wait to share more with you in the coming weeks—get ready to be part of something truly transformative!

Securing Major Funding
We are also launching three new NCDD subcommittees to align with our strategic vision and secure the critical funding needed to fuel our coalition's ambitious goals. The Development Committee will focus on innovative fundraising strategies and securing essential funding. The Programming Committee will be dedicated to enhancing and expanding our programs. Finally, our Organizational Relationship Building Committee is working to cultivate and maintain strategic relationships to help us grow and thrive. Sign up for an NCDD Subcommittee via this short form - linked here.

Your support is crucial to our success. If you’re in a position to contribute, please consider donating at www.ncdd.org/donate. And if you have leads on potential funding opportunities, I would love to hear from you directly at keiva@ncdd.org.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to NCDD. Together, we’re making a difference!

Warm regards,
Keiva Hummel
Executive Director
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD)

​NCDD's Member Map & Directory Update! 

Our NCDD Member Directory has been relaunched, and it’s more powerful and user-friendly than ever before! While the directory has been online for some time, our team has been working behind the scenes to customize and update it to better serve you. We’re now ready for the big rollout, and we can’t wait for you to explore all the new features.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s new:

• Synced Directory and Map:
  • Whether you’re searching via the map or the directory, you’ll now find consistent and up-to-date information. This syncing ensures that no matter where you start your search, you’ll have access to the same comprehensive data on our members.
• Real-Time Profile Updates:
  • You now have complete control over your profile! Gone are the days of waiting for us to make changes for you. Update your information in real-time, ensuring your profile always reflects your latest achievements, interests, and contact details. (More on how to do this below!)
• Enhanced Networking Options:
  • The directory now includes new, taggable fields where you can highlight your interests, specialties, and the services you provide. This feature is designed to help you connect with like-minded members and showcase how others can collaborate with you.
• New Connect Feature:
  • Our new connect feature makes it easier than ever to reach out to fellow members. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, seek advice, or simply expand your network, connecting is just a click away.

​
Get Started Today!
We encourage you to dive in and explore the updated directory. Add a photo, fill out your profile, and start connecting! This directory is a powerful resource that can significantly enhance your NCDD membership experience, making it easier for you to network and collaborate within our vibrant community and beyond.

Check Your Email for Instructions!
As part of this rollout, we’ve sent out detailed instructions to current members via email on how to access and make the most of the new directory. Be sure to check your inbox for this important message! It includes step-by-step guidance on how to update your profile, use the new networking features, and get connected with other members. If you haven’t received the email, or if you have any questions as you navigate the new directory, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help and want to ensure you have the best possible experience with these new tools.

Join NCDD or Renew Your Membership Today!
If you’re not yet a member, or if it’s time to renew your membership, don’t miss out on these fantastic new features. Visit this page to join or renew today! Becoming an NCDD member connects you to a vibrant network of hundreds of practitioners, organizations, and thought leaders dedicated to advancing dialogue, deliberation, and collaborative action. Membership offers access to exclusive events, resources, and opportunities to showcase your work, while also contributing to the growth and unity of the dialogue and deliberation community. ​

Additional NCDD Announcements: 

Join the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy
We are a unified coalition of individuals and organizations who share a profound belief in the inclusive and deliberative nature of democracy. Now more than ever, our country requires the expertise of conflict-competent practitioners to navigate tensions and mend societal fractures. With the skills you have, your conscious participation in any democratic process will be transformative. Our mission is to ignite and inspire a diverse coalition of collaborative engagement practitioners to actively participate in revitalizing democracy and local engagement. 

​Join the Monthly Forum (Fourth Thursdays): Sign up here!
Time: 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT 
Upcoming Forum: Thursday, September 26th, 2024 

​Join the BUILD Community of Practice
BUILD Community of Practice is a lab and learning space for conflict engagement and other practitioners who are working on pro-democracy efforts. It is also a ‘connecting space’ for lay and professional practitioners who are just beginning to explore how to bring their skills to community-building and democracy spaces. 

