​Colorado State University is investing in civic dialogue through its Democracy Small Grant Program, awarding over $90,000 to support democracy-focused initiatives. Among the recipients, the Northern Colorado Deliberative Journalism Project (DJP) is leading efforts to revitalize local journalism and foster community discussions. By engaging citizens, training student journalists, and hosting public forums, the DJP is shaping a model for dialogue-driven journalism. Read more in the blog post below.

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.

Democracy in the Digital Age Summer Institute
June 22–27, 2025 | Stanford University | Palo Alto, CA

How does technology impact our society and politics? What policies do we need to ensure that technology plays a productive role in our future? During this weeklong institute, hosted in partnership by Close Up and the Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University (DDL), students will explore how rapid changes in technology impact our democracy and elections, the global environment, education and learning, and labor and the workforce. You’ll hear from tech innovators, policymakers, academics, and advocates to evaluate a variety of policy options at the intersection of technology and society, and produce a youth report with recommendations on how to make social media more democratic. All attendees will be eligible for a Certification in Civil Discourse through Close Up and DDL. Complete the interest form here.

Join an info session on January 30th, 2025 at 12pm EST, 10am MST! Register here.

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. King’s words remind us that fear and division stem from a lack of understanding and communication. At the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), we work to create spaces where people can engage in meaningful conversations that foster empathy and connection. By embracing dialogue, we can break down barriers, build stronger communities, and advance Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community rooted in justice and equality. This year, let’s honor his legacy by listening deeply, inviting diverse voices, and taking action to bridge divides. Read more in the blog post below.

Are you passionate about strengthening democracy through dialogue and deliberation? Looking to connect with fellow practitioners and dive into meaningful discussions? Don’t miss our Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) Community of Practice session this Thursday, 1-2:30pm Eastern, 10-11:30am Pacific!

This session is an open space for practitioners to come together, share ideas, gain insights, and collaborate on the opportunities and challenges we face in fostering democratic engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just getting started, this is a chance to connect with others who share your commitment to making an impact.
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What to Expect:

• Engaging discussions with peers in the PMD network
• A chance to share updates, ideas, and best practices
• Opportunities to build relationships and learn from one another

Interested? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/sLJG1e2V9XMa2kcK8

For more information about the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD), visit our webpage: https://www.ncdd.org/communityofpractice.html. We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to build our community together!

​Kevin Johnson, from The Fulcrum, highlights lessons from President Jimmy Carter’s enduring legacy for democracy reformers. Carter’s commitment to election fairness began with his fight against blatant election fraud in his first Georgia state senate race, a struggle that shaped his lifelong dedication to democratic principles. As a global advocate, Carter’s work through The Carter Center emphasized nonpartisanship, transparency, and systemic reform, contributing to the doubling of electoral democracies worldwide by the end of the 20th century. Johnson underscores Carter’s moral leadership, emphasizing respect, empathy, and the importance of engaging with adversaries, qualities that remain vital for addressing today’s challenges to democracy. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

Merriam-Webster named "polarization" as the 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting widespread concern over deepening societal divides. In an article by Starts With Us, the choice is seen not only as a reminder of today’s toxic political and social climate but also as a call to engage in deeper, more honest discussions about the issue. While many blame "the other side" for polarization, the article emphasizes the need for self-reflection, shared responsibility, and challenging distorted views of others. Building a healthier, less toxic future requires collective action and a commitment to nuanced conversations. Read more below.