Strong local journalism supports democracy by fostering voter engagement, countering polarization, and building community. Democracy Fund’s Equitable Journalism strategy emphasizes local news ecosystems—networks of institutions, collaborations, and individuals that provide essential information. Updated research with Impact Architects has expanded their Healthy News & Information Ecosystem framework to include "Democracy Indicators," which assess factors like access to legal resources for journalists, voting ease, and civic engagement. Democracy Fund’s investments since 2016 have advanced local journalism across the U.S. Read more in the blog post below and find the full article here.

We are sharing an invitation to participate in a research study on hybrid public deliberation and dialogue processes, which combine in-person and online participants. The study seeks individuals who have organized, facilitated, or provided technology for at least four hybrid dialogues. Participants will be interviewed about their practices, technology, challenges, and the future of hybrid processes. Each interview will take around 45 minutes, and participants will receive a $50 Visa gift card. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and can be withdrawn at any time. For more details, visit the consent form link provided. Read more in the blog post below!

NCDD members, the National Civic League, are preparing to launch the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map and are seeking assistance in ensuring data completeness and accuracy. Their mission is to identify, categorize, and quantify existing organizations, networks, and funders who work to promote and protect healthy democracy in America, and to create a compelling, interactive resource that educates and empowers users. The map aims to offer a comprehensive view of organizations promoting healthy democracy in America, covering various areas like civic education, voter engagement, and civic technology. Read the blog post below, fill out the form, and learn more here. 

NCDD friends, Social Pinpoint, announced a 12-day survey aimed at identifying challenges and successful practices for engaging underrepresented community members. The survey seeks to gather diverse opinions to address equity with innovative solutions. Participants' anonymous insights will contribute to a report on inclusive engagement practices and be presented at the TRB's 2nd Conference on Advancing Transportation Equity. The survey closes on Monday, July 8th, and participants will receive a copy of the final report. Read the blog post below and take the survey here. 

NCDD friends, Campus Compact, supported by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, announced the Scaling Discourse in Higher Education Project to enhance students' abilities in democratic engagement and address societal challenges. The project will create a virtual platform and resources for faculty, staff, and administrators, available free of charge. Immediate input is sought through a survey​​ to shape these resources, with a campus resource guide to be released this summer addressing current issues. Data submitted before July 4th will help shape some immediate resources, while data submitted after will shape our planning and implementation over the coming academic year. Read the blog post below, learn more and take the survey here.

Weave's Social Trust Index and Map show how different neighborhood traits are linked to social trust. They look at behaviors, intentions, and spaces separately but recognize how they all work together. The data, updated annually from sources like Esri and SafeGraph, is collected locally to be specific and timely. Experts chose data linked to social trust, and Datastory analyzed it into easy-to-understand scores. The Index covers community engagement, intentions, and social spaces to help neighbors connect. Check out the blog post below, read the article, and explore the Social Trust Index Map here. 

This last weekend, NCDD Member Organization, the National Civic League announced the winners of the 2024 All-America City Award, recognizing ten communities for their innovative, community-driven efforts to strengthen democracy through local action. The finalists showcased diverse initiatives addressing critical issues like voting reform, civic education, mental health, gun violence, racism, and economic development, demonstrating the power of civic participation and effective civic infrastructure.

NCDD Executive Director, Keiva Hummel, and Director of Democracy Innovations​, Roshan Bliss, attended the 2024 AAC event in downtown Denver. The opportunity to meet with delegates from each community and feel the energy throughout the space was truly inspring. Described by NCL Board Member, Derek Okubo, as "a dose of hope," each community offered powerful displays of civic work that evoked a motivating energy that was palpable throughout the weekend. Several NCDD members were also in attendance, including Lisa-Marie Napoli, Pearl Vinyard, and former board member Wendy Willis. Read the press release below with more information on each communities' democratic initiatives. Congratulations to the incredible AAC communities who represent some of the best and most civically innovative communities!

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.