​​As we approach key election dates, fostering open, inclusive dialogues about electoral processes, stress management, and post-election unity is crucial. Events like Trust in Elections (Oct. 15), Anxiety and Elections (Oct. 22), and Post-Election: Moving Forward Together (Nov. 12) provide valuable spaces for citizens to discuss concerns, share emotions, and promote understanding across political divides. These conversations create opportunities to build trust, address stress, and unite communities, ensuring that no matter the outcome, we can move forward together. Participating encourages shared humanity and resilience in challenging times. Read more in the blog post below and learn more here. 

A Note from NCDD's Executive Director,

As we approach the U.S. presidential election, the stakes for democracy have never felt higher. Around the world, democratic systems are under immense pressure—polarization is intensifying, trust in institutions is fading, and civic participation is at an all-time low. These issues show up in our communities as division, disengagement, and a lack of spaces for meaningful conversations. But there is hope: these challenges aren’t insurmountable. At NCDD, we believe that dialogue and deliberation give communities the tools they need to navigate through these tough times. Mediators and facilitators—those who guide these collaborative processes—are uniquely equipped to help communities overcome obstacles by fostering inclusive dialogue, resolving conflict, and encouraging active participation in democratic processes.

Why Dialogue and Deliberation Matter Now More Than Ever

In times of uncertainty and division, people crave connection, understanding, and a way forward. Dialogue is not just about talking—it’s about listening, reflecting, and creating space for voices that have been marginalized or overlooked. It helps communities tap into their collective wisdom and creates environments where differences can be explored constructively. Deliberation strengthens democracy by encouraging thoughtful, informed discussions that lead to more inclusive, sustainable solutions. When we engage deeply with the issues that matter, we empower our communities to make decisions that reflect diverse perspectives and shared values.

Democracy thrives when people feel connected, engaged, and know their voices matter. Mediators and facilitators have the unique ability to create environments where meaningful conversations happen and collaboration is possible. They don’t just help resolve conflicts—they strengthen the foundations of democracy by fostering understanding, inclusive participation, and civic engagement. Through these efforts, they help communities come together, explore diverse viewpoints, and take collective action toward a more resilient, inclusive future.

Mobilizing Practitioners for Democracy: Local Action, National Impact

Mediators and facilitators are at the core of building stronger communities and a healthier democracy. That’s why we launched the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy campaign—to activate, support, and equip these practitioners to drive democratic engagement across the country. Mobilization is about empowering them to take action locally—to lead conversations that matter, encourage collaboration, and foster community-driven solutions that strengthen democracy from the ground up.

Through this campaign, practitioners gain the resources, support, and inspiration they need to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and collective action within their own communities. This isn’t about waiting for someone else to act—it’s about equipping people with the tools they need to strengthen democracy right where they are. Whether they’re bringing together diverse voices to discuss pressing issues, facilitating problem-solving efforts, or encouraging broader civic participation, these practitioners play a vital role in ensuring democracy stays participatory and resilient.

The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy campaign is a call to action for mediators, facilitators, and civic engagement professionals to step into their communities and make an impact. By guiding thoughtful, inclusive conversations, these practitioners help build stronger, more connected communities—and, in doing so, they strengthen democracy itself. Learn more and get involved at: www.ncdd.org/practitionermobilization.html.

Growing the Power of We: NCDD’s Membership Campaign

At the heart of democracy is the power of connection—of people coming together to listen, share, and collaborate on solutions that reflect everyone’s needs. This belief in community-driven action is the foundation of NCDD’s “Growing the Power of We: Dialogue as the Heartbeat of Democracy” membership campaign. Learn more at: www.ncdd.org/membercampaign.html.

In this critical moment for democracy, NCDD invites you to join a growing network of mediators, facilitators, and civic engagement professionals who are dedicated to fostering inclusive dialogue and deliberation. As a member, you gain access to tools, resources, and opportunities to engage in nationwide efforts that promote civic participation and build meaningful connections across perspectives. Membership opens doors to a vibrant community of practitioners who are committed to deepening democratic engagement through dialogue and deliberation.

By becoming a member of NCDD, you’re stepping into a movement that believes in the power of dialogue to strengthen democracy—one conversation at a time. Together, we are growing the Power of We, creating spaces where every voice is heard, differences are respected, and collective action takes root. Your membership doesn’t just support the work of dialogue practitioners—it helps build a more resilient, inclusive democracy that reflects the values and perspectives of all its people.

Join us today in our efforts to strengthen democracy by fostering connection, understanding, and collective action. The time to act is now, and NCDD is ready to welcome you into this important work of creating a thriving, participatory democracy. Join NCDD at: www.ncdd.org/join.html.

For a resilient democracy,
Keiva Hummel
Executive Director, NCDD - National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation

​The Unify Challenge College Bowl is a nationwide event designed to foster thoughtful dialogue among college students with different perspectives. Through one-on-one virtual discussions, students tackle pressing issues such as mental health, gun laws, and immigration, aiming to understand diverse viewpoints. With over 14,000 participants from 205 schools, the program encourages civic engagement, helping students reconsider their views and boost voter participation. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

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 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 National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) has launched its 2024 membership campaign, "Growing the Power of We: Dialogue as the Heartbeat of Democracy," focused on strengthening democracy through meaningful conversations. The campaign aims to grow membership by 45%, increase participation in events by 15%, and raise $50,000 to fund initiatives like youth engagement, diversity efforts, and technological enhancements. By joining NCDD, members can access exclusive resources, participate in webinars, and contribute to democratic engagement. This campaign supports NCDD’s broader mission of empowering communities through dialogue and addressing societal challenges.

The "5 Practices for Better College Discussions Workshop Series" offers a series of free, virtual workshops designed to help college students enhance their discussion skills for academic, community, and professional settings. Held on select dates from September 25 to November 20, 2024, these workshops will teach essential skills such as co-creation, asking better questions, and navigating complex discussions. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively, appreciate diverse perspectives, and engage in creative brainstorming. The series is open to all college students, and attendees can register for individual sessions or the entire series. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

​The "America in One Room: The Youth Vote" initiative conducted a Deliberative Poll involving 430 first-time voters to gauge their opinions on key issues for the 2024 Presidential Election. After deliberation, participants showed significant changes in their perspectives on energy, the economy, health care, and democracy. The results highlighted shifts towards more nuanced views, with increased support for clean energy and reproductive health care, but decreased support for some progressive economic policies. The event demonstrated Gen Z's capacity for thoughtful discussion across political divides and suggested an increased faith in democratic processes among young voters. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

In the release "Bridging Divides and Strengthening Communities Through Local Leaders," Dexter Mason and Hahrie Han discuss how grassroots efforts can combat political polarization and strengthen community connections. Mason, executive director of the Change Collective, and Han, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, emphasize the importance of equipping local leaders to address community issues and foster civic engagement. By promoting meaningful local action and collaboration, their approach aims to bridge divides and create a more inclusive and participatory democracy. Through real-world examples from Detroit and Jackson, the release illustrates how local initiatives can drive significant, broad-based change. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

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.