​The Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI), a valued Member Organization of the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), offers a powerful methodology for addressing conflict and building stronger communities. With global reach, SDI’s approach fosters deeper understanding and long-term transformation across diverse settings. Read the blog post below to learn more.

​The Community Relations Service (CRS), a vital conflict-resolution agency established under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, is at risk of elimination. This essential service helps communities address tensions, supports fair housing initiatives, and facilitates mediation in times of crisis. With a public response deadline of April 2, 2025, immediate action is needed to advocate for its continuation. Contact your Congressional representatives today to voice your support and help preserve this bipartisan pillar of peace and dialogue. Read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Friends, ​The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at Pepperdine University is offering a virtual training on conflict resolution for local government professionals on March 25 & April 1, 2025. This two-session course (90 minutes each) provides practical tools to transform workplace and community conflicts into opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Participants will explore the root causes of conflict, assess their personal conflict styles, and learn the Path to Peace Framework for effective resolution. Registration is required, with a general admission fee of $275. Read more in the blog post below.

​As political polarization deepens across the globe, we find ourselves unable to bridge our differences despite recognizing the issues at hand. The way we handle conflict—both personally and collectively—stems from the values we inherit from our families. By examining our conflict resolution strategies and opening ourselves to dialogue, we can begin to create a more respectful and understanding world. Learn how family values and interpersonal skills shape our approach to global conflicts and what we can do to foster better conversations. Learn more in the blog post below.

​NCDD friends, The National Association for Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) is preparing to host a landmark event that promises to be a transformative experience for practitioners, advocates, and passionate community members dedicated to restorative justice. Mark your calendars for July 7-10, 2026, as the 10th National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice descends upon the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Read more in the blog post below or visit their website here!

Listening is a skill that shapes how we connect, understand, and build relationships. But how often do we pause to consider how we listen? Inspired by Elizabeth Rosner’s Third Ear: Reflections on the Art and Science of Listening, Living Room Conversations has crafted a guide to help us reflect on and improve our listening habits.

This guide invites participants to explore the spectrum of listening—whether we’re listening to respond, listening for deeper meaning, or listening to help someone feel truly heard. Through thoughtful questions like, “Can you think of a time you experienced being fully listened to?” the conversation encourages reflection on personal experiences while creating space to explore how listening can foster stronger connections.

The guide is part of Living Room Conversations’ broader mission: to help people engage in meaningful dialogue that builds understanding and bridges divides. By offering a structure for exploring the nuances of listening, this conversation is an opportunity to cultivate a deeper awareness of how we listen and the impact it has on our relationships.

How might your perspective shift if you explored your own listening habits? Join the conversation and discover the transformative power of truly hearing one another.
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Download the guide here and consider donating $5 to help them continue offering free resources.

​In Eight Habits of Effective Bridge-Builders, Marley Pierce and Simon Greer explore the challenges and rewards of building bridges across ideological, cultural, and social divides. In a polarized world, effective bridge-builders commit to habits like knowing their purpose, listening with curiosity, embracing complexity, and creating constructive contexts for dialogue. They prioritize authentic relationships, transformative problem-solving, and cultivating love and respect for those with differing views. Recognizing that bridge-building requires lifelong practice and comfort with discomfort, they emphasize that this work strengthens communities, fosters understanding, and repairs the fraying fabric of democracy. Read more in the blog post below!

Amidst growing political polarization in the U.S., organizations like Listen First and Braver Angels, both members of NCDD, are leading efforts to bridge divides and foster dialogue. The Listen First Project, founded by Pearce Godwin, emphasizes listening to understand and has grown into a coalition of over 500 organizations promoting social cohesion. Similarly, Braver Angels organizes workshops and events, such as their fishbowl exercises, where individuals from opposing political views engage in thoughtful conversations to uncover common ground. While these efforts face challenges, such as ensuring diversity and overcoming skepticism, they provide actionable strategies for depolarization and highlight the potential for Americans to connect across differences. Read more in the blog post below! 

​Watch a recent discussion, Managing Emotions and Relationships After the Election, where Braver Angels co-founder Dr. Bill Doherty provides invaluable guidance for navigating the intense emotions that often follow an election. Whether you are experiencing the elation of victory or the despair of defeat, Dr. Doherty offers thoughtful insights on coping with these powerful feelings while staying true to your core values. His approach emphasizes the importance of preserving relationships, even amid deep political divides, and finding ways to build bridges with those who hold different perspectives. In these challenging times, his wisdom serves as a crucial reminder of the shared humanity that binds us all, fostering mutual understanding and resilience in our communities. Check out the video below!

From the National Civic League - Political polarization and voter disengagement have highlighted the need for democratic innovations to address modern challenges to democracy. Approaches like citizens’ assemblies and participatory budgeting foster inclusivity, increase political efficacy, and bridge divides by involving citizens directly in decision-making. These innovations enhance democratic legitimacy by promoting transparency, accountability, and mutual understanding through dialogue and deliberation. However, gaps in research on their broader impact call for more evaluation to identify effective practices that strengthen governance and civic engagement, ensuring democracy remains resilient and adaptive. Read more in the blog post below.