The Sociological Initiatives Foundation provides grants of $5,000 to $15,000 to support community-based research projects in the U.S. Areas of interest include social justice, social welfare, human rights, and others. The foundation is also interested in supporting research projects by sociologists and linguists that provide a direct benefit to communities. Grants are restricted to tax-exempt organizations, including academic institutions. More info can be found at http://grantsmanagement.com/sifguide.html. Deadline for proposals is August 16, 2004.

Grants are also available for community-based approaches to protect and restore the nation’s watersheds. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Mike Leavitt announced 14 watersheds (representing 17 states) are eligible for $15 million from EPA?s Targeted Watersheds Grant Program. The selected areas represent more than 20,000 square miles of rivers, lakes and streams across the United States. More details can be found at www.lgean.org/html/whatsnew.cfm?id=783

Carolyn Lukensmeyer, Director of AmericaSpeaks, sent a special message to the AmericaSpeaks network on July 20 – the two year anniversary of Listening to the City, the largest town meeting ever held. This edition of AmericaSpeaks Network News shares the stories, perspectives and impact of the facilitators who came from all across the country to help people deliberate about the redevelopment of the World Trade Center Site after the September 11th attacks. Click below to read this amazing message.
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Let’s Talk America – a collaborative project of NCDD, Utne Institute, and Conversation Cafe – is bringing people across the U.S. together to talk about what democracy means to them. Read today’s LTA update below to learn about training opportunities for hosts, upcoming LTA events, and about dialogues held on Independence Day.
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I’m back from my not-so-relaxing “vacation” and ready to blog. Lots of exciting things to share…

First, please look over this important message from Hawaii State Senator Les Ihara, who’s a huge advocate for getting policymakers to embrace D&D. If you know a state legislator who supports involving citizens in policymaking, please let Les know (email ). You’re also encouraged to let your state legislators know about the session Les is presenting at next week’s Nat’l Conference of State Legislatures called “Strengthening the Legislator-Citizen Connection.” Click below for Les’ email to the NCDD network.
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I don’t usually post these announcements to the blog, but I thought this one would provide a good example of the kinds of updates you can receive from the Interfaith Encounter Association. If your work is related to Jewish/Palestian dialogue, you may want to subscribe to this announcement list by emailing .
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I received this announcement today from my visionary colleague Tom Atlee, whose Co-Intelligence Institute is launching The “Listen to the People” Pledge Campaign for Politicians and Public Officials. This new pilot program of the Co-Intelligence Institute is designed to generate conversation with politicians and public officials about the role of citizen panels in government. Tom writes, “With your help, using this Pledge, we will also be able to identify leading edge public officials – ‘early adopters’ – who we can network into a community of their own. They are out there; we just don’t know where they are.” Read the full message and the pledge…
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I received an announcement today from my friend Tonya Gonzalez, Director of the Deliberative Democracy Consortium. They’re looking for people to examine videotapes of deliberations and will pay $1000 for 10 hours of work! Plus, you get to work with Jane Mansbridge and Janette Hartz-Karp. Click below for the announcement, and email Jane at by July 15 if you’re interested.
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The final Citizens� Assembly public hearing was held June 24th in Kelowna, British Columbia (Canada). During the 50 hearings that have been held across B.C., a total of 387 people made oral presentations, and many more members of the public made informal presentations, offered recommendations and comments, and asked questions at the sessions. More than 2,700 members of the public attended hearings. The 160-member Assembly is currently wrapping up six months dedicated to investigating electoral options and British Columbians’ views on them, and will make its final report and disband in December. Click below to read the full announcement and press release.
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