In this rich conversation on the Be The Change series, John Sarrouf of NCDD Member, Essential Partners explores how dialogue can act as a powerful antidote to polarization and social fragmentation. He shares how practical tools—like “keeping a question in your pocket”—help shift mindsets from judgment to curiosity. Highlighting the importance of embracing complexity, rebuilding trust, and re-humanizing relationships, Sarrouf outlines how communities can become resilient in the face of future conflict. The work of Essential Partners offers a hopeful roadmap for transforming division into connection—starting with everyday conversations. Read more in the blog post below.

In an age where conversations often feel like a series of talking points rather than meaningful exchange, Dr. John Igwebuike is leading a transformative shift—redefining listening as an active, collaborative practice. As a Visiting Fellow with the Interactivity Foundation’s Collaborative Discussion Project, he’s developing innovative tools that train people not just to hear, but to listen with presence, intention, and empathy. His creative exercises, such as the "3-2-1" rotation and Listening Bingo, are changing how we approach dialogue in communities, classrooms, and beyond. Read more in the blog post below.

In a time when meaningful conversations across divides are more important than ever, NCDD Member, Living Room Conversations has launched the "Connecting Through Conversations Course"—an accessible, self-paced program designed to help everyday people build stronger, more empathetic relationships. With a focus on active listening, trust-building, and navigating tough conversations, this 8-module course equips participants with practical skills to foster connection in their personal lives and communities. Backed by leading voices in the bridging field and offering credentialing opportunities, it’s a powerful resource for anyone seeking to transform dialogue from the ground up. Read more in the blog post below.

​The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation is proud to welcome Awa Harris as our newest Nevins Fellow. A dedicated student of Communication Arts and Sciences at Penn State, Awa brings both scholarly insight and a deep passion for civic engagement to her work. With a focus on inclusivity and community dialogue, she embodies the mission of NCDD by helping diverse voices be heard and valued. Her fellowship marks a significant step in her journey as a democratic leader, blending academic learning with hands-on practice to support vibrant, collaborative communities. Read more in the blog post below.

​Cristin Brawner has been named the new Executive Director of the NCDD Member Organization, National Issues Forums Institute, bringing years of experience in civic engagement, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to deliberative democracy. Her career has been marked by inclusive practices, statewide impact, and a strong vision for strengthening public dialogue. Read more in the blog post below.

A free virtual workshop hosted by the Association of Science-Technology Centers on June 16, 2025, will bring together dialogue practitioners, science communicators, and museum professionals to explore how structured conversations can bridge scientific knowledge and community decision-making. Highlighting museums as trusted venues for dialogue, the event features hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and practical tools to support inclusive engagement on issues like climate change, public health, and technology policy. By bridging science and society through dialogue, this timely and accessible workshop builds vital skills for navigating today’s complex challenges. Read more in the blog post below.

As polarization intensifies and civil discourse breaks down, the 2025 Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center (DDNRC) Conference — “The Weight of Words” — offers a vital space for dialogue practitioners, educators, and community leaders to confront today’s most urgent communication challenges. Taking place June 30–July 2 at Washington University in St. Louis, the event will explore how language shapes division and connection, how identity and power influence conversations, and how dialogue must evolve to meet the demands of our fractured times. Read more in the blog post below.

​In a time of deep political divides and declining trust in democratic institutions, Living Room Conversations offers a simple yet transformative solution: meaningful dialogue rooted in human connection. Through small, structured conversations, people from all walks of life come together to listen, reflect, and reimagine what inclusive civic life could look like. With tools like conversation agreements, guided question rounds, and access to national networks, these grassroots gatherings foster understanding and inspire local action. It's a powerful reminder that revitalizing democracy begins not in the halls of power—but in our own living rooms. Read more in the blog post below.

​The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) is excited to welcome Jason Vadnos as our new Executive Assistant. A dedicated advocate for civil discourse and a standout student at Vanderbilt University, Jason brings a rich blend of academic insight, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to bridging divides through dialogue. From launching award-winning initiatives like "Let's Be SVL" to supporting national civic engagement efforts, his background uniquely positions him to strengthen NCDD's mission. Jason’s arrival signals a bright future for our work advancing democratic dialogue. Read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Friend, Dr. Timothy Shaffer’s recent presentation at Chaminade University offers a timely and transformative rethinking of civil discourse. Rather than reducing civility to mere politeness, Shaffer introduces a nuanced framework distinguishing between weak, strong, and pseudo civility—encouraging dialogue practitioners to embrace passionate, democratic engagement, even when it includes protest or confrontation. Addressing the deeper emotional divides of affective polarization, he outlines practical strategies like intellectual humility, principled advocacy, and the use of informal “third spaces” to bridge ideological gaps. Shaffer’s message is clear: each of us holds agency to foster stronger civic culture amid division. Read more in the blog post below.