This guide, originally shared by NCDD a few years ago, offers helpful strategies for navigating challenging conversations during the holidays. Political discussions or other hot topics can often become contentious, but these six tips promote meaningful dialogue and understanding. Suggestions include practicing active listening, staying open-minded, and focusing on shared values or personal stories rather than debating facts. By fostering curiosity, seeking common ground, and ending discussions on a positive note, these tips aim to keep holiday gatherings constructive and harmonious despite differing perspectives. Read the blog post below for more.

​Elections mark a transition in democracy, often leaving communities divided and disconnected. Rebuilding and reconnecting after a polarizing election requires personal reflection, meaningful conversations, and intentional dialogue. The four free resources provided by NCDD members, Essential Partners, offer step-by-step guidance to help individuals recover their best selves, engage in trusted conversations, support isolated individuals, and lead group dialogues. By taking these small but powerful steps, we can repair the social fabric and lay the groundwork for healthier discourse and a more vibrant democracy. Read the blog post below and learn more here.

Our next Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy Monthly Forum is tomorrow, November 19th, with the theme Post-Election Reflection: Ensuring Democracy through Dialogue. This month’s session will focus on thoughtful post-election reflection and how dialogue can foster trust and resilience in our democratic processes. Join fellow facilitators, mediators, and civic leaders for an inspiring conversation about the vital role of dialogue and deliberation in building a stronger, more unified society.

Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
Location: Virtual (Register Here)

This open forum offers dynamic discussions, practical strategies, and a chance to connect with like-minded practitioners working to strengthen democracy. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, your insights and perspectives are invaluable.

Agenda Highlights:

• Welcome & Introductions: Acknowledge the emotional toll of the election and the need for reflection.
• Democracy Reminder: The importance of post-election dialogue in maintaining democracy and trust.
• Inspiration Speaker: Hear from innovator John Saunders on fostering connection and resilience in post-election landscapes.
• Lightning Presentations:
  • Vee Cangiano – Braver Angels’ local civic action efforts
  • Karissa Raskin – Listen First Project storytelling work
  • Kara Jarzynski – Resolutionaries and the Building Civic Bridges Act
• Breakout Spaces:
  • National Focus: Strategies for fostering a unified society and the role of dialogue in the coming months.
  • Local Focus: Inspiring actions to support community connection and understanding.
    ​
    

​Let’s come together to reflect, learn, and take action toward a more inclusive and vibrant democratic future.

About the Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy (PMD) initiative
We are a unified coalition of individuals and organizations comprising facilitators, dialogue practitioners, community mediators, and conflict resolution specialists. Bound by our passion for strengthening democracy, we invite practitioners from all backgrounds and experience levels to join us in our collective pursuit of a vibrant and inclusive democratic landscape. The Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy aims to empower dialogue and deliberation practitioners to support democratic resilience. Through this initiative, NCDD offers resources, training, and networking opportunities to bolster democratic engagement and counteract polarization. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate, share strategies, and leverage their skills to foster civil discourse and civic participation in their communities. 

For more details, visit NCDD’s PMD homepage. Together, we’re building a resilient democracy through dialogue and deliberation.

The "Post-Election: Moving Forward Together" Living Room Conversations event on December 3 invites participants to discuss election outcomes in a respectful, open setting. Using a guided format, this conversation focuses on bridging divides, processing election results, and finding common ground despite differing perspectives. The event encourages shared humanity and understanding as participants reflect on moving forward as a nation. Tickets are donation-based, read the blog post below to learn more and register.

​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. 

It’s now one week after the election, and as our nation processes the results, we want to hear directly from you. This survey offers a chance to reflect on how you're feeling about the current climate, where you find hope and motivation, and what would help you feel more connected as we work toward a more unified society. Your responses will remain completely anonymous, allowing you to share openly and honestly. By lending your voice, you'll be helping us understand the needs, challenges, and sources of inspiration essential for healing and dialogue in our communities. Your insights will guide us in supporting each other and fostering resilience as we look toward the future. Thank you for being a part of this important conversation. Share your thoughts in our "Post Election Temperature Check".