​The Citizens' Assembly Capacity Building Fall School is an opportunity for policymakers, civil servants, and civil society members to learn about deliberative democratic processes and Citizens’ Assemblies. Hosted by the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes at Arizona State University from October 22-24, this event offers interactive sessions with experts, providing practical skills to enhance public participation and democratic innovation. Participants will gain insights and tools to implement inclusive decision-making practices in their communities. Registration is open, with options to attend both the main program and a pre-conference event. Read the blog post below and learn more and register here.

The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Forum is holding its next call tomorrow, August 22nd, where facilitators, mediators, and communicators will collaborate to support and revitalize democracy. The event aims to unite a diverse coalition of engagement practitioners, offering opportunities to connect nationally, engage locally, and turn skills into actionable steps to strengthen democratic practices. The agenda includes introductions, mobilization opportunities, breakout sessions, and an open forum, encouraging participants to share insights and make connections. Read the blog post below and join us tomorrow! 

Healthy Democracy has seen significant changes over the past three years, transitioning to a non-hierarchical staff structure with four equal Directors leading the organization. This shift has allowed them to embrace collaboration, seek new partnerships, and run innovative civic assemblies, despite the challenges faced. As two staff members, Alex and Kacey, move on to new opportunities, Healthy Democracy welcomes Lauren Babcock and Justin Reedy, who bring fresh expertise and enthusiasm. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of placing people at the center of democracy and continues to evolve with a focus on healthier future systems. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

The latest edition of the National Civic Review, in partnership with The Kettering Foundation, addresses the global threats to democracy and the urgent need for solutions. The articles emphasize the importance of citizen engagement, democracy innovation, and public deliberation. Highlights include discussions on the dual meanings of democracy, efforts to end gerrymandering in Ohio, the spread of public incivility, the impact of social capital on COVID-19 vaccination rates, and the need for more deliberative public meetings. The online edition is now open access, and readers can explore featured articles. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

At the beginning of July, with support from Central Oregon's city and county governments, over 12,750 letters were sent inviting residents to enter a lottery for a Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness. This assembly, scheduled for fall 2024, aims to address the rise in youth homelessness in Deschutes County through a diverse, representative group of thirty selected participants who will study the issue and propose policy recommendations. The initiative, led by DemocracyNext and NCDD members, Healthy Democracy, is part of the Central Oregon Civic Action Project (COCAP) and seeks to foster inclusive, effective public decision-making. A Civic Lottery event on August 1 will select the assembly members and engage the public in the process. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

Explore the UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review, from the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, transitioning from local construction sites to the global policy-making corridors of the United Nations. This review process, aimed at preventing conflict and fostering recovery, is managed by the Peacebuilding Commission, Fund, and Support Office, working together like a coordinated construction team. It offers local peacebuilders the opportunity to influence global policies, ensuring they address community needs and promote sustainable peace. Active participation enables local actors to drive meaningful changes, gain valuable skills, and access important opportunities. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

The Knowledge Network on Climate Assemblies (KNOCA) is hosting a webinar "Climate Assemblies: Emerging Trends, Challenges and Opportunities", on May 2nd from 8:30 - 10:00am Eastern, 5:30 - 7:00am Pacific. While KNOCA is based in Europe, we know there is much to learn from climate assemblies and takeaways on how to further bring citizens' voices into climate governance.

Graham Smith will present insights from an upcoming report on climate assemblies. Erica Hope and Claudia Chwalisz will lead discussions on integrating citizen voices into climate governance. KNOCA aims to enhance climate assembly impact by fostering dialogue among stakeholders and shaping future trends in assembly practice to strengthen climate policy and governance. Learn more in the post below and on KNOCA's site here.

We invite you to check out the newly launched Federation for Innovation in Democracy North America (FIDE NA), which aims to advocate for Citizens' Assemblies and provide technical guidance. They're hosting a Capacity Building School from April 18-20 in DC featuring international experts, and the Global Innovations in Democracy event from April 15-17. Thank you to Marjan H. Ehsassi, FIDE NA Executive Director, for sharing this announcement with the NCDD network! Learn more in the post below and on the FIDE NA site here.