​NCDD is now accepting applications for its flexible, remote summer internship program — an excellent opportunity for students and emerging professionals passionate about dialogue, deliberation, and civic engagement. Internship roles are available in Communications, Democracy Engagement, Grant Writing, Membership Engagement, and Program Development, each offering mentorship and hands-on experience in the field. Interested applicants are invited to learn more at our May 20 info session. Plus, don’t miss our upcoming May 22 webinar on rethinking inclusivity in public engagement and be sure to complete the NCDD Network Survey by May 31 to help shape the future of our work. Read more in the blog post below.

Join us for NCDD’s upcoming webinar, Rethinking Inclusivity: Expanding the Invitation in Public Engagement, on Thursday, May 22, from 1–2:30 pm Eastern / 10–11:30 am Pacific. As conversations about diversity and inclusion grow more polarized, this session will explore how we can reimagine inclusive public engagement in ways that resonate across political, cultural, and geographic divides. Co-presenters Elena Martínez-Torres (Sustained Dialogue Institute), Phillipe Cunningham (Urban Rural Action), Siri Erickson (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement), and Tahnee Robertson (Southwest Decision Resources) will share practical strategies for broadening participation, evolving language, and building welcoming spaces that reflect the full diversity of our communities. Learn more in the post below and register here!

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) invites students and emerging professionals to explore internship opportunities that can kick-start careers in dialogue, community engagement, and participatory democracy. On May 20th, NCDD will host a virtual info session to introduce attendees to various internship roles and the skills they can develop in areas like communication, facilitation, and civic engagement. Participants will hear from current and former interns, learn about the organization's mission, and gain insight into the application process. With opportunities in communications, program development, and more, this session offers an excellent chance to learn how an NCDD internship can shape your career in public engagement. Read more in the blog post below and register here.

​The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting a compelling virtual conversation with Sharon Davies, president and CEO of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation - Today, April 24 at 10 a.m. This event will delve into the future of democracy, civic engagement, and strategies to counter authoritarianism. With a distinguished career in law, academia, and social justice leadership, Davies brings deep insight to the discussion. The event is free and open to the public via Zoom, with registration required. Read more in the blog post below.

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.

Join the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) Monthly Forum on April 24th to connect with facilitators, mediators, and civic leaders using dialogue to strengthen democracy. This virtual gathering offers a space to share ideas, challenges, and strategies for civic engagement. As part of the PMD initiative, these forums emphasize inclusive participation, collaborative conversations, and community empowerment. Starting in June, they will move to the first Thursday of each month. Learn more about PMD’s impact and how you can get involved. 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.

Don't miss the Frontiers of Democracy 2025 conference at Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life from June 19-21, 2025 — a key gathering for democracy practitioners, scholars, and community leaders. This year’s theme, "Listening and Leading," emphasizes the power of dialogue in addressing division and polarization. With an extended May 2nd deadline for proposing interactive sessions and early bird registration open until April 11th, now is the perfect time to get involved. Join us in shaping the future of democratic practice! Read more in the blog post below.