 Position: Communications Coordinator Hours: 8–10 hours per week Rate: $17/hour The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) seeks a dynamic and self-motivated Communications Coordinator to join our team. This remote role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading organizations and thought leaders in the dialogue and deliberation field while supporting and strengthening NCDD's mission by creating and managing high-quality communications for our members and the broader community. Key Responsibilities:
What We’re Looking For: We seek someone curious, creative, and self-motivated with a passion for communications and community-building. Key traits and qualifications include:
Why Join NCDD?
Working Conditions: This is a fully remote position. Candidates must be self-driven, comfortable working with minimal supervision, and able to telecommute effectively. Application Process: To apply, please email your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed promptly until the position is filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged. A Testimonial from Our Outgoing Communications Coordinator Hear directly from someone who has been in this role! My time as Communications Coordinator with the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) was one of the most rewarding experiences. The role provided an incredible opportunity to connect with a network of inspiring organizations and leaders dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogue and deliberation. Weekly and monthly connecting calls were a particular highlight, creating space to build relationships, exchange ideas, and collaboratively solve challenges.  
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 A reflection from NCDD's Executive Director, Keiva Hummel
As we enter 2025, the NCDD team has been reflecting on all we accomplished together over the past year. While the holidays brought a welcome opportunity to rest and recharge, we are excited to take a moment to share the highlights of 2024 before diving into all that this new year has in store. Thank you for being part of this incredible community and for your continued support as we work to strengthen dialogue, deliberation, our connections and our communities! Accomplishments in 2024
As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you to deepen your connection to this thriving community by becoming a member of NCDD or renewing your membership. Being part of NCDD gives you access to an incredible network of innovators in dialogue, deliberation, and facilitation. Members benefit from:
Support the Coalition In addition to membership, we invite you to support NCDD by making a donation. Your contributions help us pay our dedicated staff, sustain programming, and bring together even more events in the coming year. Every gift strengthens our ability to foster dialogue, deliberation, and connection across communities. Help us build a stronger coalition by donating today: ncdd.org/donate.html Looking Forward Thank you for being a part of the NCDD community. Reflecting on 2024, we are energized by the opportunities ahead to grow and strengthen our coalition. In 2025, we are excited to focus on building our coalition membership, increasing funding to ensure NCDD is a sustainable and thriving organization, and deepening our regional organizing efforts. We also aim to expand event hosting opportunities to foster even greater collaboration and connection. Most importantly, we are working to evolve NCDD into a true coalition model, where members play an even more integral role in shaping our shared mission and impact. We look forward to collaborating with you in these efforts and invite you to join us in driving this vision forward. Together, we can continue to strengthen dialogue, deliberation, our democracy, and our communities.  A reflection from NCDD's Executive Director, Keiva Hummel Over the course of three days last week, Roshan Bliss, NCDD's Director of Democracy Innovations, and I had the privilege of participating in a series of events in Washington, DC, that underscored the power of collaboration and community in advancing dialogue and deliberation. From strategic retreats to multi-organization convenings and a national conference, these gatherings brought together leaders, practitioners, and visionaries committed to fostering connection, collaboration, innovation, and democracy. These in-person moments not only provided opportunities to exchange ideas but also reaffirmed our shared commitment to creating a more connected and inclusive society. Below is a recap of the inspiring events and conversations that will continue to shape our collective work.  