The Westmont Center for Dialogue & Deliberation’s recent e-bike forum in Santa Barbara showcased the power of community dialogue to address complex local challenges with empathy and collaboration. By bringing residents together to discuss safety, accessibility, and shared responsibility, the center created a space for civic learning and constructive problem-solving. Guided by students and grounded in respectful exchange, the event reflected NCDD’s commitment to inclusive engagement, democratic participation, and strengthening communities through conversation. To learn more about this initiative and local stories of dialogue in action, visit https://www.noozhawk.com.

The Sustained Dialogue Institute has released a new open-access campus guide that helps communities address “authenticity gatekeeping” — the pressure individuals feel to prove their belonging within identity-based groups. The resource explores how rigid standards of authenticity can create both connection and harm, drawing on social identity theory to explain why groups enforce boundaries and how these behaviors can silence diversity or reinforce hierarchies. It offers facilitators practical tools, including dialogue prompts and scenario-based exercises, to help participants reflect on their experiences of inclusion and exclusion. By encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and honest discussion about identity and belonging, the guide supports the creation of more inclusive campus environments where complexity and difference are embraced. Read more in the blog post below.

In a moment of crisis following a nearby campus shooting, University of Utah professor Natasha Seegert turned to resources from Essential Partners, a Cambridge-based nonprofit that equips educators and facilitators to lead meaningful conversations on difficult issues. Using their structured dialogue questions, Seegert transformed her class into a space for reflection and connection, helping students process emotions and engage across differences. This story illustrates Essential Partners’ broader mission to strengthen communities and democratic practice by providing accessible, ready-to-use tools for dialogue on divisive topics such as race, violence, and partisanship—demonstrating that dialogue skills are not luxuries but essential capacities for navigating times of tension and change.

The Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation, and Dialogue at Emory University recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, highlighting its transformation from a traditional debate society into a national model for democratic engagement and dialogue across differences. Founded in 1950 and named after Vice President Alben W. Barkley, the Forum has evolved to emphasize inclusivity, structured dialogue, and civic leadership, exemplified by initiatives like the Emory Conversation Project and the Atlanta Urban Debate League. While boasting over 30 national championships, its true legacy lies in cultivating alumni who lead with empathy and critical thinking across diverse fields. Under the leadership of Director Mikaela Malsin, the Forum continues to embody its motto—“changing the world one word at a time”—demonstrating how dialogue, respect, and sustained engagement can strengthen democracy and inspire renewal in communities nationwide. Read more in the blog post below.

The inaugural Higher Education Dialogue Summit from the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation takes place on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 12–4 PM ET. This gathering showcases visionary educators and practitioners shaping the future of campus conversations. From using art as a bridge for empathy, to advancing facilitative leadership, to motivating civil discourse across political divides, each presentation highlights innovative strategies for cultivating constructive dialogue in higher education. These leaders offer practical models, reflective practices, and institution-wide approaches that prepare students to engage across differences and strengthen democratic culture.
👉 Register here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjM0Njkw
Read more in the blog post below.

​Compact26: Hope Found Here will bring together educators, students, community leaders, and civic professionals from across the country on March 16–18, 2026, in Chicago, IL. Rooted in the belief that higher education flourishes when it embraces its public mission, the conference will explore how compassion, action, and unity can transform hope into practice. Through dialogue, collaboration, and shared purpose, participants will engage in building stronger democracies, advancing equity, and fostering belonging on campuses and beyond. Read more in the blog post below.

The Applied Research Center for Civility (ARCC) at UC San Diego, with the National Conflict Resolution Center and Lead California, is hosting a national conference this October focused on empowering student leaders to bridge divides. Drawing on research from 55 institutions, the event brings together over 100 changemakers to share practical strategies for fostering dialogue and collaboration in higher education. Aligning with NCDD’s mission, the conference highlights colleges as key sites for building democratic skills and preparing the next generation to navigate polarization. Outcomes will inform a national guide on student leadership for divided times. Read more in the blog post below.

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) is now accepting applications for our Fall 2025 Internship Cohort, beginning the week of September 29th! Open to anyone eager to grow professionally and make an impact, these fully remote internships offer hands-on experience in communications, democracy engagement, digital systems, grant writing, membership engagement, and program development. Applications are due by Friday, September 12th, and selected candidates will be invited to a brief interview. Learn more in the blog post below.

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) is pleased to invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to its inaugural Higher Education Dialogue Summit, scheduled for Friday, September 5th, from 12:00–3:00 PM ET. This virtual gathering is an exciting opportunity for anyone passionate about strengthening democracy and civic engagement through dialogue and deliberation on college campuses. NCDD members can receive a 50% discount by emailing [email protected], and everyone reading this post is welcome to use the 25% referral discount with promo code: HIGHER ED SUMMIT REFERRAL. Read more in the blog post below.

The Higher Education Dialogue Summit - Friday, September 5th from 12-3pm Eastern, 9am-12pm Pacific - is a powerful new offering from NCDD, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders to share tools, strategies, and stories that foster inclusive dialogue on college campuses. With engaging breakout sessions and a focus on equity, collaboration, and real-world impact, this virtual gathering is a timely response to the pressing challenges facing higher ed today. Whether you’re new to this work or deeply embedded in it, the summit offers inspiration and practical support to help move your efforts forward. Read more in the blog post below.