NCDD Network Partner, ​The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) has officially launched its first-ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build a more inclusive and equitable restorative justice movement. This new initiative follows NACRJ’s June 2024 Resolution Statement and reflects a deepened commitment to embedding DEIJ principles across the organization’s practices, policies, and partnerships. Composed of experienced leaders in restorative justice, education, and community advocacy from across North America, the committee will focus on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and collaborative action within the organization and beyond. Read more in the blog post below.

​NCDD is now accepting applications for its remote, unpaid, and flexible summer internship program—an ideal opportunity for students and emerging professionals interested in dialogue, deliberation, and community engagement. Internship roles are available in the areas of Communications, Democracy Engagement, Grant Writing, Membership Engagement, and Program Development. To learn more, join us for our upcoming info session, “Launching Your Path – Learn About NCDD Internships,” on Tuesday, May 20 at 11am PT / 2pm ET. This virtual session will provide insights into the program, introduce the NCDD team, and offer space for questions. Learn more in the blog post below and register to join the call!

NCDD Friends, Bridge Alliance, a coalition focused on strengthening democratic institutions and civic engagement across the U.S., has launched the 2025 Survey of Pro-Democracy Practitioners & Organizations. This survey is a key part of their "Path Forward" research project, designed to understand the current state and future direction of the pro-democracy movement. With the goal of gathering insights from democracy practitioners, the survey seeks to answer important questions about collective efforts, guiding principles, and areas of success or improvement. The initiative builds on previous research and aims to foster greater collaboration within the democracy field. Bridge Alliance is committed to maximizing impact through strategic partnerships and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. Find the survey and read more in the blog post below.

​The International Listening Association (ILA), a valued NCDD Network Partner, emphasizes the transformative power of listening through thoughtful questions and deep engagement. In a recent podcast, ILA members Raquel Ark and Dr. Michael W. Purdy explore how conscious listening fosters connection, community building, and democratic discourse. Their conversation offers valuable insights into improving communication and promoting empathy, especially in polarized times. Read the blog post below to learn more.

​NCDD is launching its 2025 Survey to gather insights from members and the wider dialogue and deliberation community. This survey aims to understand why people engage with NCDD, explore current dialogue work, identify programming needs, and discover opportunities for future involvement. Your responses will help shape NCDD’s programming, strengthen the D&D ecosystem, and ensure the organization remains a valuable space for collaboration and growth. Whether you're a long-time member or new to the community, your voice matters. Read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Sustaining Partner, The Interactivity Foundation, is offering a Collaborative Discussion Coach Training designed for educators, librarians, community leaders, and others passionate about dialogue. This interactive online training runs from May 28 to June 3, 2025, and provides participants with hands-on experience using the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit, access to exclusive coaching resources, and the ability to award certificates and digital badges. The cost is $495, with scholarships available. Space is limited to 10 participants, and the registration deadline is Sunday, May 4. Read more in the blog post below.

We’re excited to share an announcement from our NCDD Network Partner, the Listen First Project, about a unique opportunity to support the launch of the American Depolarization Network—a new web-based platform developed by Harvard’s Constructive Disagreement Lab that empowers individuals to send thoughtful, depolarizing emails across political divides using voter registration data. This pilot is part of the upcoming National Week of Conversation (April 21–27) and is a chance to be part of an innovative approach to bridging divides in America. A Volunteer Onboarding call is happening today, Thursday, April 3rd, at 3pm Eastern / 12pm Pacific on Zoom. Learn more in the blog post below.

​The 8th Annual National Week of Conversation is just around the corner, offering a much-needed opportunity for Americans to come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, and bridge divides. Backed by over 500 organizations, this movement encourages open conversations that foster understanding and connection. With events ranging from skill-building workshops to the Better Together Film Festival, there are countless ways to get involved. Mark your calendar for April 21-27, 2025, and be part of the change. Read more in the blog post below.

​The Community Relations Service (CRS), a vital conflict-resolution agency established under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, is at risk of elimination. This essential service helps communities address tensions, supports fair housing initiatives, and facilitates mediation in times of crisis. With a public response deadline of April 2, 2025, immediate action is needed to advocate for its continuation. Contact your Congressional representatives today to voice your support and help preserve this bipartisan pillar of peace and dialogue. Read more in the blog post below.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Coming to the Table National Gathering in St. Paul, Minnesota! From June 12-15, participants will engage in transformational discussions on racial healing, reparations, and truth-telling. This year’s theme, “Keep the Dream Alive,”​ honors Dr. King’s vision and deepens our collective commitment to justice and reconciliation. Join us for keynote sessions, breakout discussions, and powerful community experiences. Learn more about registration, breakout session proposals, and scholarship opportunities below.