The 2023 National Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation took place at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter in Atlanta, GA October 13-15, 2023 with Pre-conference events Thursday, October 12.
This page shows you the overall flow and focus of the conference, as well as start and end times, meals provided, and each day’s activities.
GUIDE: PLENARY | WORKSHOPS | MEALS | SPECIAL | OTHER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
9:00 – 5:00 pm – PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS
We have several full and partial-day pre-conference workshops scheduled to provide more intensive learning opportunities:
5:00 – 6:30 pm – INFORMAL MEET & GREET
We welcome all folks participating in pre-conference activities and conference attendees who have arrived early to join NCDD’s Staff for an informal meet & greet! (Camellia)
8:00 – 9:15 pm – EMERGING LEADERS NETWORKING EVENT
NCDD is hosting a pre-conference networking event for young people and students. This will be a time for attendees 35 and under to connect with the other younger conference attendees. (Oakwood B)
8:00 – 9:30 pm – UPGRADING DEMOCRACY MEET-UP
This is a Gathering for anyone involved in efforts and movements to Upgrade Democracy of all stripes. Join us for an informal but intentional pre-NCDD meetup to share and learn about the issues, opportunities and strategies related to Pro Democracy Inter-Movement organizing. Let's discuss ideas for collective impact, mass-movement making & preparedness, and beloved community building with a special focus on 2024. This is free and open to whoever wants to attend. It’s OK to come late and leave early. (Maplewood B)
Convened by Inter-movement Impact Project Associates: Duncan Autrey, The Omni-Win Project; Kacey Bull, Healthy Democracy; Nick Coccoma, Assemble America; Scott Vineberg, People Power TV
We have several full and partial-day pre-conference workshops scheduled to provide more intensive learning opportunities:
- Interactivity Foundation Collaborative Discussion Coach Training (9:00 - 3:00pm)
- Avoiding Confirmation Bias (1:00 - 5:00 pm)
- Embracing Silence in Dialogic Practice (1:00 - 3:00 pm)
- Deliberation Bootcamp (3:00 - 5:00 pm)
5:00 – 6:30 pm – INFORMAL MEET & GREET
We welcome all folks participating in pre-conference activities and conference attendees who have arrived early to join NCDD’s Staff for an informal meet & greet! (Camellia)
8:00 – 9:15 pm – EMERGING LEADERS NETWORKING EVENT
NCDD is hosting a pre-conference networking event for young people and students. This will be a time for attendees 35 and under to connect with the other younger conference attendees. (Oakwood B)
8:00 – 9:30 pm – UPGRADING DEMOCRACY MEET-UP
This is a Gathering for anyone involved in efforts and movements to Upgrade Democracy of all stripes. Join us for an informal but intentional pre-NCDD meetup to share and learn about the issues, opportunities and strategies related to Pro Democracy Inter-Movement organizing. Let's discuss ideas for collective impact, mass-movement making & preparedness, and beloved community building with a special focus on 2024. This is free and open to whoever wants to attend. It’s OK to come late and leave early. (Maplewood B)
Convened by Inter-movement Impact Project Associates: Duncan Autrey, The Omni-Win Project; Kacey Bull, Healthy Democracy; Nick Coccoma, Assemble America; Scott Vineberg, People Power TV
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
8:00 – 9:45 am – REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
Check in and get your name tag and goodie bag, have some coffee and bagels, and start chatting people up! (Lobby)
NCDD is working with a local photographer to offer the opportunity for attendees to have a professional headshot taken - join us early to sign up!
10:00 am – 12:00 pm – OPENING SESSION
In our opening plenary session, we will set the context for our time together. Civic life, community cohesion, and democracy need revitalization. During our three days together we will explore the challenges facing our communities, nation, and world, while also lifting up the work that is helping, and explore the next opportunities for innovation and expansion we can take in our work with dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. In this first plenary session, we will focus on reconnecting - to each other, our work, and our impacts on community engagement, civics, education, and democracy. We will hear from speakers sharing their stories related to reconnecting, as well as hear about work being done locally to help people connect about what matters most.
Our panel of NCDD Members will share some of their reflections about doing this work and staying resilient:
12:00 – 1:00 pm – LUNCH
A healthy buffet lunch is provided, and will be served outside the ballroom.
1:00 – 2:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSON A
Choose from among ten exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
2:30 – 3:00 pm – BREAK
3:00 – 4:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSION B
Choose from among eleven exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
4:30 – 5:00 pm – BREAK
5:00 – 6:30 pm – D&D SHOWCASE and RECEPTION
Stroll around, talking with 30 presenters stationed around the room who are excited to tell you about a tool, concept, or project they’re working on. Showcase presenters will have posters on display and materials to give you. This is also a chance to meet other conference participants and do some more networking! Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. (Prefunction Space)
6:30 pm on – FREE TIME FOR DINNER
Dinner on your own. Go out to dinner with new or old friends… We’ll provide you with all you need to organize your evening out.
