national coalition for dialogue and deliberation

Deep Democracy Workshop Coming Up in Halifax and Boston

Envison Halifax is sponsoring the workshop "Deep Democracy: Unleashing the Potential of Groups" with Myrna Lewis and Sera Thompson. This four-day intensive training will give you the basic skills for an unusual and extremely helpful way of understanding and working with decision-making and the resolution of underlying issues. Deep Democracy is based on the work of revolutionary physicist/psychologist Arnold Mindel and was originally developed in South Africa, to work with business in the transition out of Apartheid. The cost of the course is $850, space is limited to 22 participants. Group discounts are available and the cost is negotiable for non-profit and independents. For more information, visit www.envisionhalifax.ca/learning_labs.shtml.

Added by Amy Lang on August 03, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Berkana Institute Organizing Southern Africa Learning Journey

The Berkana Institute invites participants for a Learning Journey to South Africa and Zimbabwe that will open your eyes, minds and hearts to essential learning about the leadership that is emerging in one of our planet's most vibrant places. On this journey, participants will meet and learn with extraordinary pioneering leaders in Johannesburg, South Africa, and at Zimbabwe's Kufunda Learning Village. The Learning Journey will also spend time learning from the wildlife of Africa whose grace and beauty and interdependent relationships are an inspiration. Marianne Knuth, part of the Shambhala Institute's hosting team and founder of Kufunda, will join Berkana Institute Co-President Bob Stilger as hosts of this journey. Together participants explore innovative approaches to leadership that offer new possibilities for making a difference in our own lives. For more information about the Southern Africa Learning Journey, taking place October 30 - November 11, 2006, visit the Berkana Institute's website: www.berkana.org or contact Jeana Corbett, Learning Journey Coordinator,

Added by Amy Lang on July 31, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Shambhala Institute Announces Art of Hosting and Convening Workshop

The Shambhala Institute has just announced an upcoming workshop: The Art of Hosting and Convening Meaningful Conversations with Toke Moeller, Monika Nissen, and Sera Thompson. This workshop explores the art of convening the conversations most important to our communities, families and organizations. You will learn a variety of methods and practices for engaging in conversations that matter which create wise action and clear outcomes. The workshop will take place in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia - August 14-16, 2006. For more information, contact .

Added by Amy Lang on July 31, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Authentic Leadership in Europe Workshop Coming Up in December

The Shambhala Institute has just announced an upcoming workshop called "Authentic Leadership in Europe: Empowering the Journey through Circle, Brush & Sword." In this intensive participants will increase their capacity for presence, courage, and flexibility. They will practice stepping back to allow creativity to emerge and stepping forward when intervention is called for, and will learn how to design change processes that include both broad engagement and a concrete plan of action. This intensive is for leaders and entrepreneurs of all levels-team or project leaders, facilitators, managers, executives, community builders, and other agents of change. The workshop will be led by oke Moeller, Barbara Bash & Bob Wing, from December 6-9, 2006 at the Heinsheim Castle Hotel, 1.5 hours south of Frankfurt, Germany. For more information, email Susan Szpakowski at .

Added by Amy Lang on July 29, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Peace It Together Gala Event Coming Up in Vancouver

Peace it Together is an important youth program that brings ten Israeli, ten Palestinian and ten Canadian youth together to discuss conflict in the Middle East. Together they will create short films that will help them and their audiences struggle with, and come to terms with the escalating violence that continues to impact their lives. After getting to know each other for a few days in the city, the youth will gather on Galiano Island at the Gulf Islands Film and Television School. Activities will focus on dialogue and listening exercises, leadership training, outdoor and wilderness experiences, and film-making. In small and culturally-mixed groups, the youth will collaborate on creating drama, documentary or animated short films about how the conflict impacts their lives, hopes and fears. The summer program will culminate in a public screening of the films in Vancouver. All are invited to the Peace it Together Gala on Sunday, August 20th at the HR MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit the program's website: www.creativepeacenetwork.ca/camp/2006.htm

Added by Amy Lang on July 25, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Open Society Institute Announces New Guidelines for Unsolicited Grants

The Open Society Institute's Information Program (www.soros.org/initiatives/information/about/) has announced application instructions for grantseeking organizations that aim to enhance the ability to access, exchange, and produce knowledge and information; and to use new tools and techniques to empower civil society. Projects supported by the program are intended to benefit developing and transition countries. As a general rule, the Information Program prefers to receive grant applications made on behalf of an organization rather than an individual. The program also prefers to fund project proposals rather than core funding requests. Funded activities in the past have included information and knowledge capacity-building events; technology and policy analysis; advocacy campaigns; and innovative projects that test new ground. The Information Program funds projects within three main focus areas: Access to Knowledge; Civil Society Communication; and Open Information Policy. The Information Program will review unsolicited proposals four times during 2006: the remaining deadlines for submission are September 30 and December 31, 2006. Proposals must be submitted in English. The program requests that applicants submit proposal outlines, rather than sending fully developed proposals. Visit the OSI Web site for complete program information and submission requirements.

Added by Amy Lang on July 10, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Fielding Graduate University Announces the Third Graduate level certificate program in Dialogue, Deliberation, and Public Engagement

Fielding Graduate University (www.fielding.edu) is offering its third innovative certificate course and has expanded the program to University of Sydney, Australia. This year's program dates are August 21, 2006 ?– January 15, 2007. This distinctive program focuses on recent innovations in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement featuring faculty who have played key roles in developing these approaches. It strives for the development of "virtuosity" in our practice of dialogue and deliberation. Designed and delivered in collaboration with The International Institute for Sustained Dialogue and the Kettering Foundation, it features an outstanding core faculty of scholar-practitioners, (Hal Saunders, Barnett Pearce, Phil Stewart, Keith Melville, Jan Elliott, Lyn Carson), it also features guests in Phone Dialogues who are widely recognized scholars and innovative practitioners. Participants from at least two continents will learn together online, on the phone and will participate in face to face workshops in either the US or Australia. For a course outline and to check out testimonials see www.fielding.edu/hod/ce/dialog/index.html. To find out more, you can also join a Teleconference Thursday May 11 at 8 pm EDT (New York time) with Core Faculty. If you are unable to participate there will be an autopodium of the call available. To register for the call or the autopodium, email . For directions on how call the audioconference directly, click on the link below.

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Added by Amy Lang on May 10, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Compassionate Listening Workshop Coming Up in Toronto

Susan Partnow will be in Toronto to present ?“The Fundamentals of Compassion Listening?” on April 27. In Compassionate Listening, the emphasis is on strengthening the influence of the heart through cultivating compassion for ourselves and others, and learning to listen and speak from the heart ?— even in the heat of conflict. Susan is a consultant in Seattle Washington. She serves on the Steering Committee of National Coalition on Dialogue and Deliberation, Advisory Board to The Radical Middle Newsletter (a project of the Center for Visionary Law, Business, and Public Policy ), co-founded Conversation Cafe and Let's Talk America, and founded Global Citizen Journey. Metro-Toronto Central YMCA; 20 Grosvenor St (near Yonge and College); 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The fee for this workshop is $155 including GST and materials. To learn more (or register on-line) see www.leadingedgeseminars.org. For information or instant registration phone 416-964-1133 (outside of Toronto 1-888-291-1133).

Added by Amy Lang on April 25, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Fielding Institute Invites Particpation in Organizational Change Workshop

Fielding University (www.fielding.edu) will be sponsoring a four day workshop on "Organization Dynamics Amid Frequent Change" with the United Nations World Food Program (UN WFP) from May 9 - 12, 2006 at Parco de Medici in Rome, Italy. They are inviting participants for the final two days (Thursday and Friday, May 11 and 12, 2006) of the workshop. If interested, please contact Dottie Agger-Gupta, Associate Dean for the Doctoral Program, at for more information or to register for this exciting learning opportunity. To see a detailed description of the workshop, click on the link below.

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Added by Amy Lang on April 13, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Public Involvement Officers Sought by Health Canada

The Office of Consumer and Public Involvement at Health Canada is looking to hire two Public Involvement Officers. These are temporary assignments while the competition process for a permanent employment is finalized. They are seeking applicants with knowledge and experience in planning, implementing and reporting on public involvement activities and in dealing with a variety of stakeholders. For more information, contact Sylvie Cantin, Director of Public Involvement at or (613) 952-1887. To see a list of qualifications and responsibilities, click on the link below.

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Added by Amy Lang on April 08, 2006??-??Link to this entry

CIVICUS Seeking Administrative Officer

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation (www.civicus.org) is an international alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened. Established in 1993 and originally based in Washington, DC, CIVICUS is now based in Johannesburg, South Africa. CIVICUS is recruiting an MDG Administrative Officer who will report directly to the MDG Campaign Manager, and liaising closely with other Campaign staff. The MDG Administrative Officer is responsible for providing high-quality overall administrative and logistical support to the work of the MDG Department. Duration of contract: Four months with the possibility of extension. Applications are Due April 7, 2006. For information on responsibilities of the position, expected qualifications, and where to apply, click on the link below.

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Added by Amy Lang on April 03, 2006??-??Link to this entry

World Urban Cafés Organized in Lead-Up to World Urban Forum

The World Urban Cafes are an innovative series of discussion and performance events on urban issues, taking place before and during the World Urban Forum (WUF) and World Youth Forum (WYF) to be held in Vancouver in June 2006. The World Urban Cafe events unite and engage diverse youth and their communities, while showcasing their ideas, action projects, and culture. To date there have been 68 Cafés on 4 continents, with over 20,000 participants. World Urban Cafes have set a new standard for community engagement, having engaged some of the most marginalized communities in the world. From the slums of Delhi and Nairobi, to aboriginal communities in Columbia, to the downtown eastside of Vancouver, World Urban Cafés are allowing the voices of these communities to be heard at the World Urban Forum. To find out about upcoming World Urban Cafe events, visit www.eya.ca/wuf. To take part in an online World Cafe, go to www.takingitglobal.org/themes/urban.

Added by Amy Lang on March 27, 2006??-??Link to this entry

SFU Centre for Dialogue Offering Dialogue Education Training

If you teach or train adult learners, then SFU's upcoming workshop LEARNING TO LISTEN, LEARNING TO TEACH: An introduction to Dialogue Education may be of interest. This intensive, interactive four-day workshop that will transform your approach to teaching. Over 3,500 graduates in 60 countries, in the academic, non-profit, government and corporate sectors, have applied dialogue education extensively to their work. Participants will learn a structured and accountable method of organizing, designing and facilitating and discover how to make educational events effective, engaging and successful. Opportunities to design and teach short lessons and receive feedback and coaching will unlock the power of dialogue in educating adult learners. The workshop will be held from Monday, May 1 - Thursday, May 4, 2006, 9-5 pm. The course fee: $1400, four-day program (text, course materials and refreshments provided). The workshop will be held at SFU's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC (entrance on Seymour St). For more information or to register, email or call 604.268.7925.

Added by Amy Lang on March 26, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Three Dialogue Mapping Workshops Coming Up

Three Dialogue Mapping Workshops, lead by Dr. Jeff Conklin, will be held this April 18-19 in Redwood City, California (SF Bay Area); May 23-24 in Birmingham, England; and July 18-19 in Washington, DC. This 2-day workshop is highly engaging and interactive and teaches the core skills of a new facilitation technique. As with any art form, dialogue mapping is challenging to describe but easy to comprehend experientially. This technique gets away from herding the group through a series of steps, focusing the participants instead on listening carefully, speaking clearly, and learning together about the issues and concerns they bring to the table. The facilitator/dialogue mapper engages the group with a map of their comments that he or she builds on the fly. The map is a shared display ... paper taped to the wall or software projected on a screen. The "secret sauce" of dialogue mapping is the use of the Issue Based Information System (IBIS) notation: Questions, Ideas, and Pros/Cons. The IBIS framework frees the group from tyranny of agreement. Conflicting information and points of view reside next to each other in the map, reflecting the diversity of the stakeholders and the complexity of a wicked problem. Although this is not a software workshop, reference will be made to Compendium, graphical hypertext software available free at http://www.compendiuminstitute.org . Dialogue Mapping is a powerful new tool for collaboration and sense making, and this workshop is fun, stimulating, and rewarding. For more information on the workshops, or to register, visit http://cognexus.org/id18.htm.