​Upcoming Dates: Monthly BUILD Community of Practice

• October 10th, 10am PT, 1pm ET
• And every 2nd Thursday of the month, moving forward. 

Upcoming Dates: For BUILD Community of Practice Host Training - If you are interested learning how to co-facilitate the BUILD Community of Practice, join the orientation meeting for co-facilitators.

• Sept 3rd, 10am PT, 1pm ET
• Sept 25th, 10am PT, 1pm ET

​Sign Up Here: For both the Community of Practice monthly event and or host training.

NCDD Member Announcements:

• First-of-its-kind Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness
• Healthy Democracy Announces Staff Transitions and Welcomes New Team Members
• Apply Now: 2024 Deliberative Democracy Opportunities at the National Issues Forum Institute

Are you an NCDD member and have an announcement to share? Submit them via the NCDD Blog submission form, or email NCDD's Communications Coordinator, Izzy Henry at izzy@ncdd.org.

From the NCDD Blog... 

• Must-Read Books from the Democracy Group's Summer List
• Noemi Vega Quiñones Wins Louisville Institute Dissertation Fellowship
• National Civic Review Summer Edition Now Open Access
• Shari Davis Reflects on the Power of Participatory Democracy Amidst Role Transitions
• Democratic Innovation in Education Evolving School Systems for Civic Engagement
• Safe & Secure Elections: Training Guide & De-Escalation Resources for Election Workers
• Bridge Campus Divides with Campus Compact's Better Discourse Guide
• Bridging Political Divides: Braver Angels' Online Courses for Effective Dialogue
• Strategies for Enhanced Democratic Participation, Inclusive by Default
• Revitalizing Democracy Through Citizens' Assemblies
• Bridging Divides Through Local Leadership

Read more D&D information on the NCDD Blog at: www.ncdd.org/news

Updates from the NCDD Working Groups & Exchange:
At the beginning of 2024, NCDD began to roll out our new collaborative working groups and higher education exchange. Learn updates below...

Emerging Leaders Initiative: For people 35 years and under

• We are currently working to establish a new monthly meeting time, if you are part of this group, please fill out this form so we can see when works best! 

Media Collaborative:

• We are holding the next call for this group on Thursday, September 12th at 3 pm Eastern, 12 pm Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here.

Higher Education Exchange:

• These calls will be on hold for the initial part of Summer. Stay tuned for when we announce the next call details. Catch up on the notes linked here.

Find full details on each of the groups on the NCDD Working Group & Exchange page at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

​Upcoming NCDD Events:
A few NCDD events happening this upcoming month... Please join us!

• September 3rd: Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy - BUILD Community of Practice (Host Training) at 10am PT, 1pm ET. Sign up here!
• September 12th: NCDD Media Collaborative Working Group meeting from 3pm-4pm ET, 12pm-1pm PT
• September 18th: NCDD Member call from 2-3pm ET, 11am-12pm PT
• September 25th: Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy - BUILD Community of Practice (Host Training) at 10am PT, 1pm ET. Sign up here!
• September 26th: Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy monthly forum at 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT. Sign up here!
• September 27th: NCDD Emerging Leaders Initiative meeting from 1-2pm ET, 10am-11am PT, dependent on scheduling survey results. 

To join the working groups and/or learning exchange, find information at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Check out the NCDD Community Event Calendar for more: ncdd.org/community-events.html. Want to add something to the calendar? Reach out to izzy@ncdd.org.

Jobs & Internship Opportunities:
Find new opportunities related to dialogue, deliberation, and engagement work on the new NCDD Job & Internship Board! 

• Jump to the NCDD Job & Internship Board: https://www.ncdd.org/dd-jobs-internship-board
• Submit a new position to the Job-Internship Board: https://www.ncdd.org/submit-ncdd-job-internship-board.html

Below are the most recent positions posted on the NCDD Job & Internship Board, with additional opportunities added every week.

