Deliberation in Action: A Civic Season Call to Reimagine Democracy
Partner Event: Deliberation in Action: A Civic Season Call to Reimagine Democracy
Hosted By: The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD)
Location: Online
Date: June 23, 2025, at Noon ET
From the Organizers:
As we enter the Civic Season—the meaningful period between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July—communities across America are grappling with fundamental questions about the health of our democracy. How do we bridge deepening divisions? How do we move beyond polarized narratives to build genuine understanding? How do we ensure that every community member has a voice in the decisions that shape their lives?The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) invites you to explore these critical questions in our upcoming webinar, "Deliberation in Action: A Civic Season Call to Reimagine Democracy.
Democracy as Culture, Not Just System
This conversation centers on a powerful premise: democracy isn't merely a political system we inherit—it's a living culture that requires constant nurturing, practice, and renewal. Across the country, innovative leaders are already demonstrating what this looks like in practice, using dialogue, deliberation, and civic engagement to help communities navigate division, build trust, and make more inclusive decisions.
From citizen assemblies that bring diverse voices together to tackle complex policy challenges, to community conversations that rebuild relationships across difference, a growing movement is reimagining how democracy manifests in everyday life. But as these strategies multiply and public narratives grow more polarized, a crucial question emerges: How do we ensure this movement toward healthier democracy remains cohesive, effective, and truly impactful?
What You'll Explore
Join us for a timely and grounding conversation that will help you connect your work to a broader collective effort. Together, we'll examine:
How dialogue and deliberation can bridge disconnection while fostering learning and civic trust. We'll explore real-world examples of communities using structured conversation to move beyond talking past each other toward genuine understanding and collaborative problem-solving.
Why treating engagement as an ongoing process, not a one-time product, matters. Sustainable democratic renewal requires more than isolated events or campaigns—it demands continuous cultivation of civic habits and relationships.
How communities are already using these practices to shape policy, respond to division, and build shared power. From local governance innovations to grassroots organizing, we'll showcase concrete examples of deliberative democracy in action.
The opportunities and challenges of building a more coherent democratic strategy. As the field grows, how do we maintain both diversity of approach and strategic alignment toward common goals?
Distinguished Panel of Speakers
This conversation brings together leading voices from across the democratic renewal movement:- Roshan Bliss, Director of Democracy Innovations at NCDD, who helps coordinate national efforts to strengthen democratic practice and build field capacity.
- Marjan Ehsassi, Executive Director of FIDE - North America, bringing international perspectives on democratic innovation and civic engagement.
- Katie Fahey, Co-Founder & Executive Director of The People, whose work on redistricting reform and civic engagement has mobilized thousands of citizens to reclaim democratic power.
- Christine Lopes Metcalfe, Chief of Staff at Local Policy Lab, who works at the intersection of community organizing, policy innovation, and democratic governance.
- Rahmin Sarabi, Director & Founder of American Public Trust, focused on rebuilding civic trust and democratic legitimacy through community-centered approaches.
Who Should Attend
This conversation is designed for anyone working to strengthen democratic culture and civic participation. You'll find value whether you're:- Experienced practitioners looking to deepen your strategic thinking
- Newcomers to the field seeking to understand how dialogue and deliberation contribute to democratic renewal
- Community leaders exploring new approaches to inclusive decision-making
- Policymakers interested in more participatory governance models
- Researchers and academics studying democratic innovation
- Citizens concerned about democratic health and seeking constructive ways forward