Welcome to the Board: Lara Schwartz Brings Dialogue Expertise to NCDD

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation has welcomed Lara Schwartz to its board, recognizing her deep expertise in fostering constructive conversations across differences. As Founding Director of the American University Project on Civic Dialogue, Schwartz has spent over a decade teaching students practical skills for engaging meaningfully across political and social divides, work that reflects her broader career in coalition-building across the civil rights sector. Her philosophy—centered on moving from adversarial debate toward exploratory dialogue—aligns closely with NCDD’s mission, and her experience training facilitators, developing innovative dialogue programs, and navigating complex political environments positions her to help strengthen the field at a moment of rising polarization and democratic strain.

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​The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation is thrilled to announce Lara Schwartz as its newest board member. Schwartz brings a wealth of experience in fostering productive conversations across difference, both in higher education and beyond, making her an invaluable addition to NCDD's leadership at a critical moment for democratic engagement.

Building Bridges Through Dialogue Education

As the Founding Director of the American University Project on Civic Dialogue, Schwartz has spent over a decade creating spaces where students learn to engage meaningfully across political, social, and ideological divides. Her work transforms dialogue from an abstract ideal into a practical skill that students carry into their communities and careers. Through courses on civic engagement, dispute resolution, and constitutional law, she has equipped thousands of students with the tools to listen deeply, speak courageously, and disagree productively.
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Schwartz's approach recognizes that dialogue is not simply about protecting free speech rights, but about embracing the responsibilities and opportunities that come with genuine communication. Her recent book, Try to Love the Questions: From Debate to Dialogue in Classrooms and Life, offers students a framework for moving beyond binary debates toward exploratory conversations that deepen understanding. This philosophy aligns perfectly with NCDD's commitment to fostering connection and collaborative problem-solving across differences.

From Coalition Work to Board Leadership

Schwartz's dedication to coalition-building extends throughout her career. Before entering academia, she worked as a legislative lawyer, lobbyist, and communications strategist for leading civil rights organizations, where she learned firsthand the power of bringing diverse voices together to advance shared goals. Her experience spans roles at the American Constitution Society, the American Association of People with Disabilities, and other organizations working at the intersection of law, policy, and social change.
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This background in navigating complex political landscapes while maintaining relationships across difference makes Schwartz particularly well-suited to help guide NCDD's network of practitioners, organizations, and advocates. She understands that meaningful progress requires both principled commitment and the ability to work collaboratively, even amid disagreement.

Strengthening NCDD's Mission

Schwartz joins the NCDD board at a moment when dialogue and deliberation practitioners face significant challenges—and opportunities. As polarization deepens and democratic institutions face pressure, the need for skilled facilitators, thoughtful educators, and bridge-builders has never been greater. Schwartz's expertise in teaching dialogue as a learnable skill, combined with her commitment to creating inclusive spaces for difficult conversations, will help NCDD continue supporting practitioners working to strengthen democracy through genuine engagement.

Her work has already demonstrated impact at scale. Through the Project on Civic Dialogue, she has trained student facilitators who lead community discussions, created programs like "Disagree with a Professor" that model constructive disagreement, and developed curricula that help students navigate challenging conversations with empathy and courage. These innovations offer models that dialogue practitioners across contexts can adapt and apply.

As NCDD continues its vital work connecting practitioners, sharing resources, and advancing the field of dialogue and deliberation, Schwartz's leadership will help ensure the organization remains responsive to emerging challenges while staying grounded in its core commitment to fostering understanding, equity, and collaborative engagement.
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Learn more about Lara Schwartz and the American University Project on Civic Dialogue at https://www.american.edu/spa/dialogueproject/