NCDD Member, Craig Neal, co-founder of the Center for Purposeful Leadership, was recently honored with the "Good Ancestor" award by the Twin Cities chapter of Elders Climate Action for his lifelong dedication to community-building and climate leadership. From spearheading sustainable urban agriculture to fostering dialogue that leads to collaborative solutions, Neal exemplifies the power of purpose-driven leadership. His recognition underscores how NCDD members are helping communities tackle climate challenges through inclusive engagement and meaningful action. Read more in the blog post below.

"How to Make a Home," a powerful show by playwright Amina McIntyre, is bringing the conversation about homelessness directly into Atlanta living rooms. NCDD Member Org, Out of Hand Theater's innovative production follows Antonio, a single father navigating housing insecurity while caring for his young daughter. Actor Markell Wayne Williams portrays ten different characters in this intimate performance that transforms audiences from passive viewers to engaged participants. The show runs March 7-April 27, 2025, with performances hosted in over 40 homes across Metro Atlanta in partnership with Partners for Home and Mayor Andre Dickens. Read more about the show in the blog post below.

As ​NCDD friends, Living Room Conversations (LRC) approaches their 15th anniversary in 2025, it’s a perfect time to celebrate their journey from a small pilot project to a leader in deliberative dialogue. Since its founding, LRC has remained dedicated to bridging divides through structured conversations, fostering trust and understanding across differences. Rooted in the parlor tradition, the organization has grown into a nationwide movement, offering over 150 conversation guides and inspiring meaningful discussions on critical societal issues. As LRC looks to the future, they invite community input to shape the next chapter — read more in the blog post below.

The Listen First Project invites local groups across the country to participate in the 2nd Annual Better Together Film Festival during the 8th Annual National Week of Conversation, April 21-27, 2025. This festival leverages the power of storytelling to inspire dialogue and foster unity. Featuring nonpartisan films that highlight stories of bridging divides, screenings will be followed by facilitated discussions to encourage meaningful conversations among diverse audiences. Join a screening or host your own! Learn more about how you can get involved below.

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. King’s words remind us that fear and division stem from a lack of understanding and communication. At the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), we work to create spaces where people can engage in meaningful conversations that foster empathy and connection. By embracing dialogue, we can break down barriers, build stronger communities, and advance Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community rooted in justice and equality. This year, let’s honor his legacy by listening deeply, inviting diverse voices, and taking action to bridge divides. Read more in the blog post below.

From NCDD members Close Up - A free press is vital to democracy, yet newspapers in the U.S. are steadily declining, with projections showing the loss of one-third of newspapers since 2005. This decline has created “information deserts,” especially in rural and low-income areas, where communities lose access to critical local news. Local newspapers play an essential role in holding power accountable, informing citizens about government actions, and fostering civic engagement. Their absence can lead to less informed communities, increased political polarization, and weaker local democracies, highlighting the urgent need to support local journalism and preserve its role in society. Read the article below and learn more here. 

​Lena Frumin, a passionate advocate for seniors in Washington, D.C., aimed to combat the isolation many older adults experience by organizing meaningful discussions through partnerships with the Interactivity Foundation. These gatherings, hosted in libraries and community centers, brought seniors together for shared conversations, meals, and cultural events, helping foster connections and combat loneliness. Paul Eisenhaur, inspired by these discussions, created an online Diversity Relations Council to continue engaging seniors during the pandemic. Both Lena and Paul's efforts fostered a sense of community, teaching participants the power of active listening and understanding amidst divisive times. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

This summer, indulge in Democracy Group's curated list of must-read books spanning political analysis, public policy, and memoirs. From in-depth examinations of Supreme Court cases and digital age impacts to insightful interviews with authors, this collection offers something for every reader. Highlights include "The Latino Century" by Mike Madrid on Latino voting trends, "Learning to Disagree" by John Inazu on navigating differences, and "Who Stole the American Dream" by Hedrick Smith on U.S. political history. Dive into these selections and gain fresh perspectives on contemporary issues. Read the blog post below and learn more here.