Added by Amy Lang on March 16, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Pioneers of Change Organizing Upcoming Conferences in South Africa and Canada

Pioneers of Change, a global learning network of young people in their 20's and 30's, will be organizing several events and trainings this spring and summer. These include:

- A three-day course on leadership "Presencing Collective Leadership for Profound Innovation and Change" in Johannesburg, South Africa from March 30-April 1, 2006;

- A training in "The Art of Hosting and Convening Conversations" in Johannesburg South Africa from May 15-17, 2006 and a special youth version of the training in Castle Borl, Slovenia from 6 - 9 July 2006.

- The Pioneers of Change Summer School in The Shire - Nova Scotia, Canada from August 19-­ 25, 2006.

To find out more about each event, including contact information, click on the link below, or visit the Pioneers of Change website: http://pioneersofchange.net/

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Added by Amy Lang on March 14, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Conference on Collective Wisdom Coming Up in Germany

Collective Wisdom:New Perspectives for Resolution in Small and Large Group Conflicts, Families, Social Groups and Politics is a conference taking place from Friday, 28 April 2006, 9:00 a.m. to Sunday 30 April 2006, 4:00 p.m. in Würzburg, Germany. The conference gathers together people from diverse fields to share their wisdom and build collective intelligence. The effects of collective intelligence are appearing as a topic world wide, in the natural sciences as well as the social sciences, under such names as: group-wisdom, cointelligence, transpersonal-creative knowledge or the zeropoint field. In various areas of enquiry, information from a shared field offers solutions that extend far beyond the best efforts of an individual and, at the same time, exercise a strong developmental influence on the individual. Among the presenters will be Robert Kenny, Rupert Sheldrake, Marshall Rosenberg, Eckhart Tolle, Tsultrim Allione, and individuals who have worked on resolving apparentlyintractable conflicts, including the Middle East, Rwanda and South Africa. Conference fees are 400 Euro for registration until 15 March 2006; 450 Euro for registration from 16 March 2006 to 28 April 2006 and a 50% reduction for students is available. The downloadable conference program can be found at www.congress06.collective-wisdom.org. The registration form is at www.congress06.collective-wisdom.org/kontakt_e.html. For more information or to register, contact: Dr. med. Albrecht Mahr ISAIL, FPA e. V.; Brigitta Mahr FAB e. V.; Mittlerer Dallenbergweg 37 a; 97082 Würzburg / GERMANY. Tel.: +49-(0)9 31-78 40 100
Fax: +49-(0)9 31-78 40 101 or Mobile: +49-(0)172-6 61 29 55. Email:
or
Internet information can be found at www.mahrsysteme.de.

Added by Amy Lang on March 14, 2006??-??Link to this entry

"We Media" Conference Discusses Journalism as Dialogue

[From mediacenter.org via Deliberative-Democracy.net] Increasingly, media is coming to be understood as engaged in a dialogue with its consumers, who are beginning to contribute as much as they consume. The days of a passive audience are receding as new social technologies create opportunities for citizens to report about the stories they experience. The We Media Global Forum brings together innovators who are wiring the connected society - the thinkers, innovators, investors, executives and activists who seek to tap the growing connections among people everywhere. This year's We Media Forum will be conducted at and hosted by The BBC and Reuters in London. from May 3-4. It will include a series of keynote, general and small group conversations and workgroups, as well as networking receptions and a World Café - a global "town hall" meeting with Web, satellite, television and other avenues of participation from around the world. Inaugurated in New York in 2005, We Media gathers about 300 international participants: senior executives, decision makers, storytellers, artists, investors and innovators from media, advertising, public relations, marketing, news, entertainment, finance, telecommunications, technology, philanthropy, government, NGOs, social activism and academia. They come together to learn from each other and to think about, explore, be inspired by and build upon the shared knowledge and the collective intelligence of the connected society. Their collective efforts spawn new ideas, information, services and businesses. This will be an exciting gathering and there will be much for deliberative democrats to learn and to share. For more information, please visit the We Media website: www.mediacenter.org/pages/mcevents/06/london/home/

Added by Amy Lang on March 11, 2006??-??Link to this entry

HAVIDS Niger Delta News Center Seeks Collaborators for International Day for Peace

The HAVIDS Niger Delta News Centre for Environment & Development, a Nigeria-based organizational member of NCDD, has just sent out an important communique on the organization of the 2006 International Day for Peace in Niger Delta. The Day for Peace is being organized for November 2006. They are seeking feedback and collaborators as they organize this event. If you are interested in being involved in the 2006 International Day for Peace in the Niger Delta, or if you have feedback or ideas for HAVIDS, email Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison at . To see the full text of the Communique, click on the link below.

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Added by Amy Lang on March 08, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Open Space Practice Retreat Coming Up on Bowen Island, British Columbia

Chris Corrigan and Michael Herman will be offiring a three-day Open Space Practice Retreat at Rivendell, a beautiful retreat centre on Bowen Island, BC from April 18-20. The retreat will be an opportunity for deep and intensive learning about leadership and change. It is an opportunity for new and current practitioners, leaders, managers, consultants, facilitators, community activists and anyone else who wants to open more space for renewal, visioning, learning and productivity -- in business and community organizations. If you would like to know more, you can find more information at Chris Corrigan's Practice Retreat page: www.chriscorrigan.com/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.OSTPracticeRetreats. Contact Caitlin Frost for registration details at 604 947 9236 or email . Questions for Chris can be sent to : .

Added by Amy Lang on March 07, 2006??-??Link to this entry

ACT to Offer Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (IPCR) 2006

The Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT) has just announced the Summer Institute on Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (IPCR). IPCR is an intensive 3-week residential program intended to build the capacity of current and future professionals in a variety of fields to make a critical difference in furthering peaceful relations in the world. The course is offered in two locations Santa Cruz, Bolivia: June 10 ?– July 1, 2006; Jakarta, Indonesia: July 22 ?– August 12, 2006. They are currently accepting applications for participation from English speaking professionals, graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in peace and conflict resolution, international affairs, political science, Latin American studies, Asian studies, anthropology, development and related fields and interests. AT IPCR, students enjoy a supportive learning environment where experienced trainers and faculty combine brief lectures, case studies, field trips, role-plays, simulations, and field work with the experiences of local and international peacebuilding practitioners. IPCR offers a stimulating integration of theory and practice, bringing together innovative academic analysis with practical, hands-on training and skills development. To see the complete program description and on-line application, visit the ACT website: www.conflicttransformation.org For more information contact Dr. Nike Carstarphen, Senior Partner, ACT, PO Box 9117, Alexandria, VA 22304, Phone: (703) 461-3650, Email: or . The final application deadline is April 1, 2006.

Added by Amy Lang on March 01, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Quest for Global Healing II Conference in Bali this May

This May, you can join Nobel Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu, Fatima Gailani, Walter Cronkite, and other world-renowned speakers at an extraordinary gathering of concerned global citizens, business leaders and other innovative thinkers in a quest towards a more collaborative, peaceful and sustainable future for humankind and the planet. This unique gathering is designed for those concerned about where the world is heading and who want to play a role in the world?’s renewal. The conference is inspired by a recognition by individuals that the wounds of the planet can be healed by individuals of vision and commitment. The civil society movement is the fastest growing development in human history, with over 250,000 organizations being created over the past few years by individuals wanting to play a role in the world's renewal. The conference will feature multigenerational, multicultural conversations, workshops and other activities that offer new insights, growth and clarity in moving ahead with personal initiatives that matter. Registration starts at $3190 (including air and hotel). For more information, visit www.questforglobalhealing.org/index.htm.

Added by Amy Lang on March 01, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Mini C2D2 Event Coming Up In Toronto

The organizers of the Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (C2D2) are holding an event March 2 in Toronto at Metro Hall from 3PM to 8:30PM. The format is set up so you can attend all or part, depending on your schedule. For more information, contact: Melissa Abramowitz, , Charlotte Young, or Miriam Wyman, . To see the agenda for this mini conference, click on the link below.

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Added by Amy Lang on February 27, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Update on SFU's Dialogue Activities

Simon Fraser University's Centre for Dialogue has announced a new training session and a video. First, the workshop Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach is an intensive, interactive four-day workshop that will transform your approach to teaching. The goal of the workshop is to learn a structured and accountable method of organizing, designing and facilitating and to create engaging and participatory learning events. Opportunities to design and teach short lessons and receive feedback and coaching will unlock the power of dialogue in educating adult learners. The workshop takes place from Monday, May 1 - Thursday, May 4, 2006, 9-5 pm. The fee is $1400 for the four-day program (text, course materials and refreshments provided), and the workshop will be held at SFU's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC (entrance on Seymour St). For more information or to register, email , see www.sfu.ca/dialogue/Learning_to_Listen_flyer.pdf or call 604.268.7925

Second, SFU has also put together a video of their Dialogue Maker's Network activities. SFU's Dialogue Maker's Network began in 2003 as a space for those interested in the creative potential of dialogue to learn about shared values and pre-conceived understandings in a spirit of non-judgmental curiosity. Monthly gatherings give participants the opportunity to cultivate the core capacities of dialogue: listening to understand, suspending judgment, surfacing assumptions, and demonstrating empathy and respect. Watch the Quicktime video as some of the participants comment on the Dialogue Maker's Network here: www.sfu.ca/dialogue/previous.htm#network

Added by Amy Lang on February 21, 2006??-??Link to this entry

One World Training in Deliberative Dialogue Coming Up

On March 20 and 21, 2006, One World Inc. (OWI) will offer a training workshop on Deliberative Dialogue in Ottawa, Canada. The Deliberative Dialogue methodology is an innovative, proven approach to engage citizens and stakeholders in productive discussions on public policy. It delves into the core of key social issues by accessing people?’s wisdom and expertise through a facilitation technique that helps people thoughtfully examine various realistic but often divergent perspectives. These discussions are values-based dialogues as opposed to agenda-driven debates. During this two-day workshop, participants will learn the key elements of this methodology. The training will be practical, focusing on the skills needed to facilitate and/or note take for a Deliberative Dialogue session. It will be a ?“hands-on?” workshop where participants will practice the approach and receive feedback from other participants and the trainer. Documentation will be provided as a reference manual for the participants. Cost for voluntary sector participants is $450 and the cost is $750 for Government and private sector participants. The registration deadline is March 14, and space is limited to fifteen participants. For more information, contact Colleen Murdoch by phone at 562-4073, ext. 310 or email .

Added by Amy Lang on February 21, 2006??-??Link to this entry

IAP2 Calls for Conference Session Proposals

The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) has just sent out the call for session proposals for its 2006 Conference, to be held this November in Montreal, Quebec. The IAP2 welcomes a variety of approaches to conference sessions, but place particular emphasis on sessions that include PARTICIPATION.

In particular, IAP2 is looking for conference session proposals that reflect the
following approaches:
* Can you showcase a new methodology or technique for attendees to learn or practice?
* Can you share a case study or project that brings hands-on experience, including ways to involve marginalized or hard to reach communities, and/or embraces diversity or differences?
* Do you have a good organizational example or project?
* Have you been part of a creative or new experiment - that worked well or maybe not so well?
* Can you provide a look at the roles and perspectives of practitioners, decision-makers, active citizens, and elected officials?
* How does grassroots activism and protest affect the process or decision?
* How do the media impact public involvement?
* What is our role in making the world a better, more participatory place?
* What is the role of advocacy in the practice?
* How can we overcome barriers to good decision making?
* How can we use creativity, graphic facilitation, visual participation or the arts to showcase projects or experiences, or involve people?

To read the Call for Session Proposals, find information on submission details and timelines, and to download the proposal form, visit www.iap2.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=110

Submit your application by Friday, March 31, 2006 via email, fax, postal service, or the web. Email: . Include subject line "IAP2 - 2006 Conference Session Proposal". Fax: 1-303-458-0002. Mail: IAP2 - 2006 Conference Session Proposals; 11166 Huron Street, Suite 27;
Denver, Colorado 80234; USA.

