​Joy to the (Civic) World: The Role of Fun & Joy in Civic Life is a virtual event on December 17th at 2 PM ET, exploring how joy and fun can transform civic participation. Hosted by the Connective Tissue and Democracy Notes newsletters, the event will feature an interactive panel moderated by Richard Young of CivicLex, with speakers Ash Hanson, Nathalia Benitez-Perez, and Evan Weissman. These leaders will share practical strategies for fostering joy in civic engagement, from creative community projects to innovative public initiatives. Register to join this lively discussion and discover ways to make civic life more joyful and inclusive.

The "Post-Election: Moving Forward Together" Living Room Conversations event on December 3 invites participants to discuss election outcomes in a respectful, open setting. Using a guided format, this conversation focuses on bridging divides, processing election results, and finding common ground despite differing perspectives. The event encourages shared humanity and understanding as participants reflect on moving forward as a nation. Tickets are donation-based, read the blog post below to learn more and register.

This guide, originally shared by NCDD a few years ago, offers helpful strategies for navigating challenging conversations during the holidays. Political discussions or other hot topics can often become contentious, but these six tips promote meaningful dialogue and understanding. Suggestions include practicing active listening, staying open-minded, and focusing on shared values or personal stories rather than debating facts. By fostering curiosity, seeking common ground, and ending discussions on a positive note, these tips aim to keep holiday gatherings constructive and harmonious despite differing perspectives. Read the blog post below for more.

​Elections mark a transition in democracy, often leaving communities divided and disconnected. Rebuilding and reconnecting after a polarizing election requires personal reflection, meaningful conversations, and intentional dialogue. The four free resources provided by NCDD members, Essential Partners, offer step-by-step guidance to help individuals recover their best selves, engage in trusted conversations, support isolated individuals, and lead group dialogues. By taking these small but powerful steps, we can repair the social fabric and lay the groundwork for healthier discourse and a more vibrant democracy. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

The "Post-Election: Moving Forward Together" Living Room Conversations event on December 3 invites participants to discuss election outcomes in a respectful, open setting. Using a guided format, this conversation focuses on bridging divides, processing election results, and finding common ground despite differing perspectives. The event encourages shared humanity and understanding as participants reflect on moving forward as a nation. Tickets are donation-based, read the blog post below to learn more and register.

​The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) emphasizes the importance of dialogue and deliberation in sustaining democracy amid rising polarization and declining trust in institutions. These practices encourage empathy, build trust, and help communities move from disagreement to collaboration by fostering open, inclusive discussions that address complex challenges. NCDD plays a key role in supporting these efforts through resources, events, and networks, empowering individuals and organizations to engage in meaningful, participatory dialogue. By supporting dialogue and deliberation, NCDD helps build a resilient democracy where all voices contribute to shared solutions and community resilience. Read Keiva's article posted in The Fulcrum below!