• New American Leaders, Director of Communications
• Coming to the Table, Program Manager
• University of Utah, Campus Dialogue Program Manager
• Unite America, Campaigns Director
• NY State Agricultural Mediation Program, Statewide Program Director

Join the "Engaging in Challenging Conversations: A Higher Education" Webinar
Monday, August 5th at 1:30pm ET
(12:30pm CT, 11:30am MT, 10:30am PT)
Register Here!
​
Are you losing sleep over the upcoming conversations about challenging issues on your campus this fall?

Do you want to be able to engage students in thoughtful, intentional conversations about events and issues impacting our world in your classroom or with your student group?

In today's increasingly polarized environment, educators and administrators are deeply concerned and facing significant challenges in navigating the complex and often contentious issues that arise on campuses. The urgent need for dialogue and deliberation skills has never been more apparent. That’s why we’re offering this specialized training to address these critical concerns.

Join us for a 90-minute webinar, "Engaging in Challenging Conversations: A Higher Education Webinar," facilitated by experienced leaders in dialogue, deliberation, and collaboration. This session will help you prepare to shape productive conversations with students and gain confidence in your abilities to respond to challenges and recent conversations. Participants will be able to raise issues of concern when they register, and the presentation team will tailor the webinar to address as many of these concerns as possible. Learn more on the NCDD Blog!

Join the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy:
​
On July 1, 2024, the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) hosted the inaugural Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) kick-off event, marking the beginning of a significant movement aimed at harnessing the unique skills of mediation and facilitation practitioners to foster dialogue, resolve conflicts, and build stronger communities through democratic engagement.

The event, held virtually, brought together a diverse group of facilitators, mediators, and collaborative communication practitioners, all dedicated to strengthening democracy. As the country navigates significant tensions and societal divisions, this project affirms that the necessary resources are already present, embodied by individuals committed to a long-term vision.

The objective is to mobilize practitioners in dialogue facilitation, community mediation, collaborative communication, and conflict transformation to support the future of democracy. This initiative offers a vehicle for learning from one another and determining collective actions, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming election and beyond. Read more about the launch event and upcoming opportunities here!

Watch the recording at: www.ncdd.org/pmdlaunchrecap.html

Opportunities to Get Involved:

• Learn more at: www.ncdd.org/practitionermobilization.
• Sign up for more info by filling out this survey.  
• Participate in monthly forum calls on the fourth Thursday of each month. The next call is on August 22nd at 9:00 am Pacific, noon Eastern (calls are 90 minutes + overtime). Use the survey above to join these calls.​
• Utilize the resources and tools provided by the PMD. 
• Contribute to local and national pro-democracy efforts. Find where you want to tap in here. 
• Join the organizing team for bi-weekly calls. Email Keiva Hummel at keiva@ncdd.org or Duncan Autrey at duncanautrey@gmail.com. 

NCDD Member & Partner Announcements: 

• International Listening Association Releases New Website & Logo
• Introducing Interactivity Foundation's New Website & Newsletter
• Redeveloping Suburbia, The Internet Way: This Old Neighborhood
• Imagining the Robust Deliberative City, a Working Paper by Martín Carcasson
• The Essential Role of Facilitation in Democratic Innovations: A Dialogue Between Rosa Zubizarreta & Oliver Escobar
• Mapping America’s Healthy Democracy Ecosystem
• The Emory Conversation Project: Building Student Confidence to Lead Campus Dialogues
• A Braver Way Podcast Season 2 Launches

Are you an NCDD member and have an announcement to share? Submit them via the NCDD Blog submission form, or email NCDD's Communications Coordinator, Izzy Henry at izzy@ncdd.org.

From the NCDD Blog... 

