Considering NCDD Membership? Here's What You Need to Know

​If you're passionate about bringing people together across divides to create meaningful change, the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) offers a welcoming professional community, rich resources, and support tailored to both new and experienced practitioners. With flexible membership options, access to a national network, and a shared commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning, NCDD helps you grow your impact and connect with others doing this vital work. Read more in the blog post below.

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​Are you someone who believes meaningful conversation can change the world? Do you work to bring people together across differences to solve complex problems? If you're nodding along, you might be exactly who we're looking for at the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD).

Who We Are and Why We Exist

​NCDD is a thriving network of 700+ organizations and individuals who refuse to accept that division is inevitable. Since 2002, we've been the professional home for practitioners, scholars, activists, public officials, nonprofit leaders, and students who use dialogue and deliberation to tackle our toughest challenges.
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We formed because people working in this space—whether in public policy, social work, education, community organizing, or organizational development—needed a place to connect, learn, and grow together. Today, we're that place for thousands of professionals who share your commitment to bringing people together in meaningful ways.

What Membership Gets You

​When you join NCDD, you're not just getting access to resources—you're joining a community of practice that will strengthen your work and advance your career.

• Professional Development Resources: Access thousands of discussion guides, facilitation methods, evaluation tools, articles, books, and videos in our comprehensive Resource Center. Download our acclaimed Resource Guide on Public Engagement, use our Quick Reference Glossary with over 100 key terms, and leverage tools like our Engagement Streams Framework to design better programs.
• Networking and Career Support: Connect with fellow practitioners through our online member directory, join our active discussion lists, and tap into opportunities through our Making-a-Living list for job hunters. With regional lists covering areas from Northern California to New England, you'll find colleagues in your area and across the country.
• Conference Discounts and Priority Access: Our biennial national conferences bring together the best minds in dialogue and deliberation. As a member, you'll get significant discounts and early access to registration for these career-defining events that have welcomed nearly 3,000 practitioners from 20 countries.
• Stay Current in Your Field: Our Community News blog and monthly newsletters keep you updated on funding opportunities, job openings, new research, innovative tools, and emerging trends. You'll be among the first to know about developments that could impact your work.

Perfect for New and Emerging Leaders

If you're newer to dialogue and deliberation work, NCDD offers special support to help you build your expertise. Our Beginner's Guide provides a roadmap for understanding the field, while our Newbies discussion list connects you with others who are also building their skills. Many of our members started as newcomers and have grown into recognized leaders in the field through their NCDD connections.
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For established professionals new to our community, membership provides immediate credibility and connection to the broader field. You'll quickly identify potential collaborators, stay current on best practices, and gain access to the collective wisdom of hundreds of experienced practitioners.

Flexible Membership Options

We believe financial barriers shouldn't prevent passionate practitioners from joining our community. That's why we offer:

• Individual Membership: Multiple price points including a pay-what-you-can option
• Organizational Membership: Perfect for nonprofits, consulting firms, and agencies
• Organizational Sponsorship: Enhanced visibility and benefits for five team members (starting at $1,000)

Values That Guide Our Work

As a member, you'll be part of a community that practices what it preaches through three core values:

• Collaboration shapes everything we do, from how we govern our organization to how we approach learning and practice together.
• Inclusivity means your voice matters, regardless of your background, experience level, or approach to the work. We're stronger because of our diversity.
• Continuous Learning keeps us all growing. Whether you're sharing your expertise or learning from others, every interaction is an opportunity to advance the field.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

The dialogue and deliberation community is growing, and we need thoughtful leaders like you to help shape its future. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience from other fields, NCDD membership will amplify your impact and accelerate your professional growth.
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Your work matters. The conversations you facilitate, the bridges you build, and the solutions you help communities discover are changing the world one dialogue at a time. Join us, and let's do this work together.

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JOIN TODAY

Become a member today and discover how NCDD can support your journey as a leader in dialogue and deliberation.