Added by Amy Lang on February 16, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Initiatives of Change Announces 60th Annual Summer Conferences Line Up

This summer, delegates from around the world will meet for the 60th annual summer conferences at the Initiatives of Change center in Caux, Switzerland. The conferences, under the theme of Globalizing Integrity, Personalizing Integrity, will run July 6 ?– August 17, 2006. For more information or to register for the conferences, please visit www.caux.ch/en/program.php. Feel free to contact Initiatives of Change (www.us.iofc.org) if you have any questions at 1156 Fifteenth St., NW, Suite 910; Washington, DC 20005-1704; p (202) 872-9077; f (202) 872-9137. For information on idividual conferences, click on the link below.

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Added by Amy Lang on January 23, 2006??-??Link to this entry

IAP2 Wild Rose Chapter Event and Training Coming Up

The IAP2 Wild Rose (Alberta) Chapter will be holding a signature event this Feb, 2-3, 2006 in Calgary, Alberta. The event's theme is "Keeping Ahead of the Curve: Innovation and Diversity in Public Participation" It will be a day and a half of engaging and thought provoking participatory presentations and sessions, and a World Café on the topic of the Wild Rose Centennial Project. In addition, Wild Rose will be offering two of the IAP2 training modules, Planning for Public Participation and Communication for Effective Public Participation, January 30 - February 1, 2006. For information on the upcoming event or trainings, or to register, download the registration form: www.iap2.org/associations/4748/files/WildRoseEventReg_02.05.pdf

Added by Amy Lang on January 21, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Peacebuilding and Mediation Training Coming Up in Ottawa

The Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiation (CIIAN) in Ottawa will be offering several courses on Peacebuilding and Mediation this spring. Courses include "The Power Clinic for Mediators," "Negotiating Agreements In Conflict Settings" and "Violence Prevention: Theory-Informed Practice." Dr. Ben Hoffman, President of CIIAN, will lead all three courses. For more info or to register please visit the ?“Special Programs?” page on the CIIAN website at www.ciian.org/special1.shtml

Added by Amy Lang on January 20, 2006??-??Link to this entry

IAP2 Spring Training Schedule Released

IAP2 has realeased its Spring Training calendar with plenty of opportunities to learn public participation skills in trainings across North America and Australia. Courses include "Communications for Effective Public Participation," "Techniques for Effective Public Participation," and "Planning for Effective Public Participation. To see a full list of courses, dates and locations, click on the link below. Or visit IAP2's website: www. iap2.org.

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Added by Amy Lang on January 17, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Nonviolent Communication Workshops Coming Up in Ottawa

Rachelle Lamb, president of Mindful Communication and author of Steps to Conscious Living and NVC Communications Basics, will be offering training sessions in Ottawa at the end of January. She has taught Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to thousands of couples, parents, educators, counselors, managers, employees, health professionals, and others seeking ways to communicate more effectively and improve their personal and professional lives. She has also co-trained with Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, the originator of the Nonviolent Communication process. Rachelle's Ottawa workshops include "Relationships: Up Close and Personal" on January 21 & 22, 2006; "Getting to the Core of Workplace Conflict" on January 23, 2006; and the Intermediate Workshop NVC Deepening: The Listening Heart on January 27 & 28, 2006. The price per Workshop is $200.00. $170.00 Early Bird Price if paid by January 10, 2006. There is a 15% discount for couples. Call 1-866-480-7122 to register, or visit www.rachellelamb.com/scheduled-events.htm for information on this and other events.

Added by Amy Lang on January 15, 2006??-??Link to this entry

School For International Training Announces 2006 Conflict Transformation Training Programs

The School for International Training (www.sit.edu) in Vermont has just announced its 2006 lineup of professional development programs in Conflict Transformation Across Cultures (CONTACT). Started in 1997, CONTACT offers professional development, skills and practical training to professionals working around the world in diverse fields such as education, human services, humanitarian aid, psychology and social work, human rights, and sustainable development. Some skills addressed are: Conflict analysis and intervention; Non-violent action; Intercommunal dialogue; Peace and development; Reconciliation and forgiveness; Training design; Intercultural negotiation and mediation; and Grant writing and fundraising. Programs include their Summer Institute (May 29-June 16, 2006), a three-week, three-credit professional development and graduate training program in conflict transformation; their Graduate Certificate Program, a one-year part-time 14-credit graduate and professional development program. It is designed with two short phases of face-to-face instruction coupled with distance learning in order to accommodate the schedule of full-time working professionals (SIT also offers MA programs in conflict transformation); and site-, organization-, and region-specific programs tailored to meet the needs of a particular organization or community in a conflict or post-conflict situation. Applications are available now and are due by April 15 (or as soon as possible if you are applying for financial aid or need a visa). The School offers a 25% discount on tuition for non-profits. For more infomration about fees, funding, scholarships, and applying to CONTACT, please visit the program website www.sit.edu/contact or contact them at

Added by Amy Lang on January 14, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Coming Soon: Changemakers Award Competition on "How to Improve Health for All"

Beginning March 1, the Ashoka Changemakers program (www.changemakers.net) will host a global competition for the best solutions on "How to Improve Health for All" that emphasize collaborative partnerships between citizen-sector, business, and government organizations. Participants will be encouraged to submit the most innovative and cost-effective solutions that can be widely replicated and are financially sustainable. The Changemakers Innovation Awards series is based on a unique "open source" format where participants compete by entering the best solutions to pressing social issues while collaborating to advance current initiatives. For 25 years Ashoka (www.ashoka.org) has invested in some 1,700 leading social entrepreneurs with systems-changing ideas from 62 countries on five continents. These Ashoka Fellows are selected for their innovative and practical ideas to address social needs in fields such as economic development, health, environment, learning, human rights, and civic participation. For details on the Changemakers award, visit the Changemakers website.

Added by Amy Lang on January 12, 2006??-??Link to this entry

SFU Centre for Dialogue to Offer Workshop on Facilitating Emotionally Charged Groups

Simon Fraser University's Centre For Dialogue will offer the workshop "Giving the Steam a Tea Kettle: Facilitating emotionally charged group sessions" on Friday, January 27, 2006, from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. This innovative and dynamic workshop will focus on four central themes and practices for responding to emotionally charged group sessions. Through highly interactive discussions, experiential small group exercises and PACT's drama-based simulation training exercises, and Structured Improvisations, this workshop will introduce you to Understanding emotional dynamics and group process; Connecting emotional intelligence models to facilitate emotionally charged group sessions; Understanding defensiveness and resistance within groups and; Using PACT's SAFE model to manage emotionally charged group sessions. Cost for the training is $325, and refreshments will be provided. The training will take place at SFU's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Rm 320-580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC. For more information, visit www.sfu.ca/dialogue/teakettle_flyer.pdf

Added by Amy Lang on January 06, 2006??-??Link to this entry

Shambhala Institute for Authentic Leadership Announces Additional Program for Summer 2006

The Shambhala Institute for Authentic Leadership has just announced an additional module for its Summer 2006 program. The latest addition is "Solving Tough Problems," led by Adam Kahane and Grady McGonagill. This module is an experiential introduction to the Change Lab developed by Generon Consulting and based on the U-process. The Change Lab is currently being applied to complex global issues, as an experiment in applying cutting-edge methodology to seemingly intractable challenges involving diverse stakeholders. This module was also offered last year, and the case study (creating welcoming communities for immigrants) provided an immersion in the Change Lab process for participants while having ongoing impact on how local stakeholders understand the issue. This module is not yet listed on the website. If you wish to register for it email or call 902-425-0492. To see other modules for summer 2006, visit www.shambhalainstitute.org/modules.html

Added by Amy Lang on December 12, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Intro to Dialogue Education Training Coming Up in Vancouver, BC

Simon Fraser University's Centre for Dialogue will be offering the training workshop Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach: An introduction to dialogue education from Monday, May 1-Thursday, May 4, 2006, 9-5pm. Based upon the field research and teaching of Dr. Jane Vella, this four-day workshop provides the building blocks of the dialogue education approach to curriculum design and facilitation skills. By switching the focus from 'what the instructor says about a topic' to 'what the participants will do with the content to demonstrate their learning,' adult learners are invited to take new ideas, apply them and reflect on their significance for their own lives and context. After engaging in a participatory discussion of the principles and practices of dialogue education, you will co-design and co-teach two 40-minute practice teaching sessions on a topic of your choice. You will then receive feedback from the facilitators and the other participants, and be able to watch a videotape of your session. Instructor Peter Noteboom has worked with dialogue education practitioners internationally: community development organizations in the Philippines, micro-finance and elementary schools in Haiti, and public health and economic development NGOs in Bangladesh (see www.globalearning.com/LtL.htm) The cost of the workshop is $1400, and discounts are available. refreshments will be provided. For more information, see www.sfu.ca/dialogue/Learning_to_Listen_flyer.pdf.

Added by Amy Lang on December 11, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Dialogue Between Spiritual Practitioners and Dialogue Practitioners Coming Up in Vancouver

The Organizers of the Dialogue Maker's Series at Simon Fraser Univeristy are inviting spiritual practitioners (both members of groups and those who explore the spiritual on their own) and dialogue practitioners with an interest in the deep interpersonal experiences that dialogue can bring about, to gather and examine what it means and what it takes to create shared sacred space. This gathering will explore the meaning of 'sacred space' from the viewpoints of diverse spiritual traditions and rituals. Further, they will examine the notion of 'shared' and how sharing what we hold as sacred across traditions and experiences enables us to appreciate what is both unique and common about this understanding. Shared Sacred Space: A dialogue will take place on Thursday, February 9, 2006, from 6:30-9:30pm at SFU's Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Asia Pacific Hall, 580 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC. Cost is $55, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, see www.sfu.ca/dialogue/sacredspace_flyer.pdf. This event is sponsored by The InterSpiritual Centre of Vancouver, Simon Fraser University's Institute for the Humanities, and the J.S. Woodsworth Endowment.

Added by Amy Lang on December 07, 2005??-??Link to this entry

World Citizens To Debate Urban Sustainability Online, Dec. 1-3, 2005

Habitat JAM, an unprecedented online global dialogue on urban sustainability, will be held for 72 hours from 1-3 December, 2005. Sponsored by the Government of Canada, in partnership with UN-HABITAT and IBM, the Habitat JAM promises to engage, empower and stimulate tens of thousands of global citizens, rich and less fortunate alike, with the ultimate goal of turning ideas into action on critical issues related to urban sustainability. The Habitat JAM is a preparatory event to the third session of the World Urban Forum being held in Vancouver in June 2006. The World Urban Forum is an initiative of the United Nations Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) held every two years to debate ideas and issues about sustainable development in today's context of rapid urbanization. Topics for discussion will include improving the lives of people living in slums, access to water, environmental sustainability, safety and security, finance and governance, and the future of our cities. The Habitat JAM will bring together academics and students, planners and builders, politicians, governments, the private sector and ordinary citizens from across the globe in real time, all contributing ideas and expertise during the 72-hour global problem-solving session. Moderators will include government leaders, renowned experts, and key thinkers. To ensure the most inclusive event possible, grass root organizations, institutions, women, youth groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are helping to bring people to the technology who might otherwise not have access or opportunity to share their experiences and ideas with others around the world. To name just a few examples, the Habitat JAM is teaming with the:

* World Bank Institute to offer access to many of their satellite-based Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) to enable people living in regions with inadequate or no Internet access to participate in the Habitat JAM.
* Huairou Commission and GROOTS Canada to bring the voice of non-English speaking women into the Habitat JAM.
* World Urban Forum and Youth Organizing Committee (WUFY) who will hold over a dozen World Urban Cafe JAM Sessions to engage communities in slums and impoverished human settlements in Asia, Africa, India and Latin America.

For additional information on Habitat JAM and to register for the event, visit www.habitatjam.com.

