Welcome Dr. Paul Zeitz: A New Voice for Constitutional Renewal in the NCDD Coalition

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Paul Zeitz to the NCDD community! A seasoned physician, advocate, and democratic reformer, Dr. Zeitz brings a bold and inspiring vision for constitutional renewal rooted in citizen engagement. Through initiatives like Citizens' Assemblies and his work with #unifyUSA, he champions inclusive, deliberative processes that empower everyday Americans to reimagine and revitalize our democracy. His unique blend of systems thinking, public health insight, and grassroots action aligns perfectly with NCDD’s mission. Read more in the blog post below.

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We're thrilled to announce that Dr. Paul Zeitz has officially joined the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) as a member! His addition to our coalition brings a powerful voice for democratic renewal and constitutional reform through citizen engagement—perfectly aligned with NCDD's mission to strengthen democracy through dialogue and deliberation.

A Physician's Prescription for Democracy

Dr. Zeitz brings a unique perspective to democratic reform, viewing our constitutional challenges through the lens of a preventive medicine physician and epidemiologist. His central thesis is both provocative and practical: "Our government runs on outdated code. The Constitution is the operating system of our government. If we don't rewrite the code, we'll keep getting the same broken outcomes—no matter who's in power."
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This systems-thinking approach resonates deeply with NCDD's understanding that lasting change requires more than surface-level fixes. As Dr. Zeitz puts it, "You can't fix a rigged system by changing the players; you have to change the rules."

The Citizens' Assembly Solution

At the heart of Dr. Zeitz's work is a commitment to Citizens' Assemblies—randomly selected groups of everyday Americans who deliberate on complex political issues. This approach exemplifies the kind of inclusive, deliberative democracy that NCDD champions. His experience shows that when citizens are freed from special interests and partisan pressure, they consistently find common ground and produce extraordinary solutions.
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Through his organization #unifyUSA, Dr. Zeitz is already putting these principles into action across Colorado, hosting public forums on constitutional renewal in Boulder, Fort Collins, and Arvada. These events demonstrate the power of bringing diverse voices together for meaningful civic dialogue.

A Roadmap for Peaceful Revolution

Dr. Zeitz's book, "Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution," offers what he calls a roadmap for a "Second American Revolution"—not through upheaval or violence, but through peaceful, inclusive constitutional renewal. This vision aligns perfectly with NCDD's belief that democracy is strengthened through thoughtful engagement rather than adversarial politics.
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His approach is particularly relevant in our current moment of democratic crisis. As trust in government collapses and polarization intensifies, Dr. Zeitz argues that the solution isn't just another election cycle—it's democratic re-invention through citizen participation

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A Life of Service and Advocacy

Dr. Zeitz brings over thirty-five years of experience in advocacy, campaigning, and political movement leadership to his constitutional reform work. As a preventive medicine physician certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine since 1993, he's spent his career focused on addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms—an approach he now applies to democratic reform.
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Beyond his medical and political work, Dr. Zeitz was ordained as a Shir Hashirim (Song of Songs) Rabbi in 2023, bringing spiritual depth to his advocacy for justice and human rights. He and his wife Mindi have been married for over thirty-three years and are proud parents and grandparents to eleven children and grandchildren.

Looking forward

​As Dr. Zeitz joins our coalition, we're excited about the possibilities for collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas. His work in Colorado demonstrates the appetite for serious civic dialogue about our democratic future, and his Citizens' Assembly model offers a concrete path forward for meaningful reform.

We encourage NCDD members—especially those in Colorado—to connect with Dr. Zeitz and explore opportunities for collaboration. His upcoming events across the Front Range provide excellent opportunities to see deliberative democracy in action and to engage with the urgent questions facing our republic.
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The revolution Dr. Zeitz envisions is indeed peaceful, and the roadmap is here. We're honored to have him as part of our coalition as we work together to strengthen democracy through dialogue, deliberation, and citizen engagement.