Twenty years ago, 160 Canadian residents participated in the world’s first Citizens Assembly, setting a new standard for representative deliberation and sparking a global movement in democratic innovation. To commemorate this milestone, the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and MASS LBP are hosting a public dialogue on September 18th in Vancouver, featuring key figures from the Assembly’s inception and current members reflecting on their experiences. The event will be moderated by Aftab Erfan and includes speakers like Geoff Plant, Peter MacLeod, and Andrea Reimer. It will be held at the Wosk Centre and livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Read the blog post below for more information and to register. 

​The Citizens' Assembly Capacity Building Fall School is an opportunity for policymakers, civil servants, and civil society members to learn about deliberative democratic processes and Citizens’ Assemblies. Hosted by the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes at Arizona State University from October 22-24, this event offers interactive sessions with experts, providing practical skills to enhance public participation and democratic innovation. Participants will gain insights and tools to implement inclusive decision-making practices in their communities. Registration is open, with options to attend both the main program and a pre-conference event. Read the blog post below and learn more and register here.

The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Forum is holding its next call tomorrow, August 22nd, where facilitators, mediators, and communicators will collaborate to support and revitalize democracy. The event aims to unite a diverse coalition of engagement practitioners, offering opportunities to connect nationally, engage locally, and turn skills into actionable steps to strengthen democratic practices. The agenda includes introductions, mobilization opportunities, breakout sessions, and an open forum, encouraging participants to share insights and make connections. Read the blog post below and join us tomorrow! 

The Emerging Leaders Initiative (ELI) by NCDD aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. Launched after the NCDD 2014 conference, the ELI provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to individuals 35 and under, as well as newcomers to the field. Key features include discounted memberships, scholarships, interactive calls, and a variety of online platforms for connection and collaboration. The initiative seeks to support and elevate emerging leaders by facilitating their involvement and growth within the field. Read the blog post below and find more information here. 

The International Listening Association (ILA) has launched a new website, inviting visitors to explore their refreshed look and renewed commitment to listening skills, research, and best practices. The ILA, founded in 1979, aims to make listening an integral part of global culture by promoting its practice, training, and research across various fields. They provide numerous resources, including scholarly publications and annual conventions, to support listening-focused professionals and organizations. Upcoming events include a Listening Circles session on July 23, 2024, and a discussion on sustaining listening on July 25, 2024. Read more in the blog post below and check out their new website here!

Join us today for the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy launch event, "The Role of Mediators and Facilitators in Healing U.S. Democracy," at 9am PT/12pm ET. Co-hosted by NCDD and various partners, this event unites practitioners in support of democracy during a time of significant societal divisions. Learn more below and register here.

In addition to this, we have news on the recent NCDD leadership change. At the beginning of June, Keiva Hummel stepped into the role of Executive Director. She has already launched new initiatives to strengthen and expand NCDD's impact, such as the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy. In the spirit of continuing to build NCDD into a robust organization, we are dedicated to strengthening our capacity and network. We invite all our members, partners, and the wider community to join us in these efforts. Your financial contributions and support are vital to advancing our mission of promoting dialogue, deliberation, and civic engagement.​ Learn more details in the blog post below.

Starting today, the 2024 Braver Angels National Convention aims to build unity and hope across political divides. Participants will debate key issues like abortion, economic inequality, free speech, and immigration, ultimately selecting one priority to focus on. The convention emphasizes collaborative action to address the nation's challenges, fostering new friendships and deepening civic skills. Are you attending? Let us know in the comments and say hi to Roshan Bliss, NCDD's Director of Democracy Innovations, who will be at the convention! Not able to attend? Watch the livestream here!

Register now for the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Launch Event on July 1, 2024! The event will feature speakers Joan Blades and Ken Cloke, focusing on the role of mediators and facilitators in this space. This campaign unites a coalition dedicated to inclusive and deliberative democracy, emphasizing the role of conflict-competent practitioners. Engage in the pro-democracy movement, connect with a national network of practitioners, and apply your skills locally with the support of resources and community initiatives. Register here and learn more in the blog post below. 

NCDD member, Cristin Brawner, and many NCDD friends have organized the Southern Deliberative Democracy Network's (SDDN) first in-person gathering from July 17th to 19th in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will include interactive sessions, panel discussions, and open space meetings to address challenges in fostering democracy in the South. Highlights include a social evening at Assembly Food Hall, full-day activities at the Embassy Suites with breakout sessions, and planning for future collaborations. Read more in the blog post below and learn more/register here.

"Everyone’s In" (EI) is a new initiative from NCDD friends, the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), designed to facilitate respectful and inclusive discussions on controversial political issues. It aims to promote understanding and learning, with a focus on elections and voting. The program employs updated forum formats and materials for both online and in-person settings, incorporating informal polls, background information, and thoughtful dialogue to ensure inclusive participation and engagement on political subjects. Find resources and upcoming training opportunities in August to support using the EI guides. Read more in the blog post below and learn more here.