Welcoming Eric Schmucker to the NCDD Board: A Practitioner Committed to Listening, Learning, and Local Democracy

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) proudly welcomes Eric Schmucker as its newest Board Member, bringing over 15 years of experience in program management and community-engaged dialogue. A dedicated practitioner who believes that democracy begins with listening across differences, Eric has led facilitation processes for public and nonprofit organizations through his work with the Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue at James Madison University. His background spans restorative justice, story exchange, and international community engagement in Indonesia and Uganda, reflecting his commitment to inclusive, context-sensitive dialogue. With deep experience in teaching, governance, and local democracy, Eric emphasizes the importance of sustained discussion, relationship-building, and participatory practices that strengthen communities. His addition to the NCDD Board reinforces the organization’s mission to advance dialogue, deliberation, and civic engagement rooted in equity and shared learning. Read more in the blog post below.

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The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation is delighted to welcome Eric Schmucker as its newest Board Member. With over 15 years of program management experience and deep expertise in community-engaged dialogue, Eric brings a practitioner's perspective grounded in the belief that meaningful civic engagement begins with the capacity to listen across differences. His commitment to participatory processes at the local level and his extensive facilitation experience align seamlessly with NCDD's mission to strengthen democratic practice through dialogue and deliberation.

Building Bridges Through Facilitation and Community Engagement

Eric's professional journey reflects a sustained dedication to creating spaces where diverse voices can meet, share, and build understanding together. As an Affiliate Facilitator with the Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue at James Madison University, he plans and leads processes for local public and nonprofit organizations, helping communities navigate complex conversations with skill and care. His work as a restorative justice facilitator and story exchange facilitator demonstrates his versatility and his understanding that dialogue takes many forms—each requiring attention to context, power dynamics, and the particular needs of participants.

Beyond his facilitation practice, Eric has served James Madison University for nearly nine years in both instructional and administrative capacities. As a Program Director and current adjunct instructor, he has shaped educational experiences that prepare future leaders to engage thoughtfully in public life. His teaching reflects his professional values: that civic engagement requires both conceptual understanding and practiced skills, and that democracy thrives when people learn to listen as deeply as they speak.
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Eric's international experience adds another dimension to his work. Having spent five years in Indonesia and Uganda focusing on community engagement and intergroup dialogue, he brings cross-cultural insight into how dialogue practices can be adapted to different contexts while maintaining their core commitment to mutual respect and shared learning. This global perspective enriches his understanding of how local communities can benefit from dialogue approaches that honor cultural specificity while drawing on universal principles of inclusive participation.

Deepening Democracy Through Sustained Discussion

What distinguishes Eric's approach is his emphasis on sustained discussion and the development of listening skills. He recognizes that transformative dialogue rarely happens in single conversations—it requires ongoing commitment, relationship-building, and the cultivation of capacities that allow people to stay engaged even when disagreement arises. His professional interests in community building and enhanced listening reflect NCDD's own understanding that dialogue is both a skill and a practice, requiring intentional development and supportive structures.

Eric's board leadership experience further strengthens his contributions to NCDD. Having served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Gemeinschaft Home, he brings governance insight and an understanding of how organizations can embody their values through both their internal operations and their community-facing work. His master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Governance from James Madison University provides him with theoretical grounding to complement his practical expertise.

As Eric joins the NCDD Board, the network gains an advocate for participatory processes that center equity, inclusion, and genuine community voice. His passion for increasing civic engagement at the local level—where dialogue often has the most immediate impact on people's lives—will help NCDD continue supporting practitioners who work at the grassroots while contributing to broader conversations about democratic renewal.
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Please join us in welcoming Eric Schmucker to the NCDD Board. Learn more about NCDD's work and connect with our growing network of practitioners, scholars, and advocates at https://ncdd.org