​The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) serves as the primary network connecting practitioners, researchers, and community leaders who advance democracy through meaningful conversation and collaborative problem-solving. NCDD brings together facilitators, mediators, educators, and civic innovators across sectors, fostering cross-pollination of diverse approaches to dialogue, deliberation, and participatory governance while providing practical tools and frameworks grounded in real-world experience. The organization supports practitioners in designing inclusive engagement processes that bridge big differences, reach traditionally excluded voices, and generate sustainable community solutions through collective action. By connecting practice with research and cultivating continuous learning across the dialogue and deliberation field, NCDD directly strengthens the capacity of communities and institutions to engage in the democratic renewal central to its mission.

​The Spring 2026 NCDD Intern Cohort offers students and emerging professionals a learning-centered, fully remote internship opportunity with applications due Friday, January 30, across roles in Communications, Democracy Engagement, Digital Systems, Grant Writing, Membership Engagement, and Program Development. The flexible program, requiring one to fifteen hours weekly, treats interns as collaborators on meaningful projects while providing hands-on nonprofit experience, mentorship from experienced practitioners, training in dialogue and facilitation, and professional networking opportunities in a culture that emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and meeting people where they are. Through a cohort model blending independent work with optional weekly calls and peer connection, participants gain clarity on how their interests intersect with community work and civic engagement while developing skills in collaborative leadership and democratic practice. By offering structured learning combined with genuine flexibility and care for interns' wellbeing, this opportunity directly supports NCDD's mission of developing the next generation of dialogue and deliberation practitioners.

NCDD is accepting applications for remote, flexible internships in Communications, Democracy Engagement, Digital Systems & Infrastructure, Grant Writing, Membership Engagement, and Program Development. Internships are designed to support learning, community building, and hands-on nonprofit experience. Before applying, we encourage you to review our Intern FAQ, which answers common questions about time commitment, structure, and what to expect from the intern cohort experience. Applications are submitted through our Intern Cohort Application Form and require a PDF resume upload. The application deadline is Friday, January 30. Read more in the blog post below.

You are invited to join the upcoming free training "Bridging Across Political Differences" this Friday, January 9, from 3-5 pm Eastern, 12-2 pm Pacific​. Hosted by NCDD and the Democracy Resource Hub (DRH), this session brings together experienced practitioners who use different approaches to bridge political differences. Rather than offering a single method, the training explores when and how different strategies work, their limits, and what practitioners have learned from real-world experience.  These trainings are for civic hub builders, local leaders of place-based projects, engagement practitioners who are new to this work, and experienced practitioners looking to build new skills and deepen their practice. Learn more in the blog post below and register to join this free two-hour training at this link.

​As NCDD prepares for 2026, the organization seeks year-end contributions to support critical operational needs including transitioning to a new website platform, planning the next biennial conference, sustaining core programs like webinars and member networks, and maintaining staff capacity to serve practitioners nationwide. Your tax-deductible donation directly supports the infrastructure that keeps NCDD's community thriving and enables practitioners to bridge divides, facilitate civic processes that include diverse voices, and strengthen communities working through tough challenges together in an increasingly polarized time. Make your tax-deductible donation before December 31st at ncdd.org/donate, or contact Executive Director Keiva Hummel at [email protected] with questions about supporting this essential work.

NCDD welcomes Peter Schutz to its Board of Directors, recognizing his decades-long commitment to strengthening democracy through small-group dialogue in New Jersey. Blending technical expertise with a deep dedication to human connection, Peter has spent more than 30 years creating spaces where everyday citizens can explore complex issues, listen across differences, and build shared understanding. His work as an engineer, mediator, counselor, and discussion group leader reflects a lifelong belief that democratic renewal grows from authentic, community-level engagement. As he joins the board, Peter brings extensive practical experience, values rooted in justice and inclusion, and a conviction that ordinary people can shape their collective future—contributions that will enrich NCDD’s mission to advance dialogue and deliberation nationwide.

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation has welcomed Lara Schwartz to its board, recognizing her deep expertise in fostering constructive conversations across differences. As Founding Director of the American University Project on Civic Dialogue, Schwartz has spent over a decade teaching students practical skills for engaging meaningfully across political and social divides, work that reflects her broader career in coalition-building across the civil rights sector. Her philosophy—centered on moving from adversarial debate toward exploratory dialogue—aligns closely with NCDD’s mission, and her experience training facilitators, developing innovative dialogue programs, and navigating complex political environments positions her to help strengthen the field at a moment of rising polarization and democratic strain.

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) was founded not from formal planning but from a shared recognition of the need for collaboration among practitioners, scholars, and community leaders committed to bridging divides and addressing complex challenges. Emerging from the first National Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation in 2002, NCDD has grown from a single gathering into a global community of practice, connecting hundreds of members and tens of thousands of participants across more than 20 countries. Over two decades, NCDD has become a hub for resources, learning, and innovation in public engagement, developing key frameworks and fostering collaboration across diverse fields. Rooted in values of inclusivity, cooperation, and continuous learning, NCDD models the very principles it promotes—showing that dialogue across differences is both possible and powerful. Its history is defined not only by its accomplishments but by the relationships and collective impact that continue to sustain and inspire its mission today.

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) proudly welcomes Eric Schmucker as its newest Board Member, bringing over 15 years of experience in program management and community-engaged dialogue. A dedicated practitioner who believes that democracy begins with listening across differences, Eric has led facilitation processes for public and nonprofit organizations through his work with the Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue at James Madison University. His background spans restorative justice, story exchange, and international community engagement in Indonesia and Uganda, reflecting his commitment to inclusive, context-sensitive dialogue. With deep experience in teaching, governance, and local democracy, Eric emphasizes the importance of sustained discussion, relationship-building, and participatory practices that strengthen communities. His addition to the NCDD Board reinforces the organization’s mission to advance dialogue, deliberation, and civic engagement rooted in equity and shared learning. Read more in the blog post below.

​The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) has welcomed Christian Ohonba to its Board of Directors, recognizing her unique blend of technical expertise, systems thinking, and commitment to social justice. A PMP-certified project manager and MSW candidate at the University of Houston, Christian has led initiatives across sectors including SaaS, nonprofit, healthcare, and higher education, consistently emphasizing human-centered and equity-driven approaches to organizational change. Her work integrates project management excellence with a deep understanding of diversity, inclusion, and sustainable systems design. Beyond her professional career, she fosters community connection through her blog, The Midlife Edit, which supports women navigating life transitions. Christian’s experience and values align strongly with NCDD’s mission to strengthen dialogue, civic engagement, and participatory democracy grounded in inclusivity and authentic collaboration.