 A new study from Protect Democracy and CIRCLE uncovers three distinct profiles of Gen Z’s engagement with democracy, revealing a complex mix of appreciation, detachment, and dissatisfaction. While most young Americans value democratic principles, many lack trust in institutions and doubt democracy's ability to deliver real change—especially those facing socioeconomic barriers. For dialogue practitioners, these insights highlight the importance of tailored, inclusive strategies that build civic skills, address disillusionment, and bridge diverse perspectives. Read more in the blog post below.
0 Comments
NACRJ Launches Inaugural DEIJ Committee: Building a More Inclusive Restorative Justice Movement5/14/2025  NCDD Network Partner, The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) has officially launched its first-ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build a more inclusive and equitable restorative justice movement. This new initiative follows NACRJ’s June 2024 Resolution Statement and reflects a deepened commitment to embedding DEIJ principles across the organization’s practices, policies, and partnerships. Composed of experienced leaders in restorative justice, education, and community advocacy from across North America, the committee will focus on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and collaborative action within the organization and beyond. Read more in the blog post below.
Your Experience, Our Future: Take the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation Survey4/14/2025  NCDD is launching its 2025 Survey to gather insights from members and the wider dialogue and deliberation community. This survey aims to understand why people engage with NCDD, explore current dialogue work, identify programming needs, and discover opportunities for future involvement. Your responses will help shape NCDD’s programming, strengthen the D&D ecosystem, and ensure the organization remains a valuable space for collaboration and growth. Whether you're a long-time member or new to the community, your voice matters. Read more in the blog post below.
 "How to Make a Home," a powerful show by playwright Amina McIntyre, is bringing the conversation about homelessness directly into Atlanta living rooms. NCDD Member Org, Out of Hand Theater's innovative production follows Antonio, a single father navigating housing insecurity while caring for his young daughter. Actor Markell Wayne Williams portrays ten different characters in this intimate performance that transforms audiences from passive viewers to engaged participants. The show runs March 7-April 27, 2025, with performances hosted in over 40 homes across Metro Atlanta in partnership with Partners for Home and Mayor Andre Dickens. Read more about the show in the blog post below.  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.
 Join NCDD Member Organization, Living Room Conversations, on March 26 for a thoughtful discussion on navigating difficult times and honoring personal connections to troubling events. This conversation will explore how recent news impacts us and our loved ones, acknowledging the challenges of addressing trauma, fear, and frustration. Participants will reflect on the balance between action and emotional support, considering how to create a space for meaningful dialogue while respecting personal boundaries. Learn more in the blog post below and register here.
 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.
Discover the Winter Edition of National Civic Review: Where Civic Engagement Meets Innovation2/25/2025  NCDD friends, The National Civic League, recently published the Winter Edition of the National Civic Review which explores civic engagement and democracy’s role in community well-being, spotlighting citizen-led innovations in public safety and homelessness. It delves into participatory governance and creativity’s vital contribution to human flourishing. Available open-access online, it’s a key read on civic progress. Read more in the blog post below.
 Emotions play a critical role in deep learning and effective policymaking, and the It’s Your America workshop harnesses this principle to foster community engagement and civic skills. Designed for lasting emotional and psychological impact, it brings together elected officials, community leaders, and constituents on a level playing field to explore public policy issues and develop solutions. By inspiring connection and “aha!” moments, It’s Your America aims to transform public engagement and rebuild trust in one another and in government. Read more in the blog post below!
As we navigate the wake yesterday’s election, there is hope in our community. Through your practice, reflection, and connection, each of you brings a renewed commitment to democracy. Our collective work continues well beyond election day, sustaining democratic values and fostering meaningful dialogue in our communities. Below are several updates for the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy initiative... Upcoming PMD Theme: Post-Election Reflection—Ensuring Democracy through Dialogue This month, the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) is focusing on “Post-Election Reflection: Ensuring Democracy through Dialogue.” This theme is especially timely as we come together to guide our communities through post-election conversations, creating space for connection and healing. Community of Practice – Post-Election Support Group (Nov 14) The days following an election often bring a mix of emotions, insights, and challenges. On November 14, our Community of Practice will host a post-election support session, offering a space for reflection and discussion. This session is open to all practitioners who are ready to share experiences, navigate community conversations, strategize for engagement, or reflect on lessons learned. Join us in this supportive, confidential space to exchange ideas, address challenges, and support one another. Sign up here! New Schedule for November & December PMD Forums In the spirit of continuing support and to accommodate the upcoming holiday season, the timing for our next forums have been modified and are scheduled for:
These forums are an ongoing source of inspiration and support for our democratic journey. If you haven’t already, mark these dates in your calendar or sign up for more information, and consider inviting others who might benefit from this empowering work! October Forum Recap & Calls to Action Our October 24 forum emphasized the impactful role of mediators and facilitators in supporting democracy through constructive dialogue, especially during election periods. Here are some key takeaways:
Explore Our New Website Space and Share Feedback We’re excited to announce the updated website here on the NCDD site! This space is designed to be a comprehensive resource and engagement hub for the PMD initiative. We invite you to explore the site and share any feedback to help us continue improving it. Check it out at ncdd.org/practitionermobilization.html PMD Listserv Options: Stay Connected and Engaged To support our members and partners in their democracy-focused work, we offer two dedicated listservs—Info and Discussion. These platforms are designed to keep you informed, provide valuable resources, and foster meaningful conversations on democracy and the vital role of facilitators and mediators in strengthening it.
In times of heightened emotions and diverse perspectives, the work of mediators and facilitators is more crucial than ever. You are living proof that democracy is not just a system—it’s a practice rooted in respect, listening, and understanding. Our communities need to see this in action. Let’s show how better conversations are possible and make space for all voices through dialogue. Together, let’s ensure that this post-election period brings out the best in our communities and in ourselves. Thank you for showing up in ways that matter and for helping us build a foundation of connection and understanding in our democracy. In solidarity, The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Team  |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
Follow Us
ABOUT NCDD
NCDD is a community and coalition of individuals and organizations who bring people together to discuss, decide and collaborate on today's toughest issues.
© The National Coalition For Dialogue And Deliberation, Inc. All rights reserved.
© The National Coalition For Dialogue And Deliberation, Inc. All rights reserved.