On December 8, Roshan and I attended the Better Together America (BTA) strategic retreat held at the West End Neighborhood Library in Washington, DC. BTA is a collaborative initiative focused on fostering locally-rooted civic innovation by supporting "civic hubs" that build connections between individuals, organizations, and communities to strengthen democracy. This retreat brought together leaders to explore the future of BTA’s work in building civic capacity, fostering connections, and amplifying efforts across the healthy democracy ecosystem. As part of BTA’s Advisory Team, NCDD was proud to contribute to these strategic discussions and align with BTA’s mission of strengthening democracy at local and national levels. Learn more about Better Together America at bettertogetheramerica.org/about.  On December 9, the day was shared between two impactful events at the historic Friends Meeting of Washington. I attended the convening of backbone organizations, organized by Kristin Hansen of the Civic Health Project. Backbone organizations play a critical role in supporting and connecting practitioners across the dialogue, deliberation, and civic engagement fields by providing essential infrastructure, coordination, and resources to amplify collective impact. This gathering brought together backbone leaders to strengthen relationships, clarify our collective roles, and surface insights for greater impact. Focused on addressing fragmentation across this broader ecosystem, the meeting was an energizing first step toward building stronger strategic collaboration and alignment among organizations working to support the field.  Meanwhile, Roshan attended the concurrent Inter-Movement Impact Project (IMIP) event led by Walt Roberts, titled "Forging a Transpartisan 'Thriving Together' Democracy & Civic Health Movement of Movements." This dynamic and interactive Future Forum invited participants to envision how we can collectively create a thriving future for democracy and society. Through generative conversations and intentional collaboration, attendees explored critical themes such as building and funding backbone and connective tissue functions, overcoming inter-movement fragmentation, and creating wide bridges to strengthen essential connections among 'thriving together stewards.' Later in the afternoon, the backbone organization leaders joined the IMIP event, bringing together both groups to deepen conversations, foster connections, and align efforts toward a shared vision of a healthier, more cohesive movement. The day offered an inspiring glimpse of what’s possible when we unite across roles and sectors to strengthen the collective impact of our shared work.  The 2024 Annual Conference on Citizenship – 'Renewing Civic Health,' held on December 10 at the Planet Word Museum in Washington, DC, brought together civic leaders, researchers, and practitioners from across the country to explore innovative strategies for strengthening civic engagement. Hosted by the National Conference on Citizenship, the event featured dynamic sessions on civic health measurement, rebuilding trust, and fostering inclusive democracy, as well as insights from the release of the 100th Civic Health Index. Attendees participated in panels, breakout discussions, and networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and highlight actionable pathways for renewing our collective commitment to democracy.
It was truly heartwarming to reconnect with old friends, meet inspiring new colleagues, and imagine the possibilities these connections might bring. The energy and inspiration of being together in person reaffirmed the importance of gathering when we can, nurturing our shared commitment to building stronger communities and fostering meaningful connections. While we may not always collaborate on the same projects, each of us contributes in vital ways under the broad umbrella of dialogue and deliberation—advancing a more connected society and a healthier democracy through our collective efforts.  The Fall Edition of the National Civic Review focuses on strengthening democracy, addressing this challenge through various approaches. It explores scaling and spreading effective local practices, enhancing inclusivity and participation, and tackling issues related to community health and public safety. Find summaries of included articles below, and for more, visit the issue here.
