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

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) has launched its 2024 membership campaign, "Growing the Power of We: Dialogue as the Heartbeat of Democracy," focused on strengthening democracy through meaningful conversations. The campaign aims to grow membership by 45%, increase participation in events by 15%, and raise $50,000 to fund initiatives like youth engagement, diversity efforts, and technological enhancements. By joining NCDD, members can access exclusive resources, participate in webinars, and contribute to democratic engagement. This campaign supports NCDD’s broader mission of empowering communities through dialogue and addressing societal challenges.

If you are looking for fantastic D&D related reading this Summer, we encourage you to check out the recent publication of the National Civic Review (NCR). The National Civic League, an NCDD member organization, recently published the Summer edition of NCR in collaboration with the Kettering Foundation. NCDD members receive a digital copy of NCR for free! (Find the access code below.) This esteemed quarterly journal offers insights and examples of civic engagement and deliberative governance from around the country. Thanks to Rebecca Trout, NCL’s Program Director for the DC Office & All-America City Award, for sharing this announcement with the NCDD network! 

National Civic Review Summer Edition 2023 – Access Code: NCDD23

The summer issue of the National Civic Review features insights on innovations and new roles for journalists and artists in engaging the public and strengthening American democracy. The issue was published in collaboration with the Kettering Foundation.

To access this edition, go to the table of contents where you will be prompted to enter your unique access code: NCDD23.

One of the Nation’s Oldest and Most Respected Journals of Civic Affairs
Its cases studies, reports, interviews and essays help communities learn about the latest developments in collaborative problem-solving, civic engagement, local government innovation and democratic governance. Some of the country’s leading doers and thinkers have contributed articles to this invaluable resource for elected officials, public managers, nonprofit leaders, grassroots activists, and public administration scholars seeking to make America’s communities more inclusive, participatory, innovative and successful.

Find the NCR Summer Edition on NCL's site at: www.nationalcivicleague.org/national-civic-review/issue/summer-2023-volume-112-number-2/.

NCDD, as part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration, has launched new opportunities for individuals and organizations to help support this wonderful network and organization by becoming a Partnering Member. We're excited to announce our friends at the Interactivity Foundation have signed on as a Sustaining Partner, making a significant gift of support to NCDD to help usher us into the next generation of our work. Read on for their statement of support and how you can join them in becoming a partner!

Happy Facilitation Week! In honor of this week recognizing the importance of facilitation practice (read more about it a facilitationweek.org), our friend Jason Diceman at Feedback Frames is offering our network an amazing deal on this tool for in person meetings! Learn more below. 

​To help support the important facilitation work of NCDD members, Feedback Frames is offering a 40% discount this week only.  ​

The National Civic League, an NCDD member organization, released the National Civic Review (NCR) Winter 2022 edition and  NCDD members receive a digital copy of NCR for free! (Find the access code below.). This esteemed quarterly journal offers insights and examples of civic engagement and deliberative governance from around the country. Thanks to Rebecca Trout, NCL’s Program Director for All-America City Award & Communications, for sharing this announcement with the NCDD network!

Be sure to check out the following articles from NCDD Members:
The Case for Principled Impartiality in a Hyper-Partisan World by Martin Carcasson
Common Ground for Action: Experimenting with Better Ways to Deliberate Online by Kara Dillard and Nicholas Felts
As well as pieces from Matt Leighninger, Maura Casey, and more!

The National Civic League, an NCDD member organization, released the National Civic Review (NCR) Summer 2021 edition and  NCDD members receive a digital copy of NCR for free! (Find the access code below.). This esteemed quarterly journal offers insights and examples of civic engagement and deliberative governance from around the country. Thanks to Rebecca Trout, NCL’s Program Director for All-America City Award & Communications, for sharing this announcement with the NCDD network!
Friendly reminder that the League is always seeking articles for NCR on community-based examples of civic engagement, public deliberation, co-production, and democratic innovation – more info here.

First of all, thank you to everyone in this community for sticking with the work in a tough year.

NCDD’s staff and board have been talking a lot over the last nine months of the pandemic about what this year has shown us about this network’s necessity in the world, and where we can most support you all. It’s been encouraging to see that much of what we’ve always offered – news and resources, and opportunities to connect and collaborate – are still highly valued and needed, especially when times are tough.

There are also some areas we can work on – expanding our network, for one, in an inclusive way to welcome everyone who is committed to helping their communities have better conversations. It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional doing this work as your career, or a volunteer doing this to better your own community – all are welcome at NCDD.

In part one of We Are All Catalysts, the focus was on examples of groups in dialogue in deliberation who showcase how our powerful inner sparks can be used to transform conversations and communities. In part two, we want to follow up and have all of you help guide our continued conversations!

“It was impossible to get a conversation going, everybody was talking too much.” ~ Yogi Berra

​We live in a world of noise. Many of us lament at the current environment of ideological polarization that hinders respectful and productive conversation. We have the power to break through this noise and create spaces for listening and thoughtful dialogue. It can seem daunting in the current ways of the world, but the tools are accessible and the need critical.

“After all, the ordinary hero hiding in each of us is often the most powerful catalyst for change.” ~ Tate Taylor

​We all have a spark within and we choose every day how we will or will not use our spark. In our NCDD community, we spark conversations–dialogues that change hearts and minds and steadily change the world. Our sparks can be small or big, but we must work intentionally to ensure that the sparks catch fire. What do I mean by this? I mean that it is up to us, as those working firsthand in the creations of spaces for dialogue and deliberation, that we do not work in isolation. Like the catalysts in science, we must interact with others to create the chemistry worth having in our world.