• Cultivating Civic Futurists for a Better Tomorrow
• Empowering Gen Z Through Civic Season Events
• PACE's New Project Aims to Sustain Democracy Philanthropy
• Josh Lerner’s New White Paper Proposes a Revolutionary Approach to Strengthening Democracy
• The Impact of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review on Community Peacebuilders
• Empowering Citizens Through Bridgebuilder Basics for Effective Collaboration Across Differences
• The Builders Movement’s Approach to Combating Polarization

Read more D&D information on the NCDD Blog at: www.ncdd.org/news

Announcements from NCDD Member Calls:

Several NCDD members shared updates with us during the monthly NCDD member calls, which are held on Zoom the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific. 

Want to join these opportunities? Join NCDD as a member! Current members will receive invitations to each meeting via the NCDD-MEMBERLIST listserv. If you are unsure about your membership status, please check with our office manager, Joy, at Joy@ncdd.org. 
​

• From Roshan Bliss: The Democracy TV Collaborative - NCDD is supporting the Democracy TV initiative to put a deliberation-focused TV show on major streaming platforms. We are seeking connections with people in the entertainment industry or social science researchers/polling experts who might be interested in collaborating to make the show happen. Share the pitch deck with potential collaborators (linked here: www.bit.ly/democracytvdeck) or put them in touch at roshan@ncdd.org.
• From Miles Fidelman: I am exploring town meeting governance within condo complexes, akin to a miniature version of Boston's Big Dig, which I call "tiny digs." My approach starts with community building, fostering collaboration, and identifying effective models. I seek individuals with experience in organizing large-scale events like trade shows, world’s fairs, or Olympic villages, and those skilled in recruiting and managing organizing committees, similar to a TV writers’ room. If you have experience in neighborhood initiatives, such as creating a Community Development Corporation (CDC) or other redevelopment programs, I invite you to join me. I also want to promote projects that provide models and case studies, and connect with condo owners interested in this initiative. Visit ThisOldNeighborhood.Net to listen to my podcasts (or read the AI summaries/transcripts) to understand my vision. If this project resonates with you, please reach out to me at mfidelman@protocoltechnologiesgroup.com.  
• From Katrina Fuller: Voice of the People will be launching our Swing Six Issue Survey Series in the next few weeks on issues like healthcare, abortion, energy and environment, social security and other topics. As we gear up, if anyone has any tips on media or others who would be interested in the findings, we would be thrilled for any guidance. Contract Katrina at kfuller@vop.org.
• From Nisha Thompson: Participatory Budgeting Project's Seed program is excited to announce a NJ dedicated learning cohort. We are seeding Participatory Budgeting across the state! You can learn more about our cohort and see the application here.  The New Jersey PB Seeds learning cohort is a 5-week training curriculum on participatory budgeting (PB) to lay the groundwork for success by connecting with allies and partners across the state. PB Seeds will provide tools, connections, and expertise on how to win support for PB and begin to implement it in partnership with the government and community. Learn more about how PB can innovate democratic engagement at our upcoming event "Can better democracy make you healthy?" next Thursday you can register here. We will be joined by NJ Health Care Quality Institute to explore how PB could be an effective engagement strategy for promoting wellness and health. Denver Health and Rhode Island Health Equity zones will join and share how they are using PB to give marginalized voices agency in their own health choices. If you have questions or accessibility requests about this event, please contact Nisha Thompson at nisha@participatorybudgeting.org.

Updates from the NCDD Working Groups & Exchange:
At the beginning of 2024, NCDD began to roll out our new collaborative working groups and higher education exchange. Learn updates below...

Emerging Leaders Initiative: For people 35 years and under

• We are holding the next call for this group on Friday, August 23rd at 1 pm Eastern, 10 am Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here. 

Media Collaborative:

• We are holding the next call for this group on Thursday, August 8th at 3 pm Eastern, 12 pm Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here.

Higher Education Exchange:

• These calls will be on hold for the initial part of Summer. Stay tuned for when we announce the next call details. Catch up on the notes linked here.

Find full details on each of the groups on the NCDD Working Group & Exchange page at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Upcoming NCDD Events:
​ 
A few NCDD events happening this upcoming month... Please join us!

