As we approach the upcoming election on November 5th, there is no doubt that our communities feel the heightened tension of polarization, uncertainty, and divisive news cycles. In times like these, resources focused on dialogue and deliberation offer powerful tools for bridging divides and fostering meaningful conversations. Over the past week, we have shared many valuable tools and have included those all here, along with some additional resources for your use. Dialogue and deliberation practitioners play a vital role in strengthening democracy through these challenging times. We encourage you to read through the resources below, along with a note from our team, and share additional tools in the comment section. ​

In today’s world, democratic values face challenges from rising polarization and declining trust in institutions. At a time when public discourse often feels fragmented, dialogue and deliberation have become essential tools for building trust, bridging divides, and fostering community resilience. Democracy, at its core, rests on the principle that all voices deserve to be heard, regardless of political stance. By cultivating spaces where diverse perspectives can coexist and be respected, dialogue and deliberation ensure that policies are inclusive, reflecting a broad spectrum of experiences and values. Read more in the blog post below.​

​The "America in One Room: The Youth Vote" initiative conducted a Deliberative Poll involving 430 first-time voters to gauge their opinions on key issues for the 2024 Presidential Election. After deliberation, participants showed significant changes in their perspectives on energy, the economy, health care, and democracy. The results highlighted shifts towards more nuanced views, with increased support for clean energy and reproductive health care, but decreased support for some progressive economic policies. The event demonstrated Gen Z's capacity for thoughtful discussion across political divides and suggested an increased faith in democratic processes among young voters. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

In the release "Bridging Divides and Strengthening Communities Through Local Leaders," Dexter Mason and Hahrie Han discuss how grassroots efforts can combat political polarization and strengthen community connections. Mason, executive director of the Change Collective, and Han, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, emphasize the importance of equipping local leaders to address community issues and foster civic engagement. By promoting meaningful local action and collaboration, their approach aims to bridge divides and create a more inclusive and participatory democracy. Through real-world examples from Detroit and Jackson, the release illustrates how local initiatives can drive significant, broad-based change. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

Apply now for the People Powered Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA), a program working to build equitable public participation in various important policymaking issues, such as health, education, climate, and more. Selected participants will undergo a six-month training program, receiving guidance and resources to develop and implement climate-focused participatory programs. Applications are open until June 27, 2024. Learn more in the blog post below and read more here.

Social Pinpoint is hosting the upcoming webinar, "2024 State of the Practice: 10 Public Engagement Trends in Transportation", on May 22nd at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern. The transportation industry is witnessing rapid evolution in public engagement practices, highlighted by over 430 practitioners sharing insights on challenges, tools, and best practices in a comprehensive review. Join industry leaders in exploring the top 10 key findings, including challenges, staffing strategies, diversity enhancement, and the impact of hybrid engagement on public participation. ​Thanks to Genèse Castonguay, Social Pinpoint's Chief Marketing Officer, for sharing this announcement with the NCDD network! Learn more in the post below and on Social Pinpoint site here.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is soliciting input from the public on best practices for public participation and community engagement (PPCE) activities, aiming to make government interactions more inclusive, transparent, and accountable. Americans are encouraged to share their experiences, suggest content for a federal framework, propose ways to improve the process, and provide feedback through public comments, online forms, or attending virtual listening sessions by May 17th. The initiative seeks to enhance government consultations with the public to inform policies, regulations, and services, addressing concerns about accessibility and stakeholder engagement. NCDD is working on generating a response and we will follow up with our network in the near future. Learn more in the post below and on GSA's site here.