​We’re launching NCDD’s 2025 Network Survey to gather your feedback and shape the future of our community. The survey, due by May 31st, 2025, will help guide our next steps and ensure our programming meets the needs of the dialogue and deliberation field. It focuses on your experiences, challenges, and ways to support your work. Your input will be crucial in addressing current issues like political polarization and funding limitations, and exploring future opportunities for involvement. Please complete the short, five-minute survey by May 31st. Read additional information in the blog post below.

NCDD Friends, Bridge Alliance, a coalition focused on strengthening democratic institutions and civic engagement across the U.S., has launched the 2025 Survey of Pro-Democracy Practitioners & Organizations. This survey is a key part of their "Path Forward" research project, designed to understand the current state and future direction of the pro-democracy movement. With the goal of gathering insights from democracy practitioners, the survey seeks to answer important questions about collective efforts, guiding principles, and areas of success or improvement. The initiative builds on previous research and aims to foster greater collaboration within the democracy field. Bridge Alliance is committed to maximizing impact through strategic partnerships and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. Find the survey and read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Member Organization, The World Café shared the article, "Conversational Leadership: Thinking Together for Change", that we wanted to lift up. Conversational leadership centers on dialogue, helping teams share knowledge, build understanding, and generate new insights. It emphasizes methods like the World Café to foster collaboration, engage stakeholders, and guide collective problem-solving. While not explicitly called "deliberation," its focus on addressing critical issues and making informed decisions aligns with deliberative processes. Ultimately, conversational leadership uses dialogue to drive shared understanding and effective action within organizations. Read more in the blog post below.

On April 21, 2025, over 100 participants from across the civic ecosystem joined NCDD for a timely and thought-provoking conversation: “Bridging and Advocating in Divided Times: Navigating the Tension for Stronger Civic Practice.” This webinar explored how dialogue and deliberation professionals can support changemakers without compromising their integrity—and how advocacy and dialogue, far from being at odds, can be understood as complementary tools for strengthening democratic engagement.
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The session featured Julia Roig and Jarvis Williams of The Horizons Project and Dr. Martin Carcasson of the Center for Public Deliberation, who brought decades of experience to a shared inquiry: how can we navigate the tension between impartiality and action in today’s polarized environment? Our panelists ​offered frameworks, tools, and deep reflections on how civic professionals can hold space for multiple truths, foster connection, and support justice-driven work without falling into partisanship or paralysis.

Join us for NCDD’s upcoming webinar, Rethinking Inclusivity: Expanding the Invitation in Public Engagement, on Thursday, May 22, from 1–2:30 pm Eastern / 10–11:30 am Pacific. As conversations about diversity and inclusion grow more polarized, this session will explore how we can reimagine inclusive public engagement in ways that resonate across political, cultural, and geographic divides. Co-presenters Elena Martínez-Torres (Sustained Dialogue Institute), Phillipe Cunningham (Urban Rural Action), Siri Erickson (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement), and Tahnee Robertson (Southwest Decision Resources) will share practical strategies for broadening participation, evolving language, and building welcoming spaces that reflect the full diversity of our communities. Learn more in the post below and register here!

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) invites students and emerging professionals to explore internship opportunities that can kick-start careers in dialogue, community engagement, and participatory democracy. On May 20th, NCDD will host a virtual info session to introduce attendees to various internship roles and the skills they can develop in areas like communication, facilitation, and civic engagement. Participants will hear from current and former interns, learn about the organization's mission, and gain insight into the application process. With opportunities in communications, program development, and more, this session offers an excellent chance to learn how an NCDD internship can shape your career in public engagement. Read more in the blog post below and register here.

NCDD Member, Craig Neal, co-founder of the Center for Purposeful Leadership, was recently honored with the "Good Ancestor" award by the Twin Cities chapter of Elders Climate Action for his lifelong dedication to community-building and climate leadership. From spearheading sustainable urban agriculture to fostering dialogue that leads to collaborative solutions, Neal exemplifies the power of purpose-driven leadership. His recognition underscores how NCDD members are helping communities tackle climate challenges through inclusive engagement and meaningful action. Read more in the blog post below.

​The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting a compelling virtual conversation with Sharon Davies, president and CEO of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation - Today, April 24 at 10 a.m. This event will delve into the future of democracy, civic engagement, and strategies to counter authoritarianism. With a distinguished career in law, academia, and social justice leadership, Davies brings deep insight to the discussion. The event is free and open to the public via Zoom, with registration required. Read more in the blog post below.

Essential Partners, a member organization of NCDD, exemplifies the power of dialogue in bridging divides. Through their Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD) model, they empower individuals and institutions to engage across differences with empathy and skill. Upcoming workshops in May, June, and July 2025 will offer immersive training for educators and dialogue practitioners to create inclusive and resilient communities—from college classrooms to high school settings. Their work aligns closely with NCDD’s mission and provides accessible, impactful tools for navigating today’s most complex conversations. Read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Sustaining Partner, ​The Interactivity Foundation’s Collaborative Discussion Project (CDP) Toolkit helps educators foster meaningful dialogue, promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and cultural competence. By emphasizing consent in discussions, it provides adaptable activities to create inclusive learning environments. Educators praise its practicality and impact on teaching, encouraging creative and constructive engagement. Read more in the blog post below.