The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) and Colorado State University’s Center for Public Deliberation will co-host “Talking Democracy (or Not): How Local Newsrooms Choose Their Words”, tomorrow, November 12, 2025. Drawing on new research from Press Forward and PACE’s Civic Language Perceptions Project, the webinar will reveal how terms like community, service, and connection often inspire more participation than explicitly “democracy”-focused language. Featuring experts in journalism and civic engagement, the session will offer practical strategies for inclusive communication that build trust and strengthen democratic communities. Participants will leave with tools to use language more intentionally—inviting people into civic life rather than alienating them.

The National Civic League will host a free webinar on November 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time to help communities prepare strong applications for the 2026 All-America City Award, which this year emphasizes strengthening civic health and rebuilding trust as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. For over 75 years, the award has recognized communities that use inclusive engagement and cross-sector collaboration to address local challenges, and the webinar will feature guidance from program director Rebecca Trout alongside insights from 2025 award-winning communities. Especially relevant to dialogue and deliberation practitioners, eligible projects include participatory budgeting, citizens’ assemblies, arts-based storytelling, and innovative public meeting formats that broaden participation and deepen civic problem-solving. The session highlights how the application process itself can build relationships, spark partnerships, and elevate community visibility, with the application deadline on February 26, 2026. Register at the link provided.

​The Fall Edition of the National Civic Review spotlights how communities across the country are putting democratic ideals into practice by transforming shared challenges into opportunities for collaboration and innovation. This article explores real-world examples of civic engagement in action—from cities addressing homelessness through cross-sector partnerships to small towns building trust through inclusive dialogue. By centering stories of residents, local officials, and community organizations working side by side, “Democracy in Practice” illustrates how the health of democracy depends on the everyday work of people coming together to solve problems. The piece underscores a central NCR theme: that democracy thrives not in theory, but through lived, collective effort.

The Westmont Center for Dialogue & Deliberation’s recent e-bike forum in Santa Barbara showcased the power of community dialogue to address complex local challenges with empathy and collaboration. By bringing residents together to discuss safety, accessibility, and shared responsibility, the center created a space for civic learning and constructive problem-solving. Guided by students and grounded in respectful exchange, the event reflected NCDD’s commitment to inclusive engagement, democratic participation, and strengthening communities through conversation. To learn more about this initiative and local stories of dialogue in action, visit https://www.noozhawk.com.

Common Ground USA’s Common Ground Gatherings are transforming the simple act of sharing a meal into a powerful tool for connection and understanding. Through events like the Love Anyway Feasts, United Plates Project, and Community & Cocktails, people from all walks of life come together to talk, listen, and discover shared values across their differences. This work reflects the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation’s (NCDD) commitment to fostering dialogue, inclusion, and community collaboration that strengthens democracy from the ground up. By turning food into a bridge, Common Ground USA reminds us that lasting change often begins with a conversation—and an open seat at the table.

The Close Up Foundation’s National Network of Service Programs (NNSP) is inviting educators, practitioners, and civic engagement leaders to present at its 2026 Annual Conference on Community & Civic Engagement, taking place January 28–30, 2026, in the Washington, D.C. area. The conference brings together educators dedicated to connecting classroom learning with real-world civic action, emphasizing practical strategies for fostering student leadership and social impact. Presenters can apply to lead either 45-minute Engage Workshops for in-depth exploration or 15-minute Inspire Mini-Sessions for concise, high-energy idea sharing. Strong proposals will feature interactive methods, clear learning outcomes, and actionable takeaways that empower educators to strengthen community-engaged learning in their schools. With opportunities for networking, collaboration, and student participation through the concurrent Civic Leadership Summit, this event highlights civic education as essential to preparing students for democratic citizenship. Proposal submissions are open now through the Close Up Foundation. Read more in the blog post below.

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) has welcomed The World Café Community Foundation as its newest member, uniting two organizations dedicated to the transformative power of conversation in strengthening communities and democracy. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and steward of the World Café method developed by Juanita Brown and David Isaacs, promotes a structured yet adaptable approach to dialogue that brings diverse participants together to share perspectives, uncover collective wisdom, and inspire collaborative action. Committed to keeping the practice accessible and evolving, the Foundation offers global training, mentoring, and online spaces while operating on principles of generosity and inclusion. Its emphasis on conversational leadership—rooted in hosting and deep listening rather than hierarchy—resonates deeply with NCDD’s mission to enhance civic engagement and equity. Together, they aim to expand opportunities for meaningful dialogue across cultures and communities, building the infrastructure of democracy one conversation at a time.

The Close-Up Foundation is bringing the Guam Youth Summit to the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa from October 14 to 17, engaging 80 high school students in hands-on civic education. This four-day event, funded by the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs, immerses students in legislative processes, allowing them to work with senators, local experts, and off-island education specialists to explore policies affecting Guam. Through panel discussions and structured deliberations, participants develop concrete recommendations for the 38th Guam Legislature, transforming abstract concepts of government into meaningful engagement. By fostering skills in dialogue, critical thinking, and civic agency, the summit empowers young people to see the impact of their voices on democratic processes. For Guam, this investment in youth civic education is vital, equipping the next generation of leaders to address community challenges through informed, collaborative, and inclusive decision-making.

​The 2026 Civic Season Design Fellowship, a program of Made By Us, invites young leaders ages 18–30 to help shape the nation’s 250th anniversary through creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. Fellows will co-design events and digital content that bring Civic Season—held between Juneteenth and July 4th—to life, connecting people with history and inspiring action. With opportunities to develop hands-on experience, build networks, and contribute to a national dialogue about who we are and where we’re going, this fellowship embodies the spirit of civic participation and shared storytelling that NCDD champions.

The University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy is set to host Democracy360 from October 15–17, 2025—a three-day event designed to reimagine what participatory democracy can look like as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. With programming that blends reflection and action, the gathering invites attendees to do more than listen: to engage directly in conversations, debates, and creative collaborations that strengthen civic trust and democratic practice. From exclusive film previews and community concerts to intimate dinner dialogues and collaborative workshops, Democracy360 exemplifies how broad participation and deep engagement can coexist to inspire democratic renewal. Read more in the blog post below.