Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Kick-Off Event Recap and Upcoming Opportunities

On July 1st, NCDD along with several partners, launched the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) to engage mediation and facilitation practitioners in fostering democratic engagement and resolving conflicts. The virtual event featured keynote speakers Ken Cloke and Joan Blades, who emphasized the importance of dialogue in strengthening democracy and building community trust. The initiative aims to mobilize practitioners for pro-democracy efforts, with opportunities for involvement through monthly forum calls, resources, and joining the organizing team. Learn more in the post below and join the mobilization!

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Event Overview
On July 1, 2024, the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) hosted the inaugural Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) kick-off event, marking the beginning of a significant movement aimed at harnessing the unique skills of mediation and facilitation practitioners to foster dialogue, resolve conflicts, and build stronger communities through democratic engagement.

The event, held virtually, brought together a diverse group of facilitators, mediators, and collaborative communication practitioners, all dedicated to strengthening democracy. As the country navigates significant tensions and societal divisions, this project affirms that the necessary resources are already present, embodied by individuals committed to a long-term vision.

The objective is to mobilize practitioners in dialogue facilitation, community mediation, collaborative communication, and conflict transformation to support the future of democracy. This initiative offers a vehicle for learning from one another and determining collective actions, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming election and beyond.

Watch the recording at: www.ncdd.org/pmdlaunchrecap.html

Keynote Speakers
The event featured two esteemed keynote speakers who shared their insights and experiences:

Ken Cloke, a renowned mediator introduced by mentor Duncan, highlighted the unique contributions facilitation and mediation practitioners can offer to democracy. He discussed the intersection of conflict resolution and politics, emphasizing how political decisions impact personal lives. Cloke noted Plato's prediction that unresolved conflicts could lead democracies to devolve into autocracies and stressed the importance of dialogue-based politics - scaling up dialogue from small groups to national and international issues and underscoring the need for consensus-building.

Joan Blades, co-founder of Living Room Conversations, spoke about the power of dialogue in creating stronger community connections, which are essential components for a healthy democracy. Living Room Conversations, started in 2010, offers over 150 conversation guides and emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and understanding each other's humanity. The “Trust in Elections” guide aims to bridge divides and build trust through meaningful dialogues on various issues, from political polarization to local elections. The initiative seeks to inspire community action and demonstrate the impact of these conversations through research and pilot projects. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate a culture of respect and trust, which is essential for a healthy society.

Opportunities to Get Involved

• Learn more at: www.ncdd.org/practitionermobilization.html
• Sign up for more info by filling out the survey at bit.ly/practitioner-mobilization-signup  
• Participate in monthly forum calls on the fourth Thursday of each month. The next call is on July 25th at 9:00 am Pacific, noon Eastern (calls are 90 minutes + overtime). Use the survey above to join these calls.
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• Utilize the resources and tools provided by the PMD, located at www.ncdd.org/pmd-resources.html. 
• Contribute to local and national pro-democracy efforts. Find where you want to tap in at www.ncdd.org/pmd-get-involved.html. 
• Join the organizing team for bi-weekly calls. Email Keiva Hummel at [email protected] or Duncan Autrey at [email protected]. 

Looking Ahead
The kick-off event was just the beginning of an ongoing effort to support and drive participatory democracy. Participants were encouraged to stay engaged, bring nuance and empathy into local politics, and share their skills and experiences with the broader community.

As the PMD moves forward, it aims to create spaces for dialogue, provide resources for civil discourse, and build a network of practitioners dedicated to the future of democracy. The next forum call is scheduled for July 25, and interested individuals are encouraged to sign up and participate in shaping this vital movement.

For more information and to get involved, visit the project landing page at NCDD Practitioner Mobilization or sign up through the PMD Sign up & Survey.