​NCDD board member Dr. Larry Schooler shares powerful insights on transforming workplace conflict into opportunities for organizational growth and stronger community. Drawing from his extensive experience as a mediator, academic, and former journalist, Dr. Schooler reframes conflict not as something to avoid but as a vital signal for necessary change and deeper engagement. He highlights the importance of authentic leadership rooted in empathy and accountability, which builds trust and enables productive dialogue. Looking to the future, Dr. Schooler sees technology, including AI, as a helpful tool to support—but not replace—the human connection essential to effective conflict resolution. His approach aligns closely with NCDD’s mission to foster understanding and democratic participation by turning tension into collaborative growth. Read more in the blog post below.

Middlebury's Conflict Transformation Initiative enters a new chapter with Professor Netta Avineri as executive director. Building on a foundation laid by Professor Sarah Stroup, Dr. Avineri brings expertise in linguistic anthropology and intercultural competence to guide the initiative’s next phase. The program emphasizes viewing conflict as an opportunity for growth, integrating experiential learning, cultural analysis, and global partnerships. With a strong infrastructure already in place, the initiative aims to deepen its impact across Middlebury and beyond. Read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Friend, Dr. Timothy Shaffer’s recent presentation at Chaminade University offers a timely and transformative rethinking of civil discourse. Rather than reducing civility to mere politeness, Shaffer introduces a nuanced framework distinguishing between weak, strong, and pseudo civility—encouraging dialogue practitioners to embrace passionate, democratic engagement, even when it includes protest or confrontation. Addressing the deeper emotional divides of affective polarization, he outlines practical strategies like intellectual humility, principled advocacy, and the use of informal “third spaces” to bridge ideological gaps. Shaffer’s message is clear: each of us holds agency to foster stronger civic culture amid division. Read more in the blog post below.

​A dynamic partnership between NCDD Member, Middlebury College’s Conflict Transformation Collaborative (CT Collaborative) and Burlington-based nuwave Equity Corporation is demonstrating how dialogue practices can lead to meaningful workplace culture change. By combining Middlebury’s academic expertise with nuwave’s innovative equity work, the collaboration equips organizations with tools to foster inclusive, high-performing environments. Centered on core conflict transformation skills—like active listening and curiosity—the initiative exemplifies the impact of cross-sector collaboration. Soon, new training videos and multimedia resources will make these strategies more accessible and scalable. Read more in the blog post below.

​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.