Added by Amy Lang on November 16, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Two Upcoming Workshops at the Simon Fraser University Dialogue Program

The Simon Fraser University Dialogue Program has two exciting workshops coming up. First, a workshop entitled Learning from the Citizens' Assembly: A conversation with Jack Blaney will be held Monday, November 21, 2005, from 8-9:30am at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Asia Pacific Hall. For Registration or information call 604.291.5100. In 2003, an independent, non-partisan assembly of 160 randomly selected citizens from across British Columbia gathered together to understand and redesign the province's electoral system. Led by Jack Blaney, Simon Fraser University president emeritus, this Citizen's Assembly produced a novel system called BC-STV, which was narrowly defeated in a provincial referendum. Despite this setback, critics and admirers alike acknowledge that the work of the Assembly has set the province on the path to electoral reform and demonstrated the power of public engagement in creating and evaluating new policies. Jack Blaney will reflect in conversation on the workings of the assembly and the applicability of this model to future public initiatives.

Second, join instructor Peter Noteboom, the managing director of Global Learning Partners, for Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach: An introduction to dialogue education. The workshop takes place from Monday, November 28 to Thursday, December 1, 2005, 9-5 pm. Cost is $1400, and discounts are available. For registration or information email [email protected], call 604.268.7925 or visit www.sfu.ca/dialogue/dialoguemakers_web.pdf. Based upon the field research and teaching of Dr. Jane Vella, this four-day workshop provides the building blocks of the dialogue education approach to curriculum design and facilitation skills. By switching the focus from 'what the instructor says about a topic' to 'what the participants will do with the content to demonstrate their learning,' adult learners are invited to take new ideas, apply them and reflect on their significance for their own lives and context.

Added by Amy Lang on November 14, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Join Communication For Change Retreat in Nagpur, India

This January 5-12, 2006 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, thousands will gather together for the retreat Communication for Change - An Experiment in Social Change . Endorsed by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and the Bay Area Center for Nonviolent Communication, the principal teachers on the retreat will be Marshall Rosenberg and Dhammachari Subhuti. All are welcome to participate, donate to enable others' participation, or spread the word about this event. For information, contact John Abbe at , or 510-323-2646 or visit ourpla.net/cgi/pikie?CommunicationForChange.

Added by Amy Lang on November 13, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Opportunities to Learn about Videoletters

Videoletters is a unique initiative which is having a huge impact on bringing reconciliation to the Balkan states. In a region where war and conflict have driven close friends, neighbours and work colleagues apart into ethnically separate states, the film makers invited individuals and families to record video messages to their former associates. With this simple idea the Videoletters concept has grown into a whole movement - with TV broadcasts, dedicated internet cafes for sending messages and a touring show. In place of suspicion and animosity a new climate of optimism and trust is being built. Learn more about this initiative at a Videoletters Workshop this November 18 in London, England. The workshop will be a practical day where you can find out how the film makers, Eric van den Broek and Katarina Rejger, went about this initiative, and how you can adapt their ideas to your own work. The day will offer a comprehensive programme. Eric and Katarina will use film samples to present how Videoletters operates. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, both in group Q&As and individually. There will also be ideas-sharing group discussions, supported by Eric and Katarina. And there will be technical advice on how to set this up. The workshop takes place from 10am to 5pm at EnlightenNext, 13 Windsor Street, London, N1. The event is organised by Frontiers of Film, which is the film screening branch of EnlightenNext, an educational charity working for the development of culture and consciousness. The day costs £95 and £60 for students, including lunch. We also have a limited number of assisted places on the workshop which you are welcome to enquire about. For more information, contact Steve Jackson on +44 (0)7970 149385 or by email at . And visit their website at www.videoletters.net/index.php?lang=en.

Added by Amy Lang on November 09, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Compassionate Listening Project Organizing Delegation to Berlin

From May 2-9, 2006 the Compassionate Listening Project (CLP) will host ?“Days of Remembrance?” with Brian and Lisa Berman in Berlin, Germany. CLP invites you to participate in this groundbreaking and heart-opening Compassionate Listening delegation to hear each other?’s stories and experience our shared humanity. Many people avoid going to Germany as they carry the generational and collective wounds of WWII and the Holocaust. It offers a way for healing and for building peace and reconciliation. Participants from all nations and backgrounds who have a genuine interest in reconciliation and personal healing are welcome to join the Delegation. The Compassionate Journey will be an intensive training in Compassionate Listening. The Delegation will listen to our stories as well as to Jewish and German survivors. It will tour memorial sites, including the new Holocaust memorial and we will meet and listen to Jewish community members. The Delegation Leaders are Brian Berman - an American Jew, and Lisa Berman ?– formerly of Berlin, a married couple, both certified Compassionate Listening facilitators. Since 2002, they have been leading Compassionate Listening workshops and Jewish-German Reconciliation work in Germany and the USA. Cost of te May 2-9, 2006 delegation to Berlin, Germany is approximately*$1,525, or $1,445 if registered by January 15, 2006. The price includes unique rooms in an Art Hotel based on double occupancy, with private bath and most meals; trip leaders; guides; honoraria for speakers and hosts; and Compassionate Listening training. Early registration is recommended, as space is limited to 20. Airfare is additional and purchased individually. *(Based on an exchange rate 1 Euro = $1.20 U.S.; The final trip price will be based on the exchange rate as of April 1, 2006). To register visit clgermany06.mollyguard.com

Added by Amy Lang on November 08, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Search For Common Ground Partnership Recognized at Clinton Global Initiative

Last month in New York City, 40 heads of state and almost 1,000 religious, business and nonprofit leaders came together at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) for three days of in-depth discussions in an effort to address and seek solutions for the world's critical issues: extreme poverty, climate change, problems in governance, and religion as a source of conflict. The talks concluded with the announcement of "commitments" totaling $1.25 billion in pledges for specific initiatives that address these global problems. Clinton singled out the commitment from Nestle to fund Search for Common Ground's TV drama series in Nigeria, and invited Search For Common Ground (SFCG) President John Marks and Klaus Wachsmuth, Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria PLC, to the stage to recognize this model of corporate and NGO partnership for effecting positive social change. SFCG is currently producing two TV series in Nigeria. Their aim is to promote inter-ethnic tolerance and respect, and to encourage non-violent resolution of conflict. The Station is a 26-part drama about the adventures of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious group of Nigerian TV reporters - Yorubas, Hausas, Ibos, and others - working together as a news team to cover Nigeria's most pressing problems, such as AIDS and corruption, through the prism of finding common ground. The series focuses on socially relevant themes through entertaining soap opera drama that will appeal to large audiences. The initial production is a 20-part reality series called The Academy, which is intended to build an audience for The Station. The Academy is centered on a nationwide talent search leading to the final selection of the cast for The Station. Over 50,000 applicants answered the open casting call. Both series will be aired on Nigerian national TV, with the direct support of President Obasanjo. To read more about SFCG and the Clinton Global Initiative, visit www.sfcg.org.

Added by Amy Lang on October 27, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Ten Days To C2D2!

With ten days to go until the Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation in Ottawa, organizers have sent out answers to their top three most frequently asked questions. First, people are asking,"Can I still register for a pre-Conference training session?". The answer is yes ?– and up to October 26, as long as space permits. The website has been adjusted to reflect the two sessions that will be on offer, at extremely low prices - one on Best Practices in Public Consultation and the other on Intermodal Engagement: How to Marry Online and Traditional Consultation and Dialogue. A second FAQ is "How much longer will registration for the Conference remain open?" The Conference registration is already high?…and people can register right up to opening on the evening of October 27. A full description of the Conference program ?– including over 60 interactive breakout sessions, 6 community conversations, 4 plenaries and 2 deliberative dialogues ?– and online registration and payment, are available at www.c2d2.ca. One final question being asked is "Will there be an opportunity to meet and network with other participants and presenters?" The answer is that the Conference has been designed with this purpose in mind. In fact, World Café, the opening session on the evening of October 27, will set the stage for ongoing opportunities to connect ?– that is what C2D2 is all about! In addition, there are no speakers or learning sessions during mealtimes and breaks to ensure that participants are free to follow up on ideas with other participants and presenters. Plans are already underway for post-Conference communication, as well. To find out more about pre-conference training, the program for the conference or answers to your other FAQs, visit the Conference website at www.c2d2.ca.

Added by Amy Lang on October 18, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Interaction 2006 Calls for Conflict Resolution Workshop Proposals

Conflict Resolution Network Canada has just announced that Interaction 2006, its 9th biennial conflict resolution conference, will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 7-10, 2006. Interaction 2006 will explore innovative ways peace and democracy can be strengthened in our communities through the effective use of dialogue and dispute resolution. All those interested are invited to submit a proposal for a workshop session or academic paper to Canada's largest conflict resolution conference. Please submit proposals on-line by October 31, 2005; their final deadline is November 30, 2005. For more information, or to submit a proposal, visit www.crnetwork.ca/conference/callforproposal.asp.

Added by Amy Lang on October 16, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Fullbright Scholarships in Peace and Conflict Resolution Accepting Applications

Applications continue to be accepted for some Fulbright Scholar awards for U.S. faculty or professionals to lecture abroad in conflict resolution or peace studies during the 2006-2007 academic year. Opportunities include awards in Congo, Korea, Russia, and Venezuela. Visit the Fullbright website at www.cies.org and contact the relevant program officer for more information. For Congo consult Debra Egan (), for Korea consult Mamiko Hada (), for Russia consult Andrew Riess (), and for Venezuela consult Carol Robles ().

Added by Amy Lang on October 13, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Fourth International Day for Peace in Niger Delta Coming Up Nov. 13-17

THE HAVIDS Niger Delta News Centre for Environment & Development will be sponsoring the Fourth International Day for Peace in the Niger Delta, to be held in November 13-17, 2005. The programme is the fourth in a series of annual events of multi media fora structured as an avenue for learning and sharing practical initiatives/experiences. It is designed to draw the attension of governments and publics and to highlight practical approaches to dealing with the problematic issues associated with oil and gas exploration communities in Nigeria. This event will also explore ways of achieving sustained understanding that will promote the wellbeing of the people of these communities. For more information, contact the Executive Director of the HAVIDS at 234-0803-3422-651.

Added by Amy Lang on October 13, 2005??-??Link to this entry

SFU Dialogue Program Offers Two Upcoming Workshops

The Dialogue Program at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver, Canada has two workshops coming up this fall. First, their Dialogue Practitioner Workshop will be held on Thursdays, October 6, November 3 and December 1, 2005, 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Cost is $150, and discounts are available. Second, a workshop on Appreciative Inquiry: Creating positive change in organizations and other human systems will be held from October 31-November 1, 2005, 9-5pm. Cost is $525, and discounts available. For more information on these workshops and other programs at the Dialogue Program, download their brochure at www.sfu.ca/dialogue/dialoguemakers_web.pdf.

Added by Amy Lang on October 03, 2005??-??Link to this entry

C2D2 Invites Participants for Online Forum About the United Nations

The First Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (C2D2) invites you to participate as an Observer or a Participant in a large-scale, international e-forum regarding the United Nations. This event will involve between 300 - 500 participants from around the world and will be hosted by Politalk in partnership with C2D2, the Canadian Commision for UNESCO, and the US Atlantic Council. There is no charge. C2D2 registrants can participate or observe the online e-forum "Building a Safer World: the UN in the 21st Century" will take place (in English) between October 12 and 25. C2D2 will hold a follow-up session during C2D2. For more information on this event, contact . And for more information on C2D2 or to register, visit www.c2d2.ca.

Added by Amy Lang on September 26, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Kettering Foundation to Lead US Delegation to US-China Sustained Dialogue Event

David Mathews, President of the Kettering Foundation, will lead the U.S. Delegation to another session in the U.S.-China Sustained Dialogue next week in Beijing, People's Republic of China. The Dialogue begins with opening remarks Tuesday morning, followed by panel sessions on Sino-American views of each other, discussions on economic relations between the two countries, and closes with a Task Force meeting Thursday. In addition to David, the U.S. Delegation includes Mary Mathews, the Foundation's First Lady; Robert McNamara, former President of the World Bank who was Secretary of Defense in the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and his wife, Dianna; Hal Saunders, KF's Director of International Affairs; David M. Lampton, of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University; Maxine Thomas, KF's General Counsel; Kim Downing, Associate Director of the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati; Anna Faith Jones, President Emeritus of the Boston Foundation; Elizabeth Hensley, KF Travel Coordinator; Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman and CEO of Meijer, Inc. and his son, Peter Meijer. For more information and updates on this exciting initiative, visit the Kettering Foundation's website at www.kettering.org.

