A recent citizens assembly in Bend, Oregon, brought 30 residents together to tackle youth homelessness in Deschutes County, a region struggling with high housing costs and growing encampments. Organized by DemocracyNext and Healthy Democracy, the assembly features diverse participants using their collective insights to develop policy recommendations. Eliza Wilson, a former homeless youth and now a program director, shared her story to kickstart discussions, drawing attention to the challenges homeless teens face and potential solutions. While the assembly’s success depends on local government’s willingness to act, advocates see it as a promising model to engage ordinary citizens in solving complex issues. Read the blog post below and learn more here!

​The "Five Practices for Better College Discussions" workshop series began on September 25th, offering college students tools to enhance collaborative communication skills. Led by IF Collaborative Discussion Coach Cuda Zmuda, the session introduced exercises to help students communicate openly, compromise, and build on each other's ideas, even with new people in a virtual setting. Sydney McKee, a high school senior, found the experience eye-opening, noting it helped participants move beyond "selfish communication." The series continues on November 20th with a focus on moving beyond binary thinking, offering skills valuable for academic and personal success. Read more in the blog post below. 

NCDD members, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement, encourages thoughtful dialogue about democracy, beyond just voting, especially during uncertain election outcomes. The center advises reflecting on personal biases, practicing patience, and fostering empathy by actively listening and respecting diverse perspectives. The guide suggests fostering a “brave space” for open, respectful conversations, emphasizing collaboration over competition to reduce polarization. It also highlights the importance of media literacy in evaluating information sources and offers faculty, staff, and students a framework for engaging in meaningful discussions about democracy and public issues. Read more in the blog post below!

Action for Connection is an initiative aimed at reducing social isolation by fostering meaningful community relationships. It provides resources such as community guides, workshops, and policy advocacy tools to help individuals and organizations build stronger social bonds. Through personal stories and practical steps, the initiative promotes inclusivity and highlights the mental health benefits of connectedness. Read the blog post below and visit Action for Connection for more details on how to get involved.

​The Unify Challenge College Bowl is a nationwide event designed to foster thoughtful dialogue among college students with different perspectives. Through one-on-one virtual discussions, students tackle pressing issues such as mental health, gun laws, and immigration, aiming to understand diverse viewpoints. With over 14,000 participants from 205 schools, the program encourages civic engagement, helping students reconsider their views and boost voter participation. Read the blog post below and learn more here. 

The "5 Practices for Better College Discussions Workshop Series" offers a series of free, virtual workshops designed to help college students enhance their discussion skills for academic, community, and professional settings. Held on select dates from September 25 to November 20, 2024, these workshops will teach essential skills such as co-creation, asking better questions, and navigating complex discussions. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively, appreciate diverse perspectives, and engage in creative brainstorming. The series is open to all college students, and attendees can register for individual sessions or the entire series. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

​The "America in One Room: The Youth Vote" initiative conducted a Deliberative Poll involving 430 first-time voters to gauge their opinions on key issues for the 2024 Presidential Election. After deliberation, participants showed significant changes in their perspectives on energy, the economy, health care, and democracy. The results highlighted shifts towards more nuanced views, with increased support for clean energy and reproductive health care, but decreased support for some progressive economic policies. The event demonstrated Gen Z's capacity for thoughtful discussion across political divides and suggested an increased faith in democratic processes among young voters. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

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.