​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

• Vote: If you haven’t already, make your voice heard by casting your ballot. Voting is one of the most direct ways to participate in democracy and make an impact.
• Engage Locally: Attend a dialogue event or community forum where you can listen and share perspectives that matter to your community.
• Volunteer: Lend a hand to local initiatives that bring people together and support community resilience.
• Connect Across Differences: Take a moment to connect with someone who may see the world differently than you do. Even a simple conversation can be a step toward understanding.
• Practice Self-Care and Encourage Others: Caring for our own well-being fuels our ability to support others. Take time to rest and renew, and encourage friends and family to do the same.
• Stay Involved: Keep an eye out for opportunities with NCDD to connect, learn, and make an impact beyond election day.

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!

PACE, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, is embarking on an exploration to encourage funders to invest in American democracy beyond political interests. They recognize a common tendency to equate democracy's success with political outcomes and aim to distinguish between democracy and partisanship. Through salons and artistic channels, they will engage leaders in discussions on the role of philanthropy in fostering a democracy larger than politics. This initiative seeks to address questions on supporting democracy without partisanship, balancing short- and long-term priorities, and understanding the health of democracy beyond political disagreement. The year-long exploration will culminate in a December event in Washington D.C. to share insights and discuss future actions. Learn more in the blog post below and read more here. 

Calling all practitioners of dialogue facilitation, community mediation, collaborative communication, and conflict transformation - You are invited to the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy!

Co-created by several partners, including: NCDD, NAFCM - The National Association for Community Mediation, Omni-Win Project, The Karuna Center for Mindful Engagement, and more. The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Campaign aims to unite mediators and facilitators in support of the future of democracy. Through networking events, monthly forums, and resources, this mobilization aims to inspire, equip, and mobilize practitioners to make a difference locally and nationally.

Join the launch event on July 1st at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern, to learn about this Practitioner Mobilization and how you can further leverage your skills in facilitation and mediation for democracy. The campaign welcomes practitioners, both experienced and those newer to this work, to join us in creating a vibrant and inclusive democratic landscape. Learn more in the blog post below and on the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy info page here. 

We are thrilled to announce a leadership transition at NCDD. After five years of dedicated service, Courtney Breese will step down as NCDD's Executive Director to become the Director of Community Mediation Programs at the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration. Keiva Hummel, who has been with NCDD for nearly a decade, will take over as the new Executive Director starting next week. 

In the coming months, our focus will be on strengthening our coalition, growing the membership, and securing major funding to ensure NCDD's continued growth and success. We are grateful to share that Courtney will continue to work with NCDD on ongoing projects and to ensure this smooth transition. Please read our full announcement in the blog post below!