On April 21, 2025, over 100 participants from across the civic ecosystem joined NCDD for a timely and thought-provoking conversation: “Bridging and Advocating in Divided Times: Navigating the Tension for Stronger Civic Practice.” This webinar explored how dialogue and deliberation professionals can support changemakers without compromising their integrity—and how advocacy and dialogue, far from being at odds, can be understood as complementary tools for strengthening democratic engagement.
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The session featured Julia Roig and Jarvis Williams of The Horizons Project and Dr. Martin Carcasson of the Center for Public Deliberation, who brought decades of experience to a shared inquiry: how can we navigate the tension between impartiality and action in today’s polarized environment? Our panelists ​offered frameworks, tools, and deep reflections on how civic professionals can hold space for multiple truths, foster connection, and support justice-driven work without falling into partisanship or paralysis.

Essential Partners, a member organization of NCDD, exemplifies the power of dialogue in bridging divides. Through their Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD) model, they empower individuals and institutions to engage across differences with empathy and skill. Upcoming workshops in May, June, and July 2025 will offer immersive training for educators and dialogue practitioners to create inclusive and resilient communities—from college classrooms to high school settings. Their work aligns closely with NCDD’s mission and provides accessible, impactful tools for navigating today’s most complex conversations. Read more in the blog post below.

​The Bridging Differences in Higher Education Learning Fellowship is an exciting opportunity for higher education professionals to develop science-based strategies for fostering dialogue across differences. Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, this free, 8-month virtual fellowship offers two participation tracks—one for campus leaders and another for organizations supporting cross-campus bridge-building efforts. Participants will engage in monthly sessions featuring research insights, practitioner-led discussions, and collaborative learning experiences. Applications are open until April 15, 2025. Read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Network Partner, Listen First Project, shared with us Resetting the Table's Campus Facilitation Training Program, a 5-month virtual course for higher education professionals to enhance dialogue facilitation skills. Tailored for those with experience, it provides a comprehensive framework for productive campus conversations, with expert coaching support. Ideal for Student Life, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion roles, the training includes ten sessions on practical techniques and collaborative communication, plus insights into RTT's Speaking Across Conflict workshop. With proven impact, this is a must for campus leaders aiming to foster resilient communities. Apply by April 14, 2025; starts in June. Read more in the blog post below.

The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) is offering two upcoming online courses designed to enhance the skills of professionals in public participation and community engagement. The Designing & Leading Public Participation course (April 14-17, 2025) will help practitioners master the design and planning phases of public participation, including stakeholder analysis, equity analysis, and developing engagement objectives. The Working with Conflict and High Emotion course (April 15-23, 2025) will focus on de-escalating conflict and managing emotional dynamics in public participation processes. Both courses are ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in public dialogue and decision-making. Read more in the blog post below.

Navigating the tension between dialogue and advocacy is more critical than ever in today’s polarized climate. Join us for the NCDD webinar, Bridging and Advocating in Divided Times: Navigating the Tension for Stronger Civic Practice, for an insightful webinar exploring how these approaches can work together to strengthen civic practice. Happening Monday, April 21, from 4 - 5:30 pm Eastern, 1 - 2:30 pm Pacific. 

​Dr. Martin Carcasson of the Center for Public Deliberation and long-standing NCDD member and former board chair, along with Julia Roig and Jarvis Williams of The Horizons Project, will guide participants through the lens of polarity management—a framework for balancing competing values to advance democratic change. Whether you're a facilitator, organizer, or civic leader, this session will offer practical tools to help you engage with care, clarity, and courage.​ Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh insights and practical tools--register now!