• August 5: Engaging in Challenging Conversations: A Higher Education Webinar (1:30pm ET, 12:30pm CT, 11:30am MT, 10:30am PT). Register Here!
• August 8: NCDD Media Collaborative Working Group meeting from 3pm-4pm ET, 12pm-1pm PT
• August 21: NCDD Member call from 2-3pm ET, 11am-12pm PT
• August 22: Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy monthly forum from 9-10:30am PT, 12-1:30pm ET 
• August 23: NCDD Emerging Leaders Initiative meeting from 1-2pm ET, 10am-11am PT

To join the working groups and/or learning exchange, find information at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Check out the NCDD Community Event Calendar for more: ncdd.org/community-events.html. Want to add something to the calendar? Reach out to izzy@ncdd.org.

Jobs & Internship Opportunities:
​
Find new opportunities related to dialogue, deliberation, and engagement work on the new NCDD Job & Internship Board! 

• Jump to the NCDD Job & Internship Board: https://www.ncdd.org/dd-jobs-internship-board
• Submit a new position to the Job-Internship Board: https://www.ncdd.org/submit-ncdd-job-internship-board.html

Below are the most recent positions posted on the NCDD Job & Internship Board, with additional opportunities added every week.

• Democracy Forward, Social Media Manager
• Unify America, Senior Marketing Communications Manager, Higher Education
• University of Cincinnati Associate Ombuds RE: Developing a conflict-competent campus community
• Interfaith America, Director of National Bridgebuilding Initiatives
• University of California San Francisco, Director of Community Engagement & Dialogue
• Citizen Connect (Bridge Alliance) Program Director​

NCDD Member & Partner Announcements:

• YMCA and Essential Partners Launch Nationwide Community Dialogue Initiative
• Celebrating Civic Innovation: Announcing the 2024 All-America City Award Winners
• Enhancing Local Journalism Through Deliberative Engagement
• AllSides Media Bias Audit Leverages Broad Public Input for Balanced Assessment
• Join Southern Deliberative Democracy Network in Nashville for Their First In-Person Gathering
• NIFI's "Everyone's In" Initiative for Respectful Political Dialogue - Tools Plus Upcoming Workshops
• Introducing Essential Partner's Share Our Organization Toolkit

Are you an NCDD member and have an announcement to share? Submit them via the NCDD Blog submission form, or email NCDD's Communications Coordinator, Izzy Henry at izzy@ncdd.org.

From the NCDD Blog... 

• Climate Democracy Accelerator Program Application Now Open
• Beyond Partisanship: PACE's Rethinking the Success of Democracy
• iCivics Engages Students with Interactive Supreme Court Case Simulations
• Celebrating History & Shaping America's Future Through Civic Season
• Commemorating Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom with Enriching Cultural and Educational Resources
• Assessing Community Strength: Weave's Social Trust Index and Map Methodology
• Invisible Histories' Mission to Honor LGBTQ Stories in the Deep South

Read more D&D information on the NCDD Blog at: www.ncdd.org/news

Updates from the NCDD Working Groups & Exchange:
At the beginning of 2024, NCDD began to roll out our new collaborative working groups and higher education exchange. Learn updates below...

Emerging Leaders Initiative: For people 35 years and under

• We are holding the next call for this group on Friday, July 26th at 1 pm Eastern, 10 am Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here. 

Media Collaborative:

• We are holding the next call for this group on Thursday, July 11th at 3 pm Eastern, 12 pm Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here.

Higher Education Exchange:

• These calls will be on hold for the initial part of Summer. Stay tuned for when we announce the next call details. Catch up on the notes linked here.

Find full details on each of the groups on the NCDD Working Group & Exchange page at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Upcoming NCDD Events:
A few NCDD events happening this upcoming month... Please join us!

