Action for Connection is an initiative aimed at reducing social isolation by fostering meaningful community relationships. It provides resources such as community guides, workshops, and policy advocacy tools to help individuals and organizations build stronger social bonds. Through personal stories and practical steps, the initiative promotes inclusivity and highlights the mental health benefits of connectedness. Read the blog post below and visit Action for Connection for more details on how to get involved.

The Democracy Resource Hub on Peacebuilding offers a comprehensive guide to fostering peace and democracy. It provides resources on conflict prevention, addressing polarization, and strengthening social cohesion. The hub emphasizes the importance of grassroots peacebuilding efforts and outlines tools for creating inclusive dialogues and equitable systems. Key strategies include community engagement, conflict resolution education, and building resilient institutions to handle tensions. The guide is aimed at individuals and organizations working to promote democracy and sustainable peace at local and national levels. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

The tragedy of 9/11 left the world grappling with intense emotions of grief, fear, and anger, creating a deep need for connection and understanding. As people struggled to process the overwhelming loss and division, open conversations became vital for healing. Conversation Cafés provided a safe space for individuals to voice their emotions, bridge divides, and foster empathy during this period of crisis. These dialogues helped communities come together, promoting shared humanity and a sense of unity in the face of collective trauma.

In their report, Luiza Jardim and Maria Lucien explore strategies for fostering inclusive participation in democratic processes. They highlight that despite efforts like sortition to diversify participant profiles, systemic barriers still hinder meaningful involvement of marginalized groups. The authors advocate for a shift toward "inclusion by default," emphasizing the need for intentional design and facilitation to address these barriers. By focusing on community engagement, intersectionality, and context-specific considerations, their work aims to create more equitable and representative participatory processes. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

These professional-level courses through Braver Angels are designed by experts to help individuals navigate difficult political conversations with greater skill and understanding. They offer tailored content for conservatives ("reds") and liberals ("blues"), and cover topics such as depolarization, managing political discussions within families, and reducing polarization on social media. Each course, taking around 40 minutes, provides practical tools for communicating more effectively and constructively in polarized environments. These courses can be taken individually, alongside, or after workshops, depending on the participant's needs. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

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.

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. 

​Lydia Smith, NCDD member and friend, leads the Emory Conversation Project at the Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation, and Dialogue at Emory University, helping students improve their skills in discussing tough topics together. Her initiative focuses on developing students' collaborative discussion skills to tackle challenging topics, inspired by her debate background. After attending Interactivity Foundation’s Summer Coach Training, Lydia integrated more interactive activities into ECP, using the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit. This toolkit, organized in modules, enhances students' critical and civic collaboration skills, fostering confidence in dialogue facilitation. The program's success led to its expansion across campus, earning accreditation and institutional support for broader integration, highlighting its transformative impact on students' communication abilities and campus dialogue culture. Read the blog post below and learn more here.