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.

​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.

​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.

The National Civic League (NCL) continues to champion inclusive, equitable, and diverse democratic practices, standing firm in their values despite shifts in the political climate. Through powerful leadership and a commitment to evidence-based strategies, NCL demonstrates how true community engagement must account for the full spectrum of voices and experiences. Their work shows that fostering equity not only uplifts the most disadvantaged but also strengthens outcomes for entire communities. Learn how NCDD members and dialogue practitioners can get involved in advancing these essential democratic ideals. Read more in the blog post below.

This June, the Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI), an esteemed member of NCDD, is hosting a four-part virtual training series to equip participants with the tools and techniques of Sustained Dialogue. Beginning June 9, 2025, this hands-on training offers in-depth learning on how to bridge divides and foster constructive dialogue in communities, campuses, and workplaces. Designed for both new and experienced facilitators, this opportunity empowers individuals to create safe spaces, navigate complex conversations, and lead change through relational, action-oriented dialogue. Read more 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.

​The International Listening Association (ILA), a valued NCDD Network Partner, emphasizes the transformative power of listening through thoughtful questions and deep engagement. In a recent podcast, ILA members Raquel Ark and Dr. Michael W. Purdy explore how conscious listening fosters connection, community building, and democratic discourse. Their conversation offers valuable insights into improving communication and promoting empathy, especially in polarized times. Read the blog post below to learn more.