Added by Amy Lang on September 26, 2005??-??Link to this entry

News on Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue Projects

We just heard from Len and Libby Traubman about their recent involvement in two exciting dialogue initiatives. In Summer, 2005, at the most northern tip of South Korea -- near the inter-Korean border -- ten Israeli students from Hebrew and Tel Aviv Universities and ten Palestinian students from Bethlehem and Birzeit Universities met. They were joined by ten Korean university students. Read about this meeting in the Korea Times Correspondent (in English): times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/200509/kt2005090420155811690. And in California 140 Arabs and Jews met to discover their commonalities at the very successful Camp Tawonga. Read all about it at traubman.igc.org/camp2005 (click on the links at the top of the page to see media coverage).

Added by Amy Lang on September 24, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Open Space Training Coming Up in Nanaimo, BC

Chris Corrigan has just announced an Open Space Technology training and practice workshop for November 15-17 2005 near Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, Canada. This workshop features a new design which makes the practices learned applicable to both Open Space and a variety of other dialogic facilitation methods. More details about this workshop can be found at www.chriscorrigan.com/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.NanaimoInvitation. All are welcome.

Added by Amy Lang on September 22, 2005??-??Link to this entry

News From Search For Common Ground

Search for Common Ground (www.sfcg.org) has just sent out its latest news bulletin and has some updates on several important projects. They report first on successfully broadcasting a documentary series about Palestinian and Israeli aspirations for conflict resolution on both Arab and Israeli TV networks. Check out the series and other media productions at their tri-lingual website: www.theshapeofthefuture.tv . Meanwhile, in Nigeria, SFCG is involved in producing a "reality" TV show about conflict resolution that will star ordinary Nigerians. In West Africa, Burundi and Angola, SFCG has organized ex-combatants to write comic books about their experiences and met with other humanitarian agencies to push for policy to prevent the use of child soldiers. This summer, SFCG also held film festivals in Washington, DC, airing documentaries like Kontum Diary about a Vietnam War Veteran from the US who travels to Vietnam to reconcile with his former enemy. To read more about any of these stories, visit SFCG's online newsletter archive: www.sfcg.org/resources/publications_newsletter.

Added by Amy Lang on September 20, 2005??-??Link to this entry

C2D2 Conference Registration Deadline Extended to Sept. 23

The first ever Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (Oct. 27-30) has just extended its deadline for early registration until Sept. 23. Cost is $475 plus GST. The program for C2D2 is now up and running on the website (www.c2d2.ca) and includes three days of varied presentations, interactive sessions and activities, as well as a pre-Conference training day (October 27), with a wide range of half-day and full-day training opportunities. All C2D2 trainers are generously offering sessions at very low rates ?— $150.00 (plus GST) for half-day and $250.00 (plus GST) for full-day sessions. Registration for training must be completed separately. To register for C2D2 or the pre-conference training, visit the website today! If you have any questions, contact Sandra Zagon at or (613) 565-1500 or Miriam Wyman
or (416) 413-0347.

Added by Amy Lang on September 18, 2005??-??Link to this entry

E-CIVICUS Online Newsletter Now Available

CIVICUS (www.civicus.org) is an international alliance established in 1993 to nurture the foundation, growth and protection of citizen action throughout the world, particularly in areas where participatory democracy and citizen's freedom of association are threatened. They are currently offering free subscriptions to their newsletter, e-CIVICUS. This weekly publication is keeping tens of thousands of people, organisations and programmes informed of the many developments that are taking place in civil society organisations around the world, the many factors that are affecting them and the impact they are having on creating a more just world. The newsletter has recently changed in character, format and frequency and is now reaching over 35 000 people and organisations working on civil society issues. To subscribe to their e-newsletter list, please contact Eric Muragana at and inform them whether you would like to receive the newsletter in HTML, PDF, WORD or plain-text formats.

Added by Amy Lang on September 18, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Online Deliberative Forum on Afro Descendent Participation Starting This Week!

Members of civil society throughout the Western Hemisphere who are interested in Afro Descendant issues are invited to participate in discussions that support the participation of Afro Descendants in the Inter-American system. Through an online deliberative forum, civil society will work together to establish shared strategies for raising the profile of Afro Descendant concerns in the Americas and for influencing hemispheric policy. Results of the deliberation will be shared with decision makers at the hemispheric level. Civil society members interested in Afro Descendant issues are encouraged to register and participate in the forum by visiting www.partners.net/hemisphericforum. The deliberation is being held September 19 to October 21, 2005. It will be conducted in English and Spanish with written submissions in Portuguese and French also accepted. Weekly and midweekly summaries will be provided in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. This online forum is an initiative of Partners of Americas?’ Center for Civil Society in collaboration with the Centro de Mujeres Afrocostarricenses, Global Rights, the Inter-American Foundation, the Inter-Agency Consultation on Race in Latin America, and the Inter-American Democracy Network. For more information, please visit the Partners of Americas' website listed above or contact Partners of the Americas at

Added by Amy Lang on September 18, 2005??-??Link to this entry

New Weblinks to Particpatory Budgeting in Germany

We heard through Matthias Trenel of Humboldt University Berlin about an interesting e-democracy project going on in Berlin. Zebralog is currently doing the online segment (information and dialogue) of a participatory budgeting project in the Berlin borough of Lichtenberg which also has many face-to-face events. The project was inspired by the Porto Allegre model. For those of you who speak German, or know how to use google's translator and can interpret the results, here are two links: the project website at www.buergerhaushalt-lichtenberg.de; and Zebralog blog at www.zebralog.de/de/000125.html.

Added by Amy Lang on September 18, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Excellent Resource For Peace Building and Conflict Resolution

We recently heard about Accord: an international review of peace initiatives -- an internationally acclaimed publication series produced by Conciliation Resources?’ Accord programme that provides measured and detailed documentation of peace processes around the world. The series aims to increase understanding of peace processes and promote learning from peacemaking experiences. ?“Choosing to engage: armed groups and peace processes?” and ?“Public participation in peacemaking?” are two best-selling editions in a publication series that has documented peace initiatives in Liberia, Guatemala, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines ?– Mindanao, Georgia ?– Abkhazia, Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Northern Uganda, Papua New Guinea ?– Bougainville, Colombia, and Angola. To learn about the full range of issues, visit www.c-r.org/accord.

Added by Amy Lang on September 15, 2005??-??Link to this entry

New Opportunity to Study Public Participation

IAP2 and the Kettering Foundation have embarked on a joint research project that will explore the question "What is the cultural context of public participation?" in four regions of the world. They are seeking interviewers for these regions. The possible regions are: Latin America, the United Kingdom/Western Europe, South Africa, Australasia or Southeast Asia.and for the one region that's already been chosen, the United States/Canada, too. The identification of interviewers will in a large part drive selection of the remaining three regions chosen for this project. Interested individuals are asked to submit an expression of interest, with a sentence or two describing their capabilities/experience based on the criteria listed below. Copies of the project overview are available upon request. To read the criteria and contact information, click on the linnk below.

Read the rest of "New Opportunity to Study Public Participation"

Added by Amy Lang on September 11, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Participate in the September Project

The September Project is a grassroots effort to encourage public events on freedom, democracy, and citizenship in libraries on or around September 11. Libraries around the world are organizing public and campus events, such as displays about human rights and historical documents; talks and performances about freedom and cultural difference; and film screenings about issues that matter. Although primarily organized for September 11, events will take place all throughout the month of September. A list of events is available at: www.theseptemberproject.org/events.htm. To see a map of all the countries taking part, visit www.drizzle.com/%7Eklockner/cgi-bin/tsp/2005/map.cgi. And to read about the September Project in the Chronicle of Higher Education, visit here:chronicle.com/free/2005/09/2005090801t.htm.

Added by Amy Lang on September 10, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Three Training Opportunities Coming Up at the SFU Center for Dialogue

The Center for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC has just announced three new training opportunities for this fall. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, Dr. Gervase Bushe, one of the pioneers in the application of appreciative inquiry and associate professor of Management and Organization Studies in the Faculty of Business Administration at SFU will host "Appreciative Inquiry: Creating positive change in organizations and other human systems". The course number is DLOG 240, fees are $525 and discounts are available. On Friday Nov. 4, the Center offers "Spiral Dynamics integral-Transcending Turf-Wars: Exploring a framework for the frameworks" taught by Dr. Don E. Beck, founder of the Center for Human Emergence. The course number is DLOG 250, cost is $325, and discounts are available. Rounding out this trio of workshops is "Dynamic Facilitation: An approach for facilitating solutions to the unsolvable" from Monday, November 14 to Wednesday, November 16, 2005. Jim Rough, originator of Dynamic Facilitation will teach the course along with Jean Rough and DeAnna Martin. The course number is DLOG 260, cost is $1375 and discounts are available. For more information and to register, contact , 604.268.7925 or see www.sfu.ca/dialogue/dialoguemakers_web.pdf.

Added by Amy Lang on September 01, 2005??-??Link to this entry

New International Listserv for Participatory Budgeting Invites Participants

The Participatory Budgeting Network Listserv is an email discussion list about participatory budgeting experiences and issues. It is being developed as a result of discussions at the 2005 World Social Forum. The purpose of the list is to facilitate information exchange, discussion, networking, and collaboration between people working with participatory budgeting in different cities and countries. The listserv is open to anyone interested in or involved with participatory budgeting. The primary language is English. The listserv is currently managed by The Transformative Learning Centre (University of Toronto) and linked to a new international network organizing around schools of citizenship, participatory democracy and participatory budgeting experiences.
To subscribe to the listserv, send a blank email to

Added by Amy Lang on September 01, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Fullbright Peace and Conflict Resolution Scholar Awards Available for 2006-2007

There are still some Fulbright Scholar opportunities to lecture or conduct research abroad during the 2006-2007 academic year including awards in conflict resolution or peace studies in Korea, Nicaragua, Tunisia, Ukraine and Venezuela. Conflict Resolution is also a priority field for some "All Disciplines" awards for which applications continue to be accepted, for example in Bosnia, Cyprus, Georgia, and Guatemala. Awards for both faculty and professionals range from two months to an academic year. Foreign language skills are needed in some countries, but most Fulbright lecturing assignments are in English. U.S. citizenship is required for all awards; university teaching experience is required for all lecturing awards. For available awards, other eligibility requirements, and online application, visit the Fullbright Web site at www.cies.org. Some deadlines have passed, so consult the relevant program officer before applying.

Added by Amy Lang on September 01, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Music Events Create Dialogue on Arab-Israeli Peace

In a recent email, Libby and Len Traubman told us about the many Middle East peace initiatives focused around sharing music. In New Hampshire, Playing for Peace (applehill.org/p4p/) pioneered the process of promoting peace through playing music together. Chigago Symphony Music Director Daniel Barenboim has also been active in bringing classical music to the struggle for Jewish-Arab peace: read news stories about his work at traubman.igc.org/piano.htm and traubman.igc.org/messages/291.htm. His latest event brought Jewish and Arab youth together to play in an unprecedented concert in Ramallah on Monday Aug. 22, 2005. Read about this exciting collaboration in The Guardian: www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1553956,00.html and in Ha'aretz: www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=207422&contrassID=2&subContrassID=11&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y.

Added by Amy Lang on August 24, 2005??-??Link to this entry

News from C2D2: Many Different Ways to Participate

C2D2 has just sent out the latest update on the upcoming inaugural Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation to be held in Ottawa from Oct. 27-30, 2005. In this bulletin, they describe the many ways to participate in the conference, including pre-conference training, exhibits, advertising and of course, the many workshops offered at the conference itself! To learn more about C2D2 or to register (receive a discount if you register by Sept. 15), visit www.c2d2.ca. Got questions? Contact Sandra Zagon, or (613) 565-1500 or Miriam Wyman, or (416) 413-0347. And to read the C2D2 bulletin in full, click on the link below.