 A note from NCDD's Executive Director, Keiva Hummel
As we move through another important election day, let’s pause and reflect on the work we’re doing—not just today, but every day—to strengthen our communities and nurture our democracy. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions during these times, from hope to uncertainty, and perhaps even a bit of fatigue. But remember, as the popular saying goes, "Democracy is a participatory sport." It thrives when we show up, stay engaged, and work together to build a better future. Our responsibility to democracy isn’t bound to election days alone. Full democratic participation extends beyond the ballots we cast—it’s about creating spaces for listening, learning, bridging divides, and strengthening community ties every day. We can find strength in this ongoing commitment to one another, even when it feels challenging. Democracy asks us to be stewards of our communities, to cultivate an environment of inclusivity and hold space for voices that are often marginalized. That work is complex, messy, and deeply rewarding. Yet, while we commit to caring for others, it’s crucial that we also care for ourselves. We need moments of rest, reflection, and renewal to sustain this journey. Today, I encourage us to check in with ourselves and with each other, recognizing that our well-being fuels our ability to make a positive impact. As we care for our resilience, we also build a stronger foundation for our shared vision of democracy. Remember, democracy’s strength lies in our collective participation. No matter the outcome of this election, the work continues tomorrow, next week, and beyond. Together, let’s keep moving forward, nurturing our communities, and driving democracy with both compassion and purpose. Let’s get out there, support each other, and keep building the world we want to live in. Ways to Engage Today
To support you in fostering productive and compassionate election conversations, we’ve compiled a list of resources for engaging in respectful dialogue. Explore the tools and guidance in this blog post to help you navigate meaningful conversations today and beyond. By engaging in these small but powerful actions, we each play our part in strengthening democracy every day. With hope and purpose, Keiva Hummel Executive Director, NCDD  Read below an article from Science about AI and citizen's assemblies! Eric Schmidt, Former Google CEO, acknowledges that while AI is complex, its development is too important to be left solely to tech companies. There is a growing movement to involve the public in decisions about AI through citizens' assemblies, inspired by successful examples like Ireland's deliberation on abortion and Paris' assembly on homelessness. These processes allow citizens to contribute to policy decisions on challenging issues, proving that public participation can unlock new solutions. For AI, incorporating democratic deliberation could help steer its development toward the public good, but only if companies and governments are willing to take these inputs seriously and act on them.
 It’s been one year since NCDD 2023 brought hundreds of changemakers together in Atlanta for three inspiring days of connection, learning, and collaboration. The conference featured over 60 workshops, dynamic plenaries, and countless opportunities to foster new partnerships and strengthen the dialogue and deliberation community.
As we reflect on the success of NCDD 2023, we’re already looking toward NCDD 2025. To bring the next conference to life, we need your support through sponsorships, donations, and funding partnerships. We also invite you to help shape the event by sharing your thoughts in our NCDD 2025 Interest Survey. Let’s keep the momentum going!  A Note from NCDD's Executive Director,
As we approach the U.S. presidential election, the stakes for democracy have never felt higher. Around the world, democratic systems are under immense pressure—polarization is intensifying, trust in institutions is fading, and civic participation is at an all-time low. These issues show up in our communities as division, disengagement, and a lack of spaces for meaningful conversations. But there is hope: these challenges aren’t insurmountable. At NCDD, we believe that dialogue and deliberation give communities the tools they need to navigate through these tough times. Mediators and facilitators—those who guide these collaborative processes—are uniquely equipped to help communities overcome obstacles by fostering inclusive dialogue, resolving conflict, and encouraging active participation in democratic processes. Why Dialogue and Deliberation Matter Now More Than Ever In times of uncertainty and division, people crave connection, understanding, and a way forward. Dialogue is not just about talking—it’s about listening, reflecting, and creating space for voices that have been marginalized or overlooked. It helps communities tap into their collective wisdom and creates environments where differences can be explored constructively. Deliberation strengthens democracy by encouraging thoughtful, informed discussions that lead to more inclusive, sustainable solutions. When we engage deeply with the issues that matter, we empower our communities to make decisions that reflect diverse perspectives and shared values. Democracy thrives when people feel connected, engaged, and know their voices matter. Mediators and facilitators have the unique ability to create environments where meaningful conversations happen and collaboration is possible. They don’t just help resolve conflicts—they strengthen the foundations of democracy by fostering understanding, inclusive participation, and civic engagement. Through these efforts, they help communities come together, explore diverse viewpoints, and take collective action toward a more resilient, inclusive future. Mobilizing Practitioners for