NCDD Sustaining Partner, The Interactivity Foundation, is offering a Collaborative Discussion Coach Training designed for educators, librarians, community leaders, and others passionate about dialogue. This interactive online training runs from May 28 to June 3, 2025, and provides participants with hands-on experience using the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit, access to exclusive coaching resources, and the ability to award certificates and digital badges. The cost is $495, with scholarships available. Space is limited to 10 participants, and the registration deadline is Sunday, May 4. Read more in the blog post below.

We’re excited to share an announcement from our NCDD Network Partner, the Listen First Project, about a unique opportunity to support the launch of the American Depolarization Network—a new web-based platform developed by Harvard’s Constructive Disagreement Lab that empowers individuals to send thoughtful, depolarizing emails across political divides using voter registration data. This pilot is part of the upcoming National Week of Conversation (April 21–27) and is a chance to be part of an innovative approach to bridging divides in America. A Volunteer Onboarding call is happening today, Thursday, April 3rd, at 3pm Eastern / 12pm Pacific on Zoom. Learn more in the blog post below.

​The 8th Annual National Week of Conversation is just around the corner, offering a much-needed opportunity for Americans to come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, and bridge divides. Backed by over 500 organizations, this movement encourages open conversations that foster understanding and connection. With events ranging from skill-building workshops to the Better Together Film Festival, there are countless ways to get involved. Mark your calendar for April 21-27, 2025, and be part of the change. Read more in the blog post below.

Navigating the tension between dialogue and advocacy is more critical than ever in today’s polarized climate. Join us for the NCDD webinar, Bridging and Advocating in Divided Times: Navigating the Tension for Stronger Civic Practice, for an insightful webinar exploring how these approaches can work together to strengthen civic practice. Happening Monday, April 21, from 4 - 5:30 pm Eastern, 1 - 2:30 pm Pacific. 

​Dr. Martin Carcasson of the Center for Public Deliberation and long-standing NCDD member and former board chair, along with Julia Roig and Jarvis Williams of The Horizons Project, will guide participants through the lens of polarity management—a framework for balancing competing values to advance democratic change. Whether you're a facilitator, organizer, or civic leader, this session will offer practical tools to help you engage with care, clarity, and courage.​ Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh insights and practical tools--register now!

​The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) is launching an exciting initiative to strengthen dialogue work in higher education. We're calling on educators, administrators, students, and dialogue practitioners to help shape the upcoming Higher Education Dialogue Summit this June. By participating in our survey, you can directly influence the summit's schedule, agenda, and focus areas while contributing to a growing network of campus dialogue leaders. Don't miss this opportunity to make an impact—complete the survey and share it with your colleagues today! Read more in the blog post below.

​The Empathy Circle Summits, hosted by The Empathy Center, bring together people passionate about empathic communication to foster deeper human connections. The next summit is Saturday, April 5th. Attendees will gain personal growth, professional development, and hands-on experience in empathic listening. Supported by the International Listening Association (ILA), a Network Partner of the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation, this event promotes a more empathetic, connected world. Read more in the blog post below.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Coming to the Table National Gathering in St. Paul, Minnesota! From June 12-15, participants will engage in transformational discussions on racial healing, reparations, and truth-telling. This year’s theme, “Keep the Dream Alive,”​ honors Dr. King’s vision and deepens our collective commitment to justice and reconciliation. Join us for keynote sessions, breakout discussions, and powerful community experiences. Learn more about registration, breakout session proposals, and scholarship opportunities below.

NCDD Friends, ​Public Agenda's Decoding Democracy series continues with "Who Do We Think We Are?" — a live virtual discussion exploring how Americans perceive demographic change and its effects on democracy. Featuring expert insights from academia and advocacy, this session will examine the intersection of demographic shifts, political polarization, and civic engagement. Join the conversation on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET for this free event. Registration is required. Read more in the blog post below.

NCDD Friends, ​The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at Pepperdine University is offering a virtual training on conflict resolution for local government professionals on March 25 & April 1, 2025. This two-session course (90 minutes each) provides practical tools to transform workplace and community conflicts into opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Participants will explore the root causes of conflict, assess their personal conflict styles, and learn the Path to Peace Framework for effective resolution. Registration is required, with a general admission fee of $275. Read more in the blog post below.

Join NCCD Member and Future Search co-creator Sandra Janoff and Michael Donnelly for the P-10 Facilitation Training in Philadelphia on May 20-22, 2025. This in-person workshop is a unique opportunity to learn hands-on strategies for leading more effective, inclusive meetings in today’s complex world. Participants will gain practical tools to foster collaboration, engage stakeholders, and navigate high-tension discussions. The training fee is $800, with financial accommodations available. Don’t miss this chance to learn from leading experts in whole systems change. Read more in the blog post below.