Read the rest of "News from C2D2: Many Different Ways to Participate"

Added by Amy Lang on August 22, 2005??-??Link to this entry

New Online Article Tackles Public Confidence in US Foreign Policy

The September/October issue of Foreign Affairs will feature a major article by Public Agenda Chairman Daniel Yankelovich. In the article, "Poll Positions," Dan analyzes data from the Public Agenda Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index and finds America split in two along religious and party lines. Across this chasm, however, significant majorities are starting to come together based on discontent with the war in Iraq, U.S. relations with the Muslim world, and illegal immigration. Public Agenda's Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index is a new tracking project designed to explore the public's long-term judgments and beliefs about America's role in the world. For those who are not subscribers, the editors at Foreign Affairs have graciously made Dan's article available to Public Agenda friends and supporters via the following link - www.foreignaffairs.org/previews/1949/20050901faessay84501/daniel-yankelovich/poll-positions.html. The complete findings of the Public Agenda Confidence In U.S. Foreign Policy Index are available at www.publicagenda.org.

A reminder: Public Agenda has a lot of great resources for engaging citizens. Visit their website and click on "Public Engagement" to access all the resources they have made available.

Added by Amy Lang on August 20, 2005??-??Link to this entry

C2D2 Announces Program Highlights for Inaugural Conference

The program for the Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (C2D2) to be held in Ottawa, October 27 ?– 30, 2005, includes pre-conference training opportunities, four interactive plenaries and a diverse range of break-out sessions, alongside innovative opportunities for conference participants to connect and network with one another. Each plenary is designed as a community session that will use tested, large scale dialogue and deliberation practices. " They will allow conference participants to experience them, model them and replicate them, " says Miriam Wyman, Conference Co-Chair.

For information about the conference and to register visit www.c2d2.ca. Or to read more about program highlights, who to contact, the groups involved and fees for the conference, click the link below.

Read the rest of "C2D2 Announces Program Highlights for Inaugural Conference"

Added by Amy Lang on August 09, 2005??-??Link to this entry

UN Conference Seeks Input on Declaration on Community Engagement

The inaugural United Nations International Conference on Engaging Communities will be held on 14 - 17 August 2005 in Brisbane, Australia (www.engagingcommunities2005.org). There are plans to develop a UN Declaration on Community Engagement at the conference. To assist this development the conference organizers are conducting a brief engagement process prior to, and at, the conference itself. They are seeking input on a UN Declaration or Charter for Community Engagement. Please consider filling out a very brief online questionnaire (three questions) to help in this process. To access the questionnaire, visit http://www.darzinsurveys.com/ds/index.asp?CX=ICEC&SX=IAP2. Please fill out the questionnaire before Wednesday 10 August. And feel free to let others know about this questionnaire. If you do plan on sending it to others, please send a brief e-mail to Allison Hendricks at with the following information:

* Name of group or network (if appropriate) - for example America Speaks
* Number of people you are sending it to
* Country of recepients (if the people you are sending it to are mostly in one country, then just nominate that one. If there are big groupings then just nominate a rough percentage such as 50% Australia, 50% New Zealand).

A draft version of the Declaration will be posted on the conference website on Friday 12 August, so check out the site if you wish to review the draft document prior to the conference. Some conference sessions will also be live audiocast and electronic discussion forums set up - please check the conference website for more details closer to the start of the conference.

Added by Amy Lang on August 05, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Tom Atlee Reports on the Innovation in Community Engagement Conference

Tom Atlee just sent us the story of his recent trip to a groundbreaking conference on Innovation in Community Engagement in Perth, Australia (www.dpi.wa.gov.au/dialogue/comengage/). Because this conference was so innovative and interesting, we're including Tom's entire report in our blog, as well as his links to different resources and pictures of the conference. To read Tom's account, click on the link below.

Read the rest of "Tom Atlee Reports on the Innovation in Community Engagement Conference"

Added by Amy Lang on August 05, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Civic Life International Invites Research & Collaboration

Civic Life International, a collaborative non-profit organization using journalism, dialogue and deliberative methods to promote civic education and the participation of citizens in public policy, seeks position papers, funding research and logistic partnerships in support of the Second Niger Delta Deliberative forum. The Niger Delta Forum is a collaborative project directed at creating a public space for citizens and other stakeholders in the oil rich region to engage and discover shared assumptions, shared awareness as well as shared connectedness towards working together. For more information and to receive a copy of the discussion guide, "Better Life From Oil Wealth, What Public Prescription" framed by citizens at the first forum held last year, please contact Civic Life International at or visit on the web at www.civiclifeint.org.

Added by Amy Lang on August 05, 2005??-??Link to this entry

National Dialogue Will Engage Canadian Youth this November

This Fall Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) will hold a National Dialogue and Summit in Ottawa with young Canadians. This signature project for CPRN?’s 10th anniversary will welcome 160 young Canadians, ages 18-25, to have a dialogue - first with each other and then with about 40 decision makers from the public, community and private sectors. From November 25-27, 2005 they will discuss the policy implications of their dialogue and develop concrete actions that can be taken across the country. The results of the summit will be broadly disseminated: to young people and organizations working with youth, through the CPRN web site, as well as broadcast and print media; and via outreach by CPRN and its project partners to engage broader communities. For further information about the project visit www.cprn.org.

Added by Amy Lang on August 05, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Join the Compassionate Listening Project in Israel-Palestine this November

From November 6-20, 2005 the Compassionate Listening Project will lead a delegation of citizens to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. The two-week journey will begin in Jerusalem with an intensive training in Compassionate Listening. They will then listen to and dialogue with Israelis and Palestinians from all sides of the conflict, and learn from reconciliation leaders. Through daily practice in the field and group sessions, participants will come away with a thorough nderstanding of Compassionate Listening, a practical skill for daily life. Participation of individuals from all backgrounds and nationalities is welcome. The trip will be co-led by CLP's Jewish-Palestinian facilitator team, Leah Green and Maha El-Taji. For further details and registration visit www.compassionatelistening.org/trips.html or call 360-297-2280. To learn more about the practice of Compassionate Listening, check out CLP's upcoming workshops (www.compassionatelistening.org/workshops.html) and advanced training dates (www.compassionatelistening.org/advanced.html)

Added by Amy Lang on August 04, 2005??-??Link to this entry

News From the Dialogue Program at SFU

Lots of things are happening this summer at the Dialogue Makers' Program at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC. First, their Dialogue Maker's Series brochure is now available online. Designed for facilitators, mediators, planners, educators, researchers, administrators and managers who are responsible for convening dialogue on complex and potentially divisive issues, this Series discusses ways to live together amid difference in a way that is peaceful, respectful and inclusive. To download the brochure, visit www.sfu.ca/dialogue/dialoguemakers_web.pdf. The Series begins with a Showcase launch on Wednesday, September 28, 2005. From 5-9 pm in the downtown Vancouver Harbour Centre, the launch will cover a variety of methodologies and contexts in which dialogic principles can be applied. Cost is $75, and discounts are available. Call 604.268.7925 or see page 3 of the pdf brochure listed above. To get a taste of the Dialogue Programs organized at SFU, tune into their campus radio station CJSF this summer at 90.1 FM in the Vancouver lower mainland, or online at www.cjsf.bc.ca/ (MP3 streaming). For a list of Dialogue Program talks that will be aired, click on the link below.

Read the rest of "News From the Dialogue Program at SFU"

Added by Amy Lang on August 04, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Two New Training Opportunities in Online Engagement Coming Up This Fall

NCDD member Alexandra Samuel just told us about two new opportunities to learn about online engagement techniques. Beginning in September 2005, the Collaborative Learning & Innovation program at Simon Fraser University is offering two new programs. The Online Stakeholder Engagement Teleforum (www.sfu.ca/cscd/cli/online_engagement_teleforum) is a series of six monthly conference calls for engagement practitioners. These monthly discussions will focus on collaborative knowledge-building among participants in order to create a learning community that is useful to the work of its members. The first session will be held on September 14; calls will be held from 10 am ?– noon PST, and international participation is welcomed. The Online Stakeholder Engagement Workshop (www.sfu.ca/cscd/cli/online_workshop) will be held on October 17 in Vancouver, Canada. This one-day workshop will provide an intensive introduction to online engagement work, emphasizing online engagement as a catalyst for increasing the depth and value of public involvement work. For further information please visit the CLI web site at www.sfu.ca/cscd/cli/executive_programs, or e-mail Alexandra () or Ann ().

Added by Amy Lang on July 28, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Methanphetamine Consensus Panel Report Available Online

Last year, the Western Canadian Summit on Methamphetamine met at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver BC. The summit brought together international experts, health practitioners, academics, policy makers, law enforcement officials and drug users from November 15-17, 2004. Using a consensus process, the group produced a report that more clearly maps out the dimensions of drug use and promising areas of prevention, treatment, research and health promotion. This report was the guiding document for the June Western Premiers' on Methamphetamine conference held in Regina. To view the April 2005 Consensus Panel Report: Bringing Together Practitioners, Policy Makers and Researchers visit www.sfu.ca/dialogue/proceedings.

Added by Amy Lang on July 12, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Mary Robinson DVD Now Available

The Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue has just produced a DVD that documents Mary Robinson's April 2005 visit to Simon Fraser University's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. The DVD commences with a brief biography of her remarkable accomplishments as Ireland's president and Human Rights Commissioner for the UN. It continues with the Dialogue with Mary Robinson, and culminates with the sold-out Power of Dialogue-Jack P. Blaney Award for Dialogue Luncheon. To view the DVD or to order a copy, visit www.sfu.ca/blaneyaward.

Added by Amy Lang on July 08, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Compassionate Listening Project Organizing Two Upcoming Events

The Compassionate Listening Project (www.compassionatelistening.org) has recently announced two major projects scheduled for this summer and fall. First, CLP hosts its 2nd Annual Summer Gathering at Camp Brotherhood, just north of Seattle, July 29th ?– 31st. They will offer a 2-hour experiential in Compassionate Listening on Saturday morning and there will also be time for advanced practice. For more information, go to www.compassionatelistening.org/summergathering. Second, CLP will be leading a Compassionate Listening delegation to Israel-Palestine from November 7-20. They invite anyone to join them in this important service project. For more details visit www.compassionatelistening.org/trips. CLP is also currently participating in the 11th International Conference of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, which starts today in Arlington, VA and runs until July 11. If you're interested in attending the conference, go to www.compassionatelistening.org/conference.

Added by Amy Lang on July 06, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Peace Camp for Youth Coming Up in Vancouver, BC

Peace it Together is a five-day summer camp that will empower young leaders to use arts, outdoor adventure and deep dialogue as tools for education, self-expression, and social change. It runs August 24-28, 2005. The camp is organized primarily, but not exclusively, for Muslim, Arab and Jewish youth. The camp invites applications from mature and creative youth, 14-17 years old, who are interested in learning about people whose backgrounds differ from theirs and are committed exploring ways to end racism in their communities. The cost of the camp is $150 and fundraising assistance is available. For more information or to apply online visit www.creativepeacenetwork.ca, email or call Ranza at 604.732.1612. The due date for applications is July 15.

Added by Amy Lang on July 05, 2005??-??Link to this entry

International Nonviolence Conference Coming Up in December

We just heard from Nonviolence Peaceforce (www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org) about the International Nonviolence Conference that will be held December 27-30, 2005 at Bethlehem University in Palestine. Sponsored by Nonviolence International, the conference will address the Theory and Practice of Nonviolence, Palestinian Nonviolent Movements, Nonviolence Past, Present and Future and Religion and Nonviolence. For more information on the conference visit www.nonviolenceinternational.net.

