 As political polarization deepens across the globe, we find ourselves unable to bridge our differences despite recognizing the issues at hand. The way we handle conflict—both personally and collectively—stems from the values we inherit from our families. By examining our conflict resolution strategies and opening ourselves to dialogue, we can begin to create a more respectful and understanding world. Learn how family values and interpersonal skills shape our approach to global conflicts and what we can do to foster better conversations. Learn more in the blog post below.
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 NCDD friends, Everyday Democracy’s NEW Multipartial Facilitation Training helps experienced facilitators enhance their skills in leading inclusive, transformative dialogues. This three-week virtual program (May 8, 15, & 22) offers hands-on learning, real-time feedback, and advanced facilitation techniques. Limited spots available—register now! Read more in the blog post below.
 NCDD friends, The National Association for Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) is preparing to host a landmark event that promises to be a transformative experience for practitioners, advocates, and passionate community members dedicated to restorative justice. Mark your calendars for July 7-10, 2026, as the 10th National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice descends upon the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Read more in the blog post below or visit their website here!
 As NCDD friends, Living Room Conversations (LRC) approaches their 15th anniversary in 2025, it’s a perfect time to celebrate their journey from a small pilot project to a leader in deliberative dialogue. Since its founding, LRC has remained dedicated to bridging divides through structured conversations, fostering trust and understanding across differences. Rooted in the parlor tradition, the organization has grown into a nationwide movement, offering over 150 conversation guides and inspiring meaningful discussions on critical societal issues. As LRC looks to the future, they invite community input to shape the next chapter — read more in the blog post below.
 We thrilled to announce to the Karissa Raskin to CEO of Listen First Project (LFP)!
LFP founder Pearce Godwin steps down as CEO after 12 years while continuing as Senior Advisor and Board Chair. Raskin, the former Director of Coalition Engagement, will lead the organization's mission to reduce polarization in America. Please join us in congratulating Karissa on her new promotion! Learn more in the post below.  The Listen First Project invites local groups across the country to participate in the 2nd Annual Better Together Film Festival during the 8th Annual National Week of Conversation, April 21-27, 2025. This festival leverages the power of storytelling to inspire dialogue and foster unity. Featuring nonpartisan films that highlight stories of bridging divides, screenings will be followed by facilitated discussions to encourage meaningful conversations among diverse audiences. Join a screening or host your own! Learn more about how you can get involved below. Bridging Communities Together Through StorytellingIn an era of increasing polarization, the power of storytelling can inspire empathy, foster understanding, and bring communities together. The 2025 Better Together Film Festival provides an opportunity for local organizations to engage their communities in meaningful dialogue through film. The festival, spearheaded by the Listen First Project, encourages audiences to experience stories of individuals coming together across their differences to solve problems, build relationships, and strengthen communities. From April 21-27, 2025, venues across the country—including libraries, museums, community centers, and universities—will screen films selected for their ability to model bridge-building best practices. Each screening will be followed by facilitated discussions or interactive experiences designed to deepen engagement and encourage conversations across lines of difference. The 2025 festival will feature 6-10 films, with hosting partners able to choose which films they wish to screen. Organizations interested in hosting a screening are invited to sign up as Hosting Partners. Participating hosts will receive a comprehensive toolkit, including conversation guides, audience engagement materials, and marketing resources to ensure a successful event. Ideal hosting partners include nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations with access to a screening space and the ability to bring together diverse audiences. Sign up to host a screening! If you are a filmmaker interested in submitting your work to be featured in the festival, the Listen First Project welcomes film submissions that align with the festival’s mission of fostering unity and understanding. Films should model bridge-building best practices and promote meaningful dialogue. The deadline for film submissions is February 12, 2025. Click here to learn more about file submissions. Filmmakers selected for the festival will benefit from increased audience reach, free promotional support, and access to audience engagement data collected during the screenings. Additionally, filmmakers must provide a Conversation Guide for hosting venues to facilitate meaningful discussions. They will also be required to participate in standardized pre/post audience surveys to measure the impact of their film on viewers. More About the FestivalThe Better Together Film Festival is an initiative designed to bring communities together through powerful storytelling. Launched in 2024, the festival aims to provide a platform for films that highlight efforts to bridge divides and promote unity in an increasingly polarized world. Each screening is followed by an opportunity for meaningful discussion, helping audiences reflect on key themes and build connections within their communities. By showcasing diverse perspectives and real-life stories, the festival encourages people to listen first and engage in productive conversations that foster understanding and empathy. Bring the Film Festival to Your Community!By participating in the Better Together Film Festival, local organizations will have the opportunity to grow their networks, raise awareness of their initiatives, and contribute to a broader movement of bridging divides. The festival is an accessible and impactful way for communities to come together, share stories, and promote dialogue in an increasingly fragmented world.
 The National Civic League and the Bridge Alliance have launched the Healthy Democracy Project, aiming to strengthen civic health and governance systems in two pilot communities. Over the course of a year, local civic leaders will receive training, tools, and support to foster inclusive engagement and address significant community challenges. The project focuses on building diverse leadership cohorts, conducting civic infrastructure scans, and implementing large-scale civic engagement processes to tackle major issues and enhance equity. By empowering leaders and residents, the initiative seeks to create sustainable civic infrastructure and inspire broader community participation in governance. Read more in the blog post below!
 Learn Sustained Dialogue, a process that helps diverse groups build relationships & work together. The Sustained Dialogue Institute offers a comprehensive training program to help participants build unified communities and address divides through dialogue. This 10-week workshop series, starting February 13, 2025, provides tools for facilitation, active listening, conflict resolution, and equitable engagement. Participants will learn the five-stage Sustained Dialogue® process, a method rooted in fostering relationships and actionable solutions in divided communities. This virtual program is ideal for individuals and co-facilitators seeking to create productive spaces in workplaces, campuses, and communities. Read more in the blog post below and register here!
 Boulder, Colorado, has made significant progress in combating climate change, achieving a 24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2018 and aiming for a 70% reduction by 2030. Through collaborative efforts that began in the 1990s, the city has implemented a Climate Action Plan featuring initiatives like energy audits, community-led programs, and campaigns such as ClimateSmart and Cool Boulder to inspire individual and collective action. Boulder also emphasizes equity and resilience, recognizing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. With ambitious goals, including 100% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2035, Boulder exemplifies how cities can lead in environmental sustainability while inspiring others to join the effort. Read more in the blog post below!
 As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. King’s words remind us that fear and division stem from a lack of understanding and communication. At the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), we work to create spaces where people can engage in meaningful conversations that foster empathy and connection. By embracing dialogue, we can break down barriers, build stronger communities, and advance Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community rooted in justice and equality. This year, let’s honor his legacy by listening deeply, inviting diverse voices, and taking action to bridge divides. Read more in the blog post below.
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ABOUT NCDD
NCDD is a community and coalition of individuals and organizations who bring people together to discuss, decide and collaborate on today's toughest issues.
© The National Coalition For Dialogue And Deliberation, Inc. All rights reserved.
© The National Coalition For Dialogue And Deliberation, Inc. All rights reserved.