• July 1: Practitioner Mobilization Launch Event 
  at 12pm ET (11am CT, 10am MT, 9am PT) Register Here!
• July 11: NCDD Media Collaborative Working Group meeting
  from 3:00 - 4:00pm ET, 12:00 - 1:00pm PT
• July 17: NCDD Member call
  from 2:00 - 3:00pm ET, 11:00am - 12:00pm PT
• July 26: NCDD Emerging Leaders Initiative meeting 
  from 1:00 - 2:00pm ET, 10:00 - 11:00am PT

To join the working groups and/or learning exchange, find information at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Check out the NCDD Community Event Calendar for more: ncdd.org/community-events.html. Want to add something to the calendar? Reach out to izzy@ncdd.org.

Jobs & Internship Opportunities:

Find new opportunities related to dialogue, deliberation, and engagement work on the new NCDD Job & Internship Board! 

• Jump to the NCDD Job & Internship Board: https://www.ncdd.org/dd-jobs-internship-board
• Submit a new position to the Job-Internship Board: https://www.ncdd.org/submit-ncdd-job-internship-board.html

​
Below are the last four positions posted on the NCDD Job & Internship Board, with additional opportunities added every weekday.

• Restorative Justice Initiative Administrative Associate
• Resetting the Table Assistant Director, Entertainment Partnerships
• Everyday Democracy National Director of Civic and Community Engagement
• Kettering Foundation Director of External Affairs​

​Exciting Developments at NCDD: Welcoming Our New Executive Director!  
​
From Courtney:
After five years of dedicated service, I will be stepping down as the Executive Director of NCDD at the end of this week, to take on a new role as Director of Community Mediation Programs at the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration. It is time for me and for NCDD to make a transition, and I am more than thrilled to announce that Keiva Hummel will be starting as NCDD’s new Executive Director next week. 

And I’m not going anywhere! I will continue to be part of the NCDD team, supporting Keiva in this transition and working on some ongoing projects and initiatives.

It has been an absolute honor to serve as the Executive Director of NCDD and to work with such an inspiring community for more than a decade. I’m confident that Keiva will lead NCDD to new and exciting heights. I’m also looking forward to continuing our work together!

From the Board:
We want to celebrate and mark the leadership of Courtney Breese as Executive Director since 2019. As our most dedicated champion, Courtney has steered the organization through a number of inspiring conferences, built relationships, and created opportunities for members to connect, network, and expand their skills and knowledge. 

She has been instrumental in shaping programs and trainings that have broadened the reach of NCDD's important work, including our long-time partnership with the American Library Association on the Libraries Transforming Communities initiative. To say we are grateful for her tenure and delighted that she will continue to be a member and support our community is an understatement. We certainly wish her all the best as she takes on this new role.

We are overjoyed to welcome Keiva Hummel as our new Executive Director and look forward to working with her as she steers us into our next decade.

From Keiva:
I am so excited to step into the role of Executive Director and build upon the fantastic work Courtney has done. I can’t wait to collaborate even more closely with all of you to strengthen our mission of enhancing dialogue and deliberation and expanding the impact of NCDD.

For those of you who might not know me well, I’ve been with NCDD for almost a decade, collaborating closely with many of our members and colleagues. I have worked closely with Courtney over the years and have been deeply involved in our mission to foster inclusive and effective dialogue and deliberation. I’m incredibly honored to take on this new role and continue the great work we’ve all been a part of.

What’s Next:
In the coming months, I’ll be focusing on several key initiatives to ensure our continued growth and success:

