When: Tuesday, October 22nd, 7:00pm ET
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kceGprj8qGteaXq-RwsMnJe_hZ-6t61oe#/registration​
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Elections can be a mix of hope and fear...let us connect, reflect, and act - together. Join NAFCM this coming Tuesday (tomorrow) for a continued conversation about our work before, during, and after the upcoming U.S. election. Connect with local and national leaders, reflect on their efforts, and create individual and shared plans of action to increase engagement and mitigate electoral violence. 

Join us for the launch of the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map, a resource connecting organizations, funders, and practitioners to support democratic practices nationwide. In this 75-minute webinar, on October 9th, 2 pm ET (1pm CT, 12pm MT, 11am PT), attendees will explore the map's features, learn how it fosters collaboration and innovation, and hear real-world applications from a diverse panel. The session offers a guided tour, insights from experts, and an opportunity for audience engagement. Read the blog post to learn more!

Twenty years ago, 160 Canadian residents participated in the world’s first Citizens Assembly, setting a new standard for representative deliberation and sparking a global movement in democratic innovation. To commemorate this milestone, the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and MASS LBP are hosting a public dialogue on September 18th in Vancouver, featuring key figures from the Assembly’s inception and current members reflecting on their experiences. The event will be moderated by Aftab Erfan and includes speakers like Geoff Plant, Peter MacLeod, and Andrea Reimer. It will be held at the Wosk Centre and livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Read the blog post below for more information and to register. 

​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.