Added by Amy Lang on July 05, 2005??-??Link to this entry

PRAXIS Organizing International Training in Participatory Rural Appraisal

Praxis (www.praxisindia.org) has just announced the 9th edition of the Annual International Thematic Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Training Workshop for senior and mid level development workers will be held at Hyderabad, India, from September 18-29, 2005. Praxis is a not-for-profit, autonomous, development support organization (set up by ActionAid India in 1997) seeking to facilitate the promotion of participatory practices in human development initiatives in an integral manner. The workshop will explore participatory methodologies, discuss innovative techniques, and give participants hands-on experience through field work in villages and urban slums. For more information on the workshop, visit www.praxisindia.org/intl_pra_apply.html or contact the Workshop Coordination Team (Benji John and Madhura Pandit) via Tel & Fax: (+91 11) 5164-2348/49/50/51 or email

Added by Amy Lang on July 01, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Registration Deadline for Inaugural C2D2 Conference Approaching

The Early Registration deadline for the first-ever Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (C2D2) is fast approaching. Participants must register by June 30th to get the lowest rate. Inspired by NCDD's first conference in 2002, C2D2 will bring together practitioners, policymakers and scholars from across Canada to develop and unite the dialogue and deliberation community there. The fee for the three-day conference, to be held in Ottawa, Canada (October 27-30) is set at $375.00 (plus GST) until June 30. Fees increase to $475.00 on July 1st, and increase again on September 16th to $575.00. Information about C2D2 is updated regularly on the website www.c2d2.ca. For more information, contact Sandra Zagon at or (613) 565-1500 or Miriam Wyman at or (416) 413-0347.

Added by Amy Lang on June 27, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Canadian Policy Research Networks Seeking New President

After 10 years, Judith Maxwell is stepping down from the post of President of the Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN). CPRN works on public engagement, and is organizing the first Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation this fall, inspired by NCDD's conferences! In addition, CPRN is one of Canada's leading think tanks in social and economic policy. For the complete job posting for President, visit www.cprn.org/en/about-career.cfm. Applications are due by September 1, 2005. For more information, contact Cheri Stewart at .

Added by Amy Lang on June 23, 2005??-??Link to this entry

C2D2 Extends Deadline for Conference Proposals

The first Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (C2D2) will continue to accept proposals for presentations, interactive workshops and training sessions until August 1, 2005, in preparation for the October 27-30, 2005 event. Based on NCDD's 2002 Conference, C2D2 is designed to enable 300 practitioners, policy and decision makers, and researchers from the public, voluntary and private sectors to learn and share information and experience ?— building a community of practice, policy and research for dialogue and deliberation across Canada and beyond. For information on the conference, including how to submit proposals, visit www.c2d2.ca. Or contact Sandra Zagon at or (613) 565-1500 and Miriam Wyman at or (416) 413-0347.

Added by Amy Lang on June 21, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Fullbright Grants Available for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies

The Fulbright Scholar Program is now offering 117 lecturing, research, and lecturing/research awards in political science for the 2006-2007 academic year. These include awards specifically for peace studies and conflict resolution in India, Korea, Nepal, Philippines, and Ukraine. Awards for both faculty and professionals range from two months to an academic year. Many awards specify project and host institution, but there are also a number of open "All Disciplines" awards that allow candidates to propose their own project and determine their host institution affiliation. Foreign language skills are needed in some countries, but most Fulbright lecturing assignments are in English. The application deadline for Fulbright traditional lecturing and research grants worldwide is August 1, 2005. U.S. citizenship is required. For information, other eligibility requirements, and the online application, visit their Web site at www.cies.org.

Added by Amy Lang on June 16, 2005??-??Link to this entry

UK Restorative Justice Conference to be Held in November

The International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), Family Rights Group and Real Justice UK & Ireland will present a conference entitled "The Next Step: Developing Restorative Communities," on November 9-11, 2005, in Manchester, England, UK. The conference will emphasize the convergence of efforts among multiple agencies and fields - including schools, child welfare and criminal justice - to do restorative practices. Go to http://iirp.org/man05/ for more details.

Added by Sandy on June 15, 2005??-??Link to this entry

UN's Int'l Conference on Engaging Communities Coming up in August

An initiative of the United Nations and Queensland (Australia) Government, the International Conference on Engaging Communities will take place in Queensland August 14 through 17, 2005. This event will explore all issues related to community engagement and address the experiences, challenges and research which effect all citizens, governments and organizations alike. The program is designed to interest representatives from community groups, academia, government agencies, corporations, associations and the like. Go to www.engagingcommunities2005.org for more details about this important event.

Added by Sandy Heierbacher on June 07, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Radio Station Promotes Dialogue in Israel-Palestine

We just heard from Libby and Len Traubman about All for Peace, a grassroots, citizen-run Israeli-Palestinian radio station that broadcasts in Hebrew, English and Arabic. It promotes dialogue by offering up different perspectives on current affairs - perspectives that don't get heard in either side's mainstream media. The station also features an eclectic mix of music in all three languages. They are on the air and on the web 24 hours a day - check them out in the Holy Land at 107.2 FM, and on the web at www.allforpeace.org.

Added by Amy Lang on June 06, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Registration is Open for the Canadian Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation

With the launch of its website last month, the 2002 NCDD-inspired Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (C2D2) is open for information and early registration. Set for October 27-30, 2005, in Ottawa, Canada, this innovative conference modeled after NCDD's first national conference will bring together 300 practitioners, decision makers, policy developers, and researchers to share information and skills and work together to build a strong dialogue & deliberation community in Canada! Click below for more info.

Read the rest of "Registration is Open for the Canadian Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation"

Added by Sandy on June 02, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Fourth "Open Homes, Listening Hearts" to take place this June

Do you talk to strangers? During the month of June, Initiatives of Change, a Washington, DC based organization, is encouraging individuals and groups to invite people of other religions and ethnicities to share a meal and conversation. Open Homes, Listening Hearts is a four-year-old event that has demonstrated the power of sharing personal stories with people with whom we don?’t normally interact. Breaking down walls of misunderstanding and building new relationships based on changing our perceptions is one way to increase tolerance and peace worldwide. Visit www.ohlh.org or email for additional information on how to participate in this life transforming experience.

Added by Sandy on May 26, 2005??-??Link to this entry

AmericaSpeaks Organizes European Brain Science Deliberation

In June, AmericaSpeaks is partnering with IFOK, a German consulting group specializing in civic engagement and outreach, to design and deliver portions of the European Citizen's Deliberation on Brain Science. The forum is sponsored by the European Citizens Deliberation on Brain Science (ECD), a partner consortium of technology assessment bodies, science museums, academic institutions, and public foundations from nine European countries. The participants will convene to discuss brain science research and development and related ethical and sociopolitical questions, meeting first with residents of their own countries, and then with participants from other countries. The national groups will come together in a two-day European Citizens' Convention from June 3-5 in Brussels, Belgium. In this Europe-wide meeting, participants will review the outcomes from each national meeting and begin to identify culture-specific and European-wide recommendations. Over the next 9 months, participants will convene another two times in their national groups. The capstone to the process will be another European Convention in January 2006.
For more information about the "Meeting of Minds" project, visit their website at: www.meetingmindseurope.org.

Added by Amy Lang on May 20, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Centre for Public Scrutiny's Annual Conference Coming up in June

The Centre for Public Scrutiny's third annual conference will give non-executives and their support officers the opportunity to share learning with peers from their service area and across the public sector. Attendees will gain an insight into common principles binding their activities and innovative insights into how to make public governance work in practice. The conference will take place June 23, 2005 in London, England and will feature keynote speaker Hazel Blears, Minister of State for Crime Reduction, Policing, and Community Safety. For more info or to register online, go to www.neilstewartassociates.com/publicgovernance.

Added by Sandy on April 23, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Tools of Engagement Conference to Take Place in London this Month

Jess Steele from the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) just emailed me about an interesting conference that's happening later this month. Tools of Engagement: Creative Techniques for Community Participation will take place on March 21st in London, England, and "is the first event for what could become a broad-based UK Participation Network." Click below to read the full annoucement about this great-sounding event.

Read the rest of "Tools of Engagement Conference to Take Place in London this Month"

Added by Sandy on March 12, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Call for Volunteers for first-ever Canadian Conference on D&D

Inspired by NCDD's 2002 conference, a group of energetic Canadians have been spearheading a Canadian Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation. Well, they just announced that the first-ever "C2D2" will take place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 27-30 at the Ottawa Congress Centre, with a day of pre-conference trainings on October 27.

C2D2 is modeling its conference planning process after NCDD's collaborative approach to planning, and is asking for volunteers to step forward to serve on their various planning teams. Click below for the full conference announcement, which includes descriptions of the teams and contact information for those interested in being part of this important planning process.

Read the rest of "Call for Volunteers for first-ever Canadian Conference on D&D"

Added by Sandy on March 05, 2005??-??Link to this entry

New Deliberation Guide on HIV/AIDS in Africa

"As Africa enters the twenty-first century, finding more practical approaches to the HIV/AIDS situation in the countries in sub-Saharan Africa now seems to be one of the greatest promises and greatest challenges for the future. How do we make use of resources in our countries to tackle this health problem without losing sight of other national problems?"

This is an excerpt from a new guide for deliberation about the AIDS pandemic entitled "HIV/AIDS in Africa: What Should Be Done?" The guide was written by former Kettering Foundation international fellows, Mpho Putu of South Africa and Tokunbo Awoshakin of Nigeria. Learn more and download a free copy on the NIFI website.

Added by Sandy on March 04, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Upcoming Dialogue Events at Simon Fraser University

SFU's latest Dialogue Update announced some interesting upcoming events for those of you who aren't too far from Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada). One of the important things mentioned in the update is that Mary Robinson will be the 2005 recipient of the Jack P. Blaney Award, which recognizes significant contributions to public dialogue. Click below for the full announcement.

Read the rest of "Upcoming Dialogue Events at Simon Fraser University"

Added by Sandy on March 02, 2005??-??Link to this entry

The Compassionate Listening Project Announces Upcoming Events & Workshops

I just received the Compassionate Listening Project's 2005 calendar in my inbox. Of particular interest are the Compassionate Listening Intensives, "Healing Our World from the Inside Out" (March 4-6 in Mt. Vernon, Washington; April 8-10 in South Bend, Indiana; April 16-17 in Lawrence, Kansas; May 6-8 in Everett, Washington; May 13-15 in Eugene, Oregon; June 3-5 in Denver, Colorado; and June 13-17 in Brattleboro, Vermont). To learn more about these trainings or to register, go to www.compassionatelistening.org/workshops.html. Click below for the full listing of the Compassionate Listening Project's upcoming events and trainings.

Read the rest of "The Compassionate Listening Project Announces Upcoming Events & Workshops"

Added by Sandy on February 28, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Choices Program Offers Discussion Materials on North Korea

Discussion materials about North Korea and Nuclear Weapons-Policy Options are now available online from the Choices Program. The downloadable materials include background reading and four policy options to consider. Each of the four policy options includes: an overview of the option, goals, U.S. policies, underlying beliefs, and criticisms. Go to www.choices.edu/twtn.cfm?id=40 to learn more.

The Choices for the 21st Century program is a project of the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University. A listing of other topics for discussion available from the Choices Program can be found at www.choices.edu/curriculum_twtn.cfm.

Added by Sandy on February 25, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Online Course in Transforming Civil Conflict Offered by Bradford University

We heard about a new and interesting online course offered in February and March of 2005. "Transforming Civil Conflicts"is an online course developed by The Network University in cooperation with Bradford University. The four-week course familiarises participants with contemporary theories of conflict and conflict resolution, provides them with a range of relevant information on conflict on the Internet, and practical issues and debates from within the field. Participants are brought together in a 'learning community' with coaches and experts with a professional interest in conflict (transformation). There is a limited amount of partial scholarships available for participants from the 'global south'. For more information on upcoming dates for the course, visit the university website: www.netuni.nl, the course demosite: www.netuni.nl/demos/tcc, or send an email to Bart Overbeek: .

Added by Amy Lang on January 27, 2005??-??Link to this entry

OpEd by John Gastil and Ned Crosby Shares Lessons from Canada's Citizens' Assembly

NCDD Steering Committee member Tom Atlee sent an email to his popular e-mailing list today that I wanted to share with all of you. Tom forwarded an op-ed written by John Gastil and Ned Crosby about the remarkable Citizens' Assembly that has been breaking ground in British Columbia, Canada.