1. Strengthening Our Coalition: I am committed to expanding our reach by forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. My goal is to increase NCDD’s exposure both within our field and to wider mainstream audiences, serving the highest good of all. At the same time, I want to nourish our roots and fortify existing relationships, ensuring that we continue to be a thriving network and resource clearinghouse for dialogue, deliberation, and engagement work.
2. Growing Our Membership: Increasing our membership base is a top priority as a coalition. My goal is to further advance NCDD into a robust coalition model - improving access, inclusivity, and diversity in our community. We can enhance our collective impact by providing members with opportunities to contribute further and amplify their work. We will launch new campaigns and mobilization efforts, offering additional resources and benefits to members who are passionate about dialogue and deliberation. Join us as a member or renew your membership at www.ncdd.org/join! 
3. Securing Major Funding: We will focus on bringing significant funds to the organization to support our ambitious goals, aiming for NCDD to become a well-funded and thriving organization. Our ability to effectively mobilize resources, sustain operations, and amplify our collective impact is crucial. This will involve applying for grants, seeking sponsorships, and launching fundraising campaigns. Your support in these efforts is vital, and I warmly welcome any ideas or connections you might have to help advance our mission. Contact me at keiva@ncdd.org with your thoughts.

I’m eager to hear from all of you and learn more about how we can continue to grow and thrive together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the email above – I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and any warm welcomes you’d like to share!

From Both of Us:
Thank you all for your incredible support and dedication to NCDD. Here’s to an exciting new chapter together!

All our best,
​
Courtney Breese, Outgoing Executive Director
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation
courtney@ncdd.org

Keiva Hummel, Incoming Executive Director
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation
keiva@ncdd.org

NCDD Member & Partner Announcements: 

• NAFCM's 2024 Anniversary Handbook
• Call for Manuscripts - The Good Society: A Journal of Civic Studies
• National Civic Review Spring Edition 2024 – Now Open Access
• Public Square Academy - The Democracy Challenge Workshop Series
• 2024 Collaborative Journalism Summit​

Are you an NCDD member and have an announcement to share? Submit them via the NCDD Blog submission form, or email keiva@ncdd.org.

Updates from the NCDD Working Groups & Exchange:
At the beginning of 2024, NCDD began to roll out our new collaborative working groups and higher education exchange. Learn updates below...

Emerging Leaders Initiative: For people 35 years and under

• Our next call is Friday, June 28th at 1-2 pm Eastern, 10-11 am Pacific. Find call information here!

Fundraising and Philanthropy:

• With NCDD's new leadership change, we are excited to host this upcoming call. Please fill out this scheduling poll to join this call: linked here

Higher Education Exchange:

• These calls will be on hold for the initial part of Summer. Stay tuned for when we announce the next call details. If you are interested in catching up on the calls to date, check out the notes doc linked here.

Media Collaborative:

• Our next call is Thursday, June 13th at 3-4 pm Eastern, 12-1 pm Pacific. For the time being these calls will happen once a month. Find call details here!

​
Find full details on each of the groups on the NCDD Working Group & Exchange page at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Upcoming NCDD Events:
A few NCDD events happening this upcoming month... Please join us!

• June 13: NCDD Media Collaborative Working Group meeting 
  from 1:00 - 2:00pm ET, 10:00 - 11:00am PT
• June 19: NCDD Member call 
  from 2:00 - 3:00pm ET, 11:00am - 12:00pm PT
• June 28: NCDD Emerging Leaders Initiative meeting 
  from 1:00 - 2:00pm ET, 10:00 - 11:00am PT

To join the working groups and/or learning exchange, find information at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Check out the NCDD Community Event Calendar for more: ncdd.org/community-events.html. Want to add something to the calendar? Reach out to Keiva@ncdd.org.

Upcoming NCDD Webinar: 
NCDD Listening Session: Contributing to the OMB's PPCE Framework
May 3rd at 2 pm ET (1 pm CT, 12 pm MT, 11 am PT, 8 am HT)
Register Here!
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The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) wants your ideas to develop a Federal framework, guidelines, and leading practices for public participation and community engagement (PPCE) activities to help Federal agencies more broadly and meaningfully engage with you and your communities. On May 3rd, NCDD staff will convene a listening session to hear from our network and gather input for NCDD’s response. This meeting will provide opportunities to reflect on the questions prompted by the Federal government’s Request for Information.