Democracy: Local Action, National Impact Mediators and facilitators are at the core of building stronger communities and a healthier democracy. That’s why we launched the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy campaign—to activate, support, and equip these practitioners to drive democratic engagement across the country. Mobilization is about empowering them to take action locally—to lead conversations that matter, encourage collaboration, and foster community-driven solutions that strengthen democracy from the ground up. Through this campaign, practitioners gain the resources, support, and inspiration they need to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and collective action within their own communities. This isn’t about waiting for someone else to act—it’s about equipping people with the tools they need to strengthen democracy right where they are. Whether they’re bringing together diverse voices to discuss pressing issues, facilitating problem-solving efforts, or encouraging broader civic participation, these practitioners play a vital role in ensuring democracy stays participatory and resilient. The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy campaign is a call to action for mediators, facilitators, and civic engagement professionals to step into their communities and make an impact. By guiding thoughtful, inclusive conversations, these practitioners help build stronger, more connected communities—and, in doing so, they strengthen democracy itself. Learn more and get involved at: www.ncdd.org/practitionermobilization.html. Growing the Power of We: NCDD’s Membership Campaign At the heart of democracy is the power of connection—of people coming together to listen, share, and collaborate on solutions that reflect everyone’s needs. This belief in community-driven action is the foundation of NCDD’s “Growing the Power of We: Dialogue as the Heartbeat of Democracy” membership campaign. Learn more at: www.ncdd.org/membercampaign.html. In this critical moment for democracy, NCDD invites you to join a growing network of mediators, facilitators, and civic engagement professionals who are dedicated to fostering inclusive dialogue and deliberation. As a member, you gain access to tools, resources, and opportunities to engage in nationwide efforts that promote civic participation and build meaningful connections across perspectives. Membership opens doors to a vibrant community of practitioners who are committed to deepening democratic engagement through dialogue and deliberation. By becoming a member of NCDD, you’re stepping into a movement that believes in the power of dialogue to strengthen democracy—one conversation at a time. Together, we are growing the Power of We, creating spaces where every voice is heard, differences are respected, and collective action takes root. Your membership doesn’t just support the work of dialogue practitioners—it helps build a more resilient, inclusive democracy that reflects the values and perspectives of all its people. Join us today in our efforts to strengthen democracy by fostering connection, understanding, and collective action. The time to act is now, and NCDD is ready to welcome you into this important work of creating a thriving, participatory democracy. Join NCDD at: www.ncdd.org/join.html. For a resilient democracy, Keiva Hummel Executive Director, NCDD - National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation We are thrilled to announce a fantastic addition to our NCDD team. Please join us in welcoming Izzy, who will be joining us as our new Communications Coordinator! Izzy is an energetic and compassionate leader, dedicated to fostering effective communication and building meaningful relationships within her community and professional circles. A recent graduate from Colorado State University, Izzy worked for the last two years at CSU's Center for Public Deliberation with former NCDD board chair Martin Carcasson. She is an inspiring leader who you may remember as a speaker from the NCDD2023 conference panel: Emerging Leaders on Our Collective Future Momentum. Please join us in wishing her congratulations! Learn more about Izzy and her new role in the blog post below.   This last weekend, NCDD Member Organization, the National Civic League announced the winners of the 2024 All-America City Award, recognizing ten communities for their innovative, community-driven efforts to strengthen democracy through local action. The finalists showcased diverse initiatives addressing critical issues like voting reform, civic education, mental health, gun violence, racism, and economic development, demonstrating the power of civic participation and effective civic infrastructure.
NCDD Executive Director, Keiva Hummel, and Director of Democracy Innovations, Roshan Bliss, attended the 2024 AAC event in downtown Denver. The opportunity to meet with delegates from each community and feel the energy throughout the space was truly inspring. Described by NCL Board Member, Derek Okubo, as "a dose of hope," each community offered powerful displays of civic work that evoked a motivating energy that was palpable throughout the weekend. Several NCDD members were also in attendance, including Lisa-Marie Napoli, Pearl Vinyard, and former board member Wendy Willis. Read the press release below with more information on each communities' democratic initiatives. Congratulations to the incredible AAC communities who represent some of the best and most civically innovative communities! |
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ABOUT NCDD
NCDD is a community and coalition of individuals and organizations who bring people together to discuss, decide and collaborate on today's toughest issues.
© The National Coalition For Dialogue And Deliberation, Inc. All rights reserved.
© The National Coalition For Dialogue And Deliberation, Inc. All rights reserved.