Tom considers the Citizens' Assembly to be the most empowered version of citizen deliberative councils that he has seen anywhere in the world so far, and he hopes it is only the first of many such innovations.

Tom points out that the short article below, which is targetted at residents of Washington State in the US, is a model for similar op-ed pieces that could be written for virtually any state in the US -- or for provinces, districts and nations around the world. Click below for the article.

Read the rest of "OpEd by John Gastil and Ned Crosby Shares Lessons from Canada's Citizens' Assembly"

Added by Sandy on January 26, 2005??-??Link to this entry

IAP2's Asian Pacific Conference to be Held in Sydney this March

Our friends at the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) asked us to spread the word that the IAP2 Asia Pacific Conference "Risks and Rewards in Public Participation" is open for registrations now and they are filling fast. The conference will take place in Sydney, Australia March 6 through 8, 2005.

Given the importance of conversing with communities and working with them in building and planning, the conference is particularly timely following the devastating impact of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. The conference includes an extensive line up of speakers from Australia, New Zealand and the USA addressing topics such as new futures and how to create them. Click below for more details, or just go to www.iap2.org.au.

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Added by Sandy on January 23, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Compassionate Listening Training to be Held in U.K. for First Time

Just got word today from Leah Green at the Compassionate Listening Project that Compassionate Listening is making its way to the UK! In addition to a February training in East Sussex in the U.K., there are also workshops coming up in the U.S. in the following cities: Charlotte, North Carolina; Mt Vernon and Everett, Washington; Oakland, California, and Denver, Colorado. Go to the Compassionate Listening Project's website for more details or to register, or click below for info about the U.K. training.

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Added by Sandy on January 02, 2005??-??Link to this entry

Authentic Leadership at the Shambhala Institute next June

The fifth annual Authentic Leadership Summer Program will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) from June 22 through July 1 2005, and will include two-day workshops and a six-day Core Program. I plan to attend this year, and I hope to see some of you there!

Known for its integrative approach (leadership capacity-building is supported by meditation, creative process, simulations, and dialogue), the Summer Program attracts about 250 leaders and change agents from around the world. Intensive modules are led by such renowned mentors as Margaret Wheatley, Julio Olalla, Brian Bacon, Carol Pearson, and Harrison Owen. Of particular interest to the D&D community is a module on "Circle, Brush & Sword: Hosting Conversations as a Martial Art," led by masters in three fields: Toke Moeller from Denmark (The Art of Hosting), Barbara Bash (Eastern brush calligraphy), and Bob Wing (Aikido). To learn more, go to www.shambhalainstitute.org

Added by Sandy on December 03, 2004??-??Link to this entry

HIV/AIDS Deliberation in Nigeria

Since September 2004, Civic Life International, a Nigerian organization, in collaboration with the Center for Public Policy Education (CPPE), has been running an innovative project which uses radio programming to create a space for Nigerians to talk deliberatively about HIV/AIDS. The project, which brings students to several radio studios for live forums on HIV/AIDS using a citizen-framed issue book, is coordinated by Tokunbo Awoshakin, a Kettering Foundation Fanning Fellow ().

Added by Sandy on November 30, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Why I Wish I Lived in Vancouver (Or, an Update from the Wosk Center)

If any of you in the Northwest or in Western Canada haven't yet heard of the Wosk Center for Dialogue in Vancouver, you're in for a treat. The Wosk Center makes me wish I lived on the other side of the country.

I just received an update from Nicole Mah of the Wosk Center, outlining some of their upcoming activities and programs. A Dialogue Network meets each month to dialogue about dialogue, which is cool enough - but also their 2004 Dialogue Maker's Series is launching on Sept. 10 with a dialogue inspired by the Dalai Lama's visit to Vancouver. Click below for the full announcement.

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Added by Sandy on August 26, 2004??-??Link to this entry

New Study About E-Participation in German Cities

I received an email from today announcing the publication of an interesting new study about e-participation in German cities. The study is the collaborative work of the new "Initiative eParticipation", a community of German service providers, think tanks and research institutes in this field. Click below for the rest of Hans' message, or go to www.zebralog.de/en/000079.html for the complete press release.

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Added by Sandy on August 20, 2004??-??Link to this entry

New CPRN Papers Show that Arts and Culture are the Keys to Creative Cities

Our friends at CPRN (Canadian Policy Research Networks) just released four new papers that underline the key role of the arts and culture in the creation of "creative cities," especially in today?’s knowledge economy. According to CPRN, "Creative cities are vital to meeting our community and national economic and social goals. By happy coincidence, the conditions that foster creative cities also foster economic innovation, social inclusion, democratic engagement and environmental sustainability."...

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Added by Sandy on August 13, 2004??-??Link to this entry

CIVICUS Announces 6-Month Consultancy on Civil Society Engagement with the World Bank

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, the Secretariat of the World Bank-Civil Society Joint Facilitation Committee (JFC), seeks to hire a Senior Researcher to produce a set of proposals on how engagement between civil society and the World Bank could be more transparent and relevant. The Senior Researcher will be responsible for holding individual interviews and meetings, and supporting national consultations that will inform the production of the proposals and the Statement of Principles. This will be in preparation for a series of consultations with the wider groups of civil society. The final proposals and the Statement of Principles will be presented at the Global Policy Forum between civil society groups and the World Bank, to be held in late February/early March of 2005.

The Senior Researcher needs to be available to start immediately on a full time basis. The incumbent will be fully integrated into the work of the Joint Facilitation Committee. The closing date for applications is August 14th! Click below for the full announcement.

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Added by Sandy on August 06, 2004??-??Link to this entry

220 Israeli and Palestinian Educators Are Preparing a Revolution in the Education System

Leah Green of the Compassionate Listening Project forwarded this July 23 message to her Reconciliation List, and I thought I'd share it with you folks. The message begins...

In a demonstration of strength in the belief that ?“there is someone on the other side to talk to?” more than 220 teachers and educators from Israel and from Palestine met this past week for an encounter and teacher training seminar. These teachers are taking part in the Peace Education Program of IPCRI - the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information - which is being run in more than 50 high schools in Israel and more than 30 in the West Bank....

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Added by Sandy on August 04, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Update on Jewish/Islam/Christian Dialogue from the Israeli-Based Interfaith Encounter Association

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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Added by Sandy on July 14, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Update on British Columbia's Citizens' Assembly

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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Added by Sandy on July 04, 2004??-??Link to this entry

CIVICUS Produces Report on New Approaches to Global Problem-Solving

I saw this announcement in Friday's newsletter from CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation:

CIVICUS, as part of a group of civil society, research, corporate sector and various levels of international government representatives, is finalizing a report for the Helsinki Process on Globalization and Democracy on new approaches to global problem-solving. This Process, initiated by the Finnish Government in cooperation with the government of Tanzania, aims to develop innovative solutions to the dilemmas of global governance, especially where they affect the most vulnerable sections of the world?’s population. Three track groups will be addressing the areas of human security; financing development; and new approaches to global problem solving.

The latter track, of which CIVICUS is a member, is tasked with starting an international dialogue on the goals and methods of global problem-solving. In its second meeting in London in March, the group concluded that a global governance gap existed because of deficits in democracy, coherence and compliance. The group?’s final report will include proposals on new coalitions for global problem-solving, accountability of global institutions, voices of vulnerable groups in global governance and efficient implementation of global agreements. For more information on the Helsinki Process, visit www.helsinkiprocess.fi.

Added by Sandy on June 06, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Quotas, Fines and Yes-No Votes: An Update on British Columbia's Citizens' Assembly

I just received a press release from the groundbreaking Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. The Assembly is an independent, representative, non-partisan group of 160 randomly selected British Columbians. They must decide by December 15 whether to propose a change to BC?’s electoral system. If they recommend a change, it will be the subject of a referendum for all voters in the May 2005 provincial election. Click below to read the entire press release about last week's public hearings in Port McNeill, Courtenay, Nanaimo and Vancouver.

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Added by Sandy on June 02, 2004??-??Link to this entry

International Day of Open Homes, Listening Hearts Coming Up Fast

Initiatives of Change's annual International "Day" of Open Homes, Listening Hearts will take place June 4-6, 2004. Around the world during the first weekend in June, individuals will join to counter violence and injustice. But this is not a global protest against something; it is a united action for something: building community. During this June weekend, people will reach out to others with whom they wouldn't normally interact - usually those of a different race, ethnicity, or religion - and invite those people to share a meal and stories in their homes or communities. For more info, go to www.ohlh.org or email .

Added by Sandy on May 22, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Fall 2004 Peace Studies Program in South Africa

People to People Ambassador Programs is coordinating a delegation of professionals specializing in peacemaking and conflict resolution who will travel to South Africa October 16-27, 2004. Delegates will visit professionally related sites and meet with those specializing in conflict transformation, reconciliation, peace studies, restorative justice, and other related areas. The exchange will include extensive discussions on the application of diverse conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies to address critical social issues, e.g. racism and the residual effects of slavery and apartheid, domestic violence, the AIDS epidemic, gangs....

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Added by Sandy on May 21, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Update from Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform

I received an email today from Paul Harris of British Columbia's groundbreaking Citizens?’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. The Assembly is an independent, representative, non-partisan group of 160 randomly-selected British Columbians. They must decide by December 15 whether to propose a change to B.C.'s electoral system. If they recommend a change, it will be the subject of a referendum for all voters in the May 2005 provincial election. Click below for an overview of this week's public hearings.

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Added by Sandy on May 21, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Update on Conversation Cafe Efforts in the U.K.

I received a great email the other day from Trish Dickinson, who has launched Conversation Cafes in the U.K. Trish wanted to update me on the cafes, so I'm passing that update on to you folks. According to Trish, "The last two years show a worldwide growing critique of systems of governance and the informal structure of the Conversation Cafe Movement creates a meeting place to listen to that dissension, to dialogue and develop practical options in line with shared values." Click below to read her full message.

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Added by Sandy on May 16, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Canadian Citizens' Assembly Breaking New Ground

In case you haven't heard about the British Columbia Parliament's innovative experiment in deliberative democracy called "Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform," I thought I'd post an update. Formed last year by that province's government to get meanngful citizen input into reforming its entire electoral system, the Citizens Assembly has been holding hearings for months now. As it says on the Citizens' Assembly website, "nowhere else in the world has such power been handed to randomly selected citizens. Click below to read more, or go to www.citizensassembly.bc.ca/public for more details or to sign up for the e-newsletter.

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Added by Sandy on May 06, 2004??-??Link to this entry

"Peaceworker Bootcamp" to be Held this Summer in Canada

A bootcamp of sorts for peaceworkers and potential peaceworkers will be held this summer in an old mountain range two hours west of Ottawa, Canada. The camp will be offered four times: May 30 - June 4, June 24-29, July 18-23, and August 8-13. The Peaceworker Bootcamp is an intensive 6-day hands-on learning experience in the Canadian wilderness for people who are or wish to become peaceworkers. The Peaceworker Bootcamp will introduce participants to the knowledge and skills necessary in preparing for voluntary or paid work in the fields of humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development assistance. Read the full announcement below, or contact Evan Hoffman (613-754-5283; ) for more info.

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Added by Sandy on May 03, 2004??-??Link to this entry

An Inspirational Report on National Issues Forums Held in Russia

I receive ?“Friday Letters?” each week from the Kettering Foundation. The April 16th Friday Letter started off with an inspirational report from KF Associate Phil Stewart about his recent trip to Russia. Phil and his colleagues observed several deliberative forums, and noticed a clear commitment to learning and practicing the norms of democratic deliberation. One elderly teacher is quoted as saying ?“Only if my grandchildren learn to think critically, think for themselves and to deliberate in public, only then will they have the opportunity to grow up in a democratic Russia.?” Click below for the full report.

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Added by Sandy on April 21, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Report Emphasizes Need for Public Involvement in World's Water Problems

Pat Bonner of the EPA forwarded this interesting press release to me the other day. On World Water