This is the first real opportunity in a while for practitioners like us to help inform Federal practices for engagement! Some may remember our efforts as a network in the past and we are excited to build on this new opportunity. Learn more on the NCDD Blog!

Field News Announcements:
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Time-Sensitive Announcements: 

• Pennsylvania Education Equity Project RFP Due May 1
• Peace & Justice Studies Association (PJSA) 2024 Conference Call for Proposals Due May 1
• University Network for Collaborative Governance (UNCG) 2024 Conference - June 20-22

Further Announcements: 

• Kettering Foundation Joins 'All By April' Pledge for Democratic Integrity
• Celebrating One Year of The Restorative Justice Map Project!

NCDD Member & Partner Announcements 

• Join 45th Annual ILA Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota, 6/12-15
• Social Pinpoint webinar “2024 State of the Practice: 10 Public Engagement Trends in Transportation” 5/22 - 11am PT, 2pm ET
• Essential Partners' Practical Guide for Navigating Israel-Palestine Conversations
• National Civic League: Spring Edition of National Civic Review Now Available

Are you an NCDD member and have an announcement to share? Submit them via the NCDD Blog submission form, or email NCDD's Communications & Network Director, Keiva Hummel at keiva@ncdd.org.

​From the NCDD Blog... 

• KNOCA 5/2 Webinar - Climate Assemblies: Emerging Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
• Citizen University Civic Gathering Resources & Civic Saturday Fellowship Opportunity (Open Until 5/17)
• Federation for Innovation in Democracy North America Launches, Plus Citizens' Assembly School
• AASCU’s American Democracy Project 'Practicing Democracy' Series for Campus Engagement
• Healthy Democracy Hiring New Program Director
• DDNRC April Event Info: Talking Across Political Differences on Campus
• Learn more about events hosted during the recent National Week on Conversation (NWOC):
  • Enhancing Civic Conversations with the Fora App during National Week of Conversation
  • "Divided We Fall: Listening With Curiosity" Discussion with Film Cast and Crew
  • Explore Innovative K-12 Civics Education for a Shared Humanity 
  • ​"Civil War" and Its Place in Civil Discourse - Civil War Movie Dialogue Virtual Event

Read more D&D information on the NCDD Blog at: www.ncdd.org/news

Updates from the NCDD Working Groups & Exchange:
At the beginning of 2024, NCDD began to roll out our new collaborative working groups and higher education exchange. Learn updates below...

Media Collaborative:

• We are adjusting the day these calls will happen. Please fill out this scheduling poll to join the calls: https://whenisgood.net/NCDD.media.collab. If you have not joined calls previously, please include your contact email address in the “comments” section of the poll.

Higher Education Exchange:

• We are continuing these conversations! Join the next call on Wednesday, May 22nd, at 3 pm Eastern/Noon Pacific. The agenda doc with call information can be found linked here.

Emerging Leaders Initiative: For people 35 years and under

• We are holding the first call for this group on Friday, May 24th at 1 pm Eastern, 10 am Pacific. Find call information in the notes doc. 

Fundraising and Philanthropy:

• We are planning to hold this call in May. Please stay tuned by filling out this interest survey: linked here

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Find full details on each of the groups on the NCDD Working Group & Exchange page at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Upcoming NCDD Events:
A few NCDD events happening this upcoming month... Please join us!

• May 3: NCDD Listening Session: On OMB's PPCE Framework
  from 2:00 - 3:00pm ET, 11:00am - 12:00pm PT. REGISTER
• May 22: NCDD Higher Education Exchange meeting 
  from 3:00 - 4:00pm ET, 12:00 - 1:00pm PT
• May 24: NCDD Emerging Leaders Initiative meeting 
  from 1:00 - 2:00pm ET, 10:00 - 11:00am PT

To join the working groups and/or learning exchange, find information at: www.ncdd.org/workinggroupsandexchanges.html.

Check out the NCDD Community Event Calendar for more: ncdd.org/community-events.html. Want to add something to the calendar? Reach out to Keiva@ncdd.org.