The Charles F. Kettering Foundation has partnered with the This Day podcast for a four-week special series titled Democracy, Under Construction, examining pivotal historical moments that reshaped American democracy over the past 250 years. Hosted by Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer, and Kellie Carter Jackson, the series pairs historical analysis with contemporary insight, featuring expert guests exploring how past turning points continue to shape the ongoing struggle for a more inclusive democracy. Episodes released throughout September cover the Constitutional ratification debates and the Bill of Rights, the 1848 Seneca Falls women's rights convention, and the mid-twentieth-century Southern political realignment that transformed the American electoral map. The series offers NCDD's network a historically grounded lens for understanding today's political divisions, reinforcing the idea that democratic expansion has always been contested and incremental rather than settled. A live event in Washington, DC, in October will extend the series beyond the podcast format, giving audiences a chance to engage with the material in person. For practitioners in dialogue, deliberation, and democracy work, the series offers accessible, well-researched context for conversations about how democratic institutions evolve.

​Citizen University’s founder, Eric Liu, has introduced "The Five P’s," a practical framework for civic engagement during challenging political times. This approach—Patterns, Perspective, People, Place, and Power—guides citizens in staying informed, building community, and taking meaningful action without feeling overwhelmed. Liu’s insights align closely with NCDD’s mission, offering a valuable resource for those dedicated to dialogue and deliberation. As an NCDD Friend, Citizen University continues to foster responsible, empowered citizenship. Read more in the blog post below.

​The International Listening Association (ILA), a valued NCDD Network Partner, emphasizes the transformative power of listening through thoughtful questions and deep engagement. In a recent podcast, ILA members Raquel Ark and Dr. Michael W. Purdy explore how conscious listening fosters connection, community building, and democratic discourse. Their conversation offers valuable insights into improving communication and promoting empathy, especially in polarized times. Read the blog post below to learn more.

In The Open System podcast, ​Matt Leighninger, director of the Center for Democracy Innovation at the National Civic League, joins Doannie Tran and Landon Mascareñaz to explore the evolving relationship between education and democracy. Leighninger highlights efforts to transform public meetings using technology and deliberative processes to build civic trust. Tran and Mascareñaz advocate for viewing democracy as a dynamic system that requires innovation, such as liberatory design and co-creation in public decision-making. Despite the challenges of polarization, the team remains hopeful, emphasizing the public's desire for community collaboration and democratic innovation. Read the blog post below and listen to the podcast here.