NCDD welcomes Peter Schutz to its Board of Directors, recognizing his decades-long commitment to strengthening democracy through small-group dialogue in New Jersey. Blending technical expertise with a deep dedication to human connection, Peter has spent more than 30 years creating spaces where everyday citizens can explore complex issues, listen across differences, and build shared understanding. His work as an engineer, mediator, counselor, and discussion group leader reflects a lifelong belief that democratic renewal grows from authentic, community-level engagement. As he joins the board, Peter brings extensive practical experience, values rooted in justice and inclusion, and a conviction that ordinary people can shape their collective future—contributions that will enrich NCDD’s mission to advance dialogue and deliberation nationwide.

Harvard’s EdEthics initiative is launching a free virtual Community of Practice for the 2025–26 school year to support K–12 educators navigating increasingly complex and politically charged classroom environments. Through monthly facilitated sessions held from September 2025 to June 2026, the program offers a dedicated space for teachers to share experiences, explore ethical dilemmas, and strengthen their capacity to lead inclusive, thoughtful dialogue amid curriculum restrictions and shifting policy landscapes. In addition to providing direct support, the initiative includes a connected research effort that will document insights from participants—while maintaining strict confidentiality—to create professional development resources for educators nationwide. By amplifying teacher expertise and fostering collaborative learning, the Community of Practice advances democratic dialogue and equips educators to handle challenging conversations with integrity.

​The Fall Edition of the National Civic Review spotlights how communities across the country are putting democratic ideals into practice by transforming shared challenges into opportunities for collaboration and innovation. This article explores real-world examples of civic engagement in action—from cities addressing homelessness through cross-sector partnerships to small towns building trust through inclusive dialogue. By centering stories of residents, local officials, and community organizations working side by side, “Democracy in Practice” illustrates how the health of democracy depends on the everyday work of people coming together to solve problems. The piece underscores a central NCR theme: that democracy thrives not in theory, but through lived, collective effort.

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) will co-host a webinar with Colorado State University Center for Public Deliberation, titled “Talking Democracy (or Not): How Local Newsrooms Choose Their Words” on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 9–10 a.m. Pacific (12 p.m.–1 p.m. Eastern). This post-2024 election discussion will explore how the language used by local journalists and civic practitioners shapes public understanding and participation in democracy. Drawing on new research from Press Forward and PACE’s Civic Language Perceptions Project, the event will examine how words like community, service, and connection often foster more engagement than explicit democracy-focused terms. Participants will hear from experts in journalism and civic engagement about how newsrooms can communicate democratic values effectively while building trust across differences. The session aims to equip attendees with practical tools for inclusive, authentic civic communication that bridges divides and strengthens community participation.

The National Roundtable on Political Violence, organized by Newsweek and AllSides, is an online event on November 6 that will bring together thousands of Americans to confront the growing threat of political violence through dialogue and collective action. Participants will engage in small, structured conversations designed to bridge political divides, uncover shared humanity, and identify concrete steps to reduce violence in their communities. This initiative models a scalable approach to civic engagement by combining AllSides’ expertise in balanced discourse with Newsweek’s journalistic reach, demonstrating how digital platforms can foster meaningful human connection and strengthen democracy. Ultimately, the Roundtable seeks to transform crisis into collaboration, showing that conversation—not conflict—is the path to healing America’s civic fabric.

On October 28, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET (11:00 AM to 12:30 PM PT), the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) and the Listen First Project will host a 90-minute webinar titled “Libraries as Civic Hubs: A National Conversation on Dialogue, Deliberation, and Democratic Renewal.” The event will feature four national leaders—Keiva Hummel of NCDD, Karissa Raskin of Listen First Project, Sanobar Wilkins of EveryLibrary, and Annie Caplan of Living Room Conversations—who will discuss how libraries can serve as trusted spaces for connection, civic learning, and democratic participation amid challenges such as censorship and polarization. Drawing from initiatives like the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities, EveryLibrary’s VoteLibraries and Fight for the First, and Living Room Conversations’ dialogue models, the speakers will share tools, case studies, and facilitation strategies to help library staff foster inclusive dialogue and rebuild trust. The webinar highlights a broader movement to position libraries as anchors of civic renewal, bridging divides and strengthening democratic life in communities nationwide.

Everyday Democracy’s Multipartial Facilitation Training is a three-week virtual program designed for experienced facilitators who want to deepen their skills in leading inclusive, equity-centered conversations. Running on October 23, October 30, and November 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM ET, with registration closing October 3, 2025, the training emphasizes multipartiality—a facilitation approach that actively balances power and honors diverse perspectives. Through collaborative learning, mock facilitation, and real-time feedback, participants refine their ability to navigate complex group dynamics while fostering equitable participation. With a 1:6 instructor-to-participant ratio and ongoing peer support, the program provides practical tools, including a Pocket Guide, to sustain facilitators’ growth beyond the sessions. Ultimately, this training strengthens the field of dialogue and deliberation by equipping practitioners to create more inclusive, democratic spaces in their communities.

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) has welcomed The World Café Community Foundation as its newest member, uniting two organizations dedicated to the transformative power of conversation in strengthening communities and democracy. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and steward of the World Café method developed by Juanita Brown and David Isaacs, promotes a structured yet adaptable approach to dialogue that brings diverse participants together to share perspectives, uncover collective wisdom, and inspire collaborative action. Committed to keeping the practice accessible and evolving, the Foundation offers global training, mentoring, and online spaces while operating on principles of generosity and inclusion. Its emphasis on conversational leadership—rooted in hosting and deep listening rather than hierarchy—resonates deeply with NCDD’s mission to enhance civic engagement and equity. Together, they aim to expand opportunities for meaningful dialogue across cultures and communities, building the infrastructure of democracy one conversation at a time.

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) has welcomed its Fall 2025 intern cohort, a group of 7 diverse and accomplished students dedicated to fostering inclusive democracy through dialogue. The cohort includes Nahum Ding, a natural mediator studying Human Development; Merveille Julia Bock D'Ileletoua, a human rights advocate and Peace and Justice student; Natalie Vasquez, a Political Science and Urban Studies major focused on immigrant and women’s rights; Sarah Huegler, a Geology and Astronomy student committed to understanding diverse perspectives; Sadiqua Khan, a Psychology major with strong leadership experience; and Sydney Wiggins, a Political Science and Data Science student blending technology with civic engagement and Emory University student, Fern Biswas​. United by their commitment to listening, collaboration, and democratic participation, these interns will contribute to NCDD’s programs, communications, and membership engagement, representing the next generation of changemakers working to strengthen democracy from the inside out.

The University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy is set to host Democracy360 from October 15–17, 2025—a three-day event designed to reimagine what participatory democracy can look like as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. With programming that blends reflection and action, the gathering invites attendees to do more than listen: to engage directly in conversations, debates, and creative collaborations that strengthen civic trust and democratic practice. From exclusive film previews and community concerts to intimate dinner dialogues and collaborative workshops, Democracy360 exemplifies how broad participation and deep engagement can coexist to inspire democratic renewal. Read more in the blog post below.