6:30 pm – 9:00pm – DINNER AND A FIGHT
Experience a newer dialogue format, which encourages participants to be open and honest with one another about their perspectives on a difficult topic. We promise, there will be no actual fight! Limited event - advanced registration required
7:30pm – 9:00pm – STUDENT FACILITATOR SUMMIT
Undergraduate students - Come share your experiences with others who've done similar work and create meaningful connections. Reflect deeply together on what's worked and what challenges you’ve experienced. Grow, have fun, ask big questions, and talk together meaningfully! (Ravinia Ballroom)
Check in and get your name tag and goodie bag, have some coffee and bagels, and start chatting people up! (Lobby)
NCDD is working with a local photographer to offer the opportunity for attendees to have a professional headshot taken - join us early to sign up!
10:00 am – 12:00 pm – OPENING SESSION
In our opening plenary session, we will set the context for our time together. Civic life, community cohesion, and democracy need revitalization. During our three days together we will explore the challenges facing our communities, nation, and world, while also lifting up the work that is helping, and explore the next opportunities for innovation and expansion we can take in our work with dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. In this first plenary session, we will focus on reconnecting - to each other, our work, and our impacts on community engagement, civics, education, and democracy. We will hear from speakers sharing their stories related to reconnecting, as well as hear about work being done locally to help people connect about what matters most.
Our panel of NCDD Members will share some of their reflections about doing this work and staying resilient:
- Lori Britt, NCDD Board Chair; Co-Director, Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue, James Madison University (Moderator)
- Jamila Mindingall, Executive Director, South Fulton Community Mediation Center
- Arjun Singh, Community Builder, Better Citizen Solutions
- Eliah Thomas, Executive Director, Institute for Civility
12:00 – 1:00 pm – LUNCH
A healthy buffet lunch is provided, and will be served outside the ballroom.
1:00 – 2:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSON A
Choose from among ten exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
2:30 – 3:00 pm – BREAK
3:00 – 4:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSION B
Choose from among eleven exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
4:30 – 5:00 pm – BREAK
5:00 – 6:30 pm – D&D SHOWCASE and RECEPTION
Stroll around, talking with 30 presenters stationed around the room who are excited to tell you about a tool, concept, or project they’re working on. Showcase presenters will have posters on display and materials to give you. This is also a chance to meet other conference participants and do some more networking! Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. (Prefunction Space)
6:30 pm on – FREE TIME FOR DINNER
Dinner on your own. Go out to dinner with new or old friends… We’ll provide you with all you need to organize your evening out.
6:30 pm – 9:00pm – DINNER AND A FIGHT
Experience a newer dialogue format, which encourages participants to be open and honest with one another about their perspectives on a difficult topic. We promise, there will be no actual fight! Limited event - advanced registration required
7:30pm – 9:00pm – STUDENT FACILITATOR SUMMIT
Undergraduate students - Come share your experiences with others who've done similar work and create meaningful connections. Reflect deeply together on what's worked and what challenges you’ve experienced. Grow, have fun, ask big questions, and talk together meaningfully! (Ravinia Ballroom)
- Who: Undergraduate students registered for NCDD2023 currently doing facilitation work or those undergrad students interested in learning more about being a facilitator.
- What: Connect and build with fellow students from various colleges all doing facilitation work.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
8:00 – 9:00 am – BREAKFAST
Have some coffee and a continental breakfast. Food will be served outside the ballroom.
9:00 – 10:30 am – WORKSHOP SESSION C
Choose from among eleven exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
10:30 – 11:00 am – BREAK
11:00 – 12:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSION D
Choose from among eleven exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
12:30 – 1:30 pm – LUNCH
A healthy buffet lunch is provided, and will be served outside the ballroom.
1:30 – 3:30 pm – AFTERNOON PLENARY
In the second plenary, we’ll shift our focus to reflecting on the challenges we are facing in our democracy and civic life, and consider how we can renew our purpose and the role of dialogue and deliberation in addressing these challenges. In this plenary, two panels will share with us the conflicts and tensions being experienced, as well as the potential they see for dialogue and deliberation to help our communities, nations, and world navigate these issues.
Panel on addressing political violence, authoritarianism, and trust in elections through D&D:
Panel on the role of media and D&D:
We'll explore together our potential next steps, and set ourselves up for looking forward in our final plenary. (Ravinia Ballroom)
3:30 – 4:00 pm – BREAK
4:00 pm-on – CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
The afternoon is yours. We will have several self-led field trips and activities for you to participate in, but you are also welcome to use this time to explore Atlanta.
4:00 - 5:00 pm - WALK IN THE PARK
Robert Sachs will lead a group through "A Walk in the Park," where participants will be paired off and given opposing views on a particular topic. The pairs will walk through the lovely trails behind the hotel and discuss the topic from their assigned points of view while applying the ground rules of civil dialogue. Meet on the hotel patio outside the restaurant for this dialogue event.
5:30 - 6:30 pm - EXPLORING RADICAL KINDNESS FOR ALL HUMAN-KIND
In times like these, kindness can be the force that brings us together: dialogue about what kindness means to us can be powerful and transformative. Let’s consider that kindness is powerful not only because it resonates with nearly everyone, but because it encompasses the full range of human values: courage, humility, honesty, generosity, perhaps even hope. Join us for a dialogue on Saturday evening as we explore radical kindness and its potential for all human-KIND. Facilitator: Jeff Edelstein - Founder; Acts of Kindness Maine (Dunwoody C)
5:30 - 7:00 pm - SATURDAY SALON - AS THE FIELD MATURES: MOVING FROM MODEL DISTILLATION TO INNOVATION DISSEMINATION
When dialogue and deliberation work started to become more popular, the focus of this field was refining our various processes and tools. While still important, there is an ever growing need to strengthen how we amplify this powerful work outside of those familiar with it. How do we use collective intelligence to track how well we are spreading widely accepted dialogue methods? How can we more rigorously test innovations in nudging people, communities, and populations toward dialogue methods? Come explore these ideas and work together during this Salon. Facilitator: David Campt, PhD. - Founder & President; The Dialogue Company (Dunwoody B)
7:00 - 9:30 pm – THE ABORTION TALKS FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION
Join us for a screening of the documentary The Abortion Talks, which explores the stories of a group of women who came together in dialogue across extreme differences on the topic of abortion. Following the screening, Katie Hyten of Essential Partners, the organization which convened the women featured in the film, will lead participants in a discussion of the complexities of the issue, the contemporary challenges, resonances with the film, and where there may be opportunities for further dialogue on the subject. (Ravinia Ballroom)
Have some coffee and a continental breakfast. Food will be served outside the ballroom.
9:00 – 10:30 am – WORKSHOP SESSION C
Choose from among eleven exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
10:30 – 11:00 am – BREAK
11:00 – 12:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSION D
Choose from among eleven exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
12:30 – 1:30 pm – LUNCH
A healthy buffet lunch is provided, and will be served outside the ballroom.
1:30 – 3:30 pm – AFTERNOON PLENARY
In the second plenary, we’ll shift our focus to reflecting on the challenges we are facing in our democracy and civic life, and consider how we can renew our purpose and the role of dialogue and deliberation in addressing these challenges. In this plenary, two panels will share with us the conflicts and tensions being experienced, as well as the potential they see for dialogue and deliberation to help our communities, nations, and world navigate these issues.
Panel on addressing political violence, authoritarianism, and trust in elections through D&D:
- Maria J. Stephan, PhD, Co-Lead & Chief Organizer, The Horizons Project (Moderator)
- Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Professor of History, NYU; Author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present
- Christopher Hobbs, Senior Associate Director for Peace Programs, The Carter Center
- V Fixmer-Oraiz, CEO and Founder, Astig Planning; Iowa Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- D.G. Mawn, President, National Association for Community Mediation; Co-Convener, TRUST Network
Panel on the role of media and D&D:
- Norma Ramos, Associate Director, Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at University of Illinois Chicago (Moderator)
- John Gable, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Allsides.com
- Hélène Biandudi Hofer, Co-Founder, Good Conflict
- Saba Long, Executive Director, Atlanta Civic Circle
- Doug Oplinger, Journalist; Former Project Manager, Your Voice Ohio; Former Managing Editor, Akron Beacon Journal
- Eve Pearlman, cofounder/ director, Spaceship Media: Journalism to bridge divides
We'll explore together our potential next steps, and set ourselves up for looking forward in our final plenary. (Ravinia Ballroom)
3:30 – 4:00 pm – BREAK
4:00 pm-on – CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
The afternoon is yours. We will have several self-led field trips and activities for you to participate in, but you are also welcome to use this time to explore Atlanta.
4:00 - 5:00 pm - WALK IN THE PARK
Robert Sachs will lead a group through "A Walk in the Park," where participants will be paired off and given opposing views on a particular topic. The pairs will walk through the lovely trails behind the hotel and discuss the topic from their assigned points of view while applying the ground rules of civil dialogue. Meet on the hotel patio outside the restaurant for this dialogue event.
5:30 - 6:30 pm - EXPLORING RADICAL KINDNESS FOR ALL HUMAN-KIND
In times like these, kindness can be the force that brings us together: dialogue about what kindness means to us can be powerful and transformative. Let’s consider that kindness is powerful not only because it resonates with nearly everyone, but because it encompasses the full range of human values: courage, humility, honesty, generosity, perhaps even hope. Join us for a dialogue on Saturday evening as we explore radical kindness and its potential for all human-KIND. Facilitator: Jeff Edelstein - Founder; Acts of Kindness Maine (Dunwoody C)
5:30 - 7:00 pm - SATURDAY SALON - AS THE FIELD MATURES: MOVING FROM MODEL DISTILLATION TO INNOVATION DISSEMINATION
When dialogue and deliberation work started to become more popular, the focus of this field was refining our various processes and tools. While still important, there is an ever growing need to strengthen how we amplify this powerful work outside of those familiar with it. How do we use collective intelligence to track how well we are spreading widely accepted dialogue methods? How can we more rigorously test innovations in nudging people, communities, and populations toward dialogue methods? Come explore these ideas and work together during this Salon. Facilitator: David Campt, PhD. - Founder & President; The Dialogue Company (Dunwoody B)
7:00 - 9:30 pm – THE ABORTION TALKS FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION
Join us for a screening of the documentary The Abortion Talks, which explores the stories of a group of women who came together in dialogue across extreme differences on the topic of abortion. Following the screening, Katie Hyten of Essential Partners, the organization which convened the women featured in the film, will lead participants in a discussion of the complexities of the issue, the contemporary challenges, resonances with the film, and where there may be opportunities for further dialogue on the subject. (Ravinia Ballroom)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
8:00 – 9:00 am – BREAKFAST
Have some coffee and a continental breakfast. Food will be served outside the ballroom.
9:00 – 10:30 am – WORKSHOP SESSION E
Choose from among ten exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
10:30 – 11:00 am – BREAK
11:00 – 12:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSION F
Choose from among eight exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
12:30 – 1:30 pm – LUNCH
A healthy buffet lunch is provided, and will be served outside the ballroom.
1:30 – 3:30 pm – CLOSING PLENARY
In this closing plenary we will recommit to our work and chart a course forward for us as individuals and collectively as a coalition. We will hear from several speakers who will highlight for us new sectors, innovations, and expansions for dialogue and deliberation for the future.
Panel on strengthening democracy and communities across sectors:
Panel on emerging leaders on our collective future momentum:
Together, we will identify what we need to do together, and we will reflect as individuals on our own next steps. And, of course, we will celebrate our time together! (Ravinia Ballroom)
4:00pm – 4:30pm – STUDENT FACILITATOR DEBRIEF
Students are welcome to stick around for a debrief session immediately following the closing plenary.
Have some coffee and a continental breakfast. Food will be served outside the ballroom.
9:00 – 10:30 am – WORKSHOP SESSION E
Choose from among ten exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
10:30 – 11:00 am – BREAK
11:00 – 12:30 pm – WORKSHOP SESSION F
Choose from among eight exciting sessions led by people doing extraordinary work in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. (Breakout Rooms)
12:30 – 1:30 pm – LUNCH
A healthy buffet lunch is provided, and will be served outside the ballroom.
1:30 – 3:30 pm – CLOSING PLENARY
In this closing plenary we will recommit to our work and chart a course forward for us as individuals and collectively as a coalition. We will hear from several speakers who will highlight for us new sectors, innovations, and expansions for dialogue and deliberation for the future.
Panel on strengthening democracy and communities across sectors:
- Kyla Epstein, (Acting) Executive Director, Stakeholder Relations, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) (Moderator)
- Joshua V. Barr, Esq., Chief Strategist & President. Raising the Barr, LLC
- Dr. Elizabeth Gish, Senior Program Officer for Democracy and Community, Kettering Foundation
- Hailey Maria Salazar, Member of the Faculty, The Evergreen State College
Panel on emerging leaders on our collective future momentum:
- Roshan Bliss, NCDD Democracy Innovations Associate, and past lead of NCDD’s Emerging Leaders Initiative (Moderator)
- Aleesha Bhatti, Student, Citizen University Youth Collaboratory Member
- Joa'Quinn Griffin, Student, Indiana University Political and Civic Engagement Program
- Isabel Henry, Center for Public Deliberation Senior Associate, Colorado State University
- Yordanos Lemma, Student, LRC Youth Council Member
Together, we will identify what we need to do together, and we will reflect as individuals on our own next steps. And, of course, we will celebrate our time together! (Ravinia Ballroom)
4:00pm – 4:30pm – STUDENT FACILITATOR DEBRIEF
Students are welcome to stick around for a debrief session immediately following the closing plenary.