Introducing Team Democracy: NCDD’s New Member Strengthening Civic Bonds

In welcoming Team Democracy to the NCDD community, we celebrate a shared commitment to bridging divides, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering inclusive civic engagement. Their innovative initiatives—from trusted elections to civics credentialing and unique community-building events—embody the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of meaningful dialogue and deliberation. Together, we are working to create a healthier, more resilient democracy where every voice matters. Read more in the blog post below.

---

---

​At the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD), we believe that democracy thrives when people engage with one another openly, respectfully, and with a shared commitment to the common good. That’s why we are excited to welcome Team Democracy as the newest member of our network. Their work embodies the very spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and civic engagement that is central to NCDD’s mission.

Building Bridges Across Divides Through Shared Values

Team Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to addressing one of the most urgent challenges facing America today: deepening political polarization. Recognizing that toxic division threatens the health of our constitutional democracy, Team Democracy brings together Americans from across the political spectrum around core democratic principles that unite us all. Their mission centers on amplifying messages and actions that reinforce trust in our democratic institutions, norms, and processes—including free, fair, and inclusive elections.
​
Their approach is rooted in social science evidence showing that reinforcing shared purpose and identity is key to overcoming polarization. By promoting values that transcend partisan differences, Team Democracy cultivates spaces where Americans can come together not to erase their differences, but to cherish the democratic system that allows those differences to coexist constructively.

Innovative Initiatives That Deepen Civic Engagement

Team Democracy advances its mission through three core initiatives, each offering a meaningful way to engage with and strengthen democracy:

• Principles for Trusted Elections: A cross-partisan effort to restore voter confidence by encouraging support for fair, safe, and secure elections. This program unites voters, candidates, and organizations in upholding electoral integrity.
• Civics Credentialing System: Leveraging open digital badge technology, this innovative platform incentivizes and recognizes deeper civic participation. It offers Americans clear pathways to learn about democratic institutions, build civic skills, and publicly demonstrate their commitment to constitutional democracy.
• R.A.F.T. for America (Reuniting America by Fostering Trust): A series of unique, real-world events where Americans from different backgrounds come together in shared experiences—such as cross-country rafting trips—to model collaboration and trust across divides.

In 2024 alone, Team Democracy hosted multiple rafting adventures bringing together “red and blue” pairs, underscoring that despite political differences, Americans truly are all in the same boat. Additionally, their digital Civics Credentialing platform is fostering a new wave of engaged citizens committed to informed, inclusive participation.

A Shared Vision for a More Resilient Democracy

Team Democracy’s work resonates deeply with NCDD’s commitment to dialogue, deliberation, equity, and inclusion. Both organizations recognize that strengthening democracy requires more than just elections—it demands ongoing engagement, empathy, and the willingness to listen across differences. Team Democracy’s initiatives complement NCDD’s efforts to build community-based, human-centered forums that nurture understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

Together, by sharing tools, ideas, and energy, NCDD and Team Democracy amplify the vital work of reconnecting Americans to each other and to the democratic system that sustains us all.
​
We invite you to learn more about Team Democracy’s inspiring work and explore how you can get involved in their movement to strengthen constitutional democracy. Visit their website at https://www.teamdemocracy.org/ and join this important journey toward a more united, resilient, and participatory America.