Empowering Citizens Through Bridgebuilder Basics for Effective Collaboration Across Differences7/26/2024 ![]() "Bridgebuilder Basics" is a resource from Interfaith America aimed at teaching the vision, knowledge, and skills necessary for crossing differences and fostering collaboration for the common good. It emphasizes the importance of bridgebuilding, defined as the intentional effort to respect diverse identities and ideologies, build mutually inspiring relationships, and cooperate for shared action. The program offers an interactive online course and synchronous curricula designed for both learners and facilitators, providing tools and guidance to effectively engage in bridgebuilding activities. These resources support both in-person and virtual learning and are adaptable to various group needs. Read the blog post below and learn more here.
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![]() Explore the UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review, from the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, transitioning from local construction sites to the global policy-making corridors of the United Nations. This review process, aimed at preventing conflict and fostering recovery, is managed by the Peacebuilding Commission, Fund, and Support Office, working together like a coordinated construction team. It offers local peacebuilders the opportunity to influence global policies, ensuring they address community needs and promote sustainable peace. Active participation enables local actors to drive meaningful changes, gain valuable skills, and access important opportunities. Read the blog post below and learn more here. Josh Lerner’s New White Paper Proposes a Revolutionary Approach to Strengthening Democracy7/24/2024 ![]() Josh Lerner, Co-Executive Director of People Powered, has released a white paper titled From Waves to Ecosystems: The Next Stage of Democratic Innovation, commissioned by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation's Ithaca Initiative. The paper argues for a shift from isolated democratic innovations to integrating diverse democratic practices into cohesive ecosystems to address global democratic crises. It proposes expanding our understanding of democracy by revisiting its historical diversity, building balanced democratic ecosystems rather than competing waves, and supporting a just transition by overcoming current unhealthy practices. The paper was launched on June 26th with a discussion featuring global democracy experts. Read more in the blog post below and find the paper here! ![]() The International Listening Association (ILA) has launched a new website, inviting visitors to explore their refreshed look and renewed commitment to listening skills, research, and best practices. The ILA, founded in 1979, aims to make listening an integral part of global culture by promoting its practice, training, and research across various fields. They provide numerous resources, including scholarly publications and annual conventions, to support listening-focused professionals and organizations. Upcoming events include a Listening Circles session on July 23, 2024, and a discussion on sustaining listening on July 25, 2024. Read more in the blog post below and check out their new website here! ![]() The 2024 Braver Angels Convention in Kenosha, Wisconsin, brought together over 700 participants from diverse political backgrounds to promote depolarization and civic engagement. Key themes included "Citizen-Centered Democracy" and expanding the Braver Angels Partners Network. Initiatives like the "Common Ground" workshops and cross-partisan polling efforts were highlighted. Moving forward, Braver Angels aims to partner with local alliances and leverage its educational resources to enhance civic engagement, while maintaining its cross-partisan integrity. Read the blog post below for the full debrief! ![]() PACE is launching the Democracy Futures Project to enhance philanthropies' ability to think long-term about American democracy. Recognizing the need to complement immediate responses to current threats, the project aims to equip funders with tools for foresight thinking, scenario planning, and visioning up to 2050. By fostering capacity in these areas, the initiative seeks to strengthen strategies against uncertainty and political polarization, ultimately supporting a more inclusive and resilient democratic future. Scheduled to begin in Fall 2024, the project will address complex challenges and encourage sustained investment in democracy beyond electoral cycles. Read the blog post below, listen to the corresponding podcast, and learn more here. ![]() Lydia Smith, NCDD member and friend, leads the Emory Conversation Project at the Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation, and Dialogue at Emory University, helping students improve their skills in discussing tough topics together. Her initiative focuses on developing students' collaborative discussion skills to tackle challenging topics, inspired by her debate background. After attending Interactivity Foundation’s Summer Coach Training, Lydia integrated more interactive activities into ECP, using the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit. This toolkit, organized in modules, enhances students' critical and civic collaboration skills, fostering confidence in dialogue facilitation. The program's success led to its expansion across campus, earning accreditation and institutional support for broader integration, highlighting its transformative impact on students' communication abilities and campus dialogue culture. Read the blog post below and learn more here. ![]() NCDD members, the National Civic League, are preparing to launch the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map and are seeking assistance in ensuring data completeness and accuracy. Their mission is to identify, categorize, and quantify existing organizations, networks, and funders who work to promote and protect healthy democracy in America, and to create a compelling, interactive resource that educates and empowers users. The map aims to offer a comprehensive view of organizations promoting healthy democracy in America, covering various areas like civic education, voter engagement, and civic technology. Read the blog post below, fill out the form, and learn more here. ![]() Gear up for productive campus conversations this fall with the upcoming webinar, "Engaging in Challenging Conversations: A Higher Education Webinar." Designed for educators and administrators, this 90-minute session addresses the urgent need for dialogue skills in today's polarized environment. Gain practical strategies to facilitate respectful discussions, set norms for constructive engagement, and navigate contentious issues effectively. Whether you're in higher education, K-12 teaching, or community leadership, join us on August 5th to enhance your ability to foster meaningful dialogue and address pressing challenges on campus. Read more in the blog post below and register now! ![]() On July 1st, NCDD along with several partners, launched the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) to engage mediation and facilitation practitioners in fostering democratic engagement and resolving conflicts. The virtual event featured keynote speakers Ken Cloke and Joan Blades, who emphasized the importance of dialogue in strengthening democracy and building community trust. The initiative aims to mobilize practitioners for pro-democracy efforts, with opportunities for involvement through monthly forum calls, resources, and joining the organizing team. Learn more in the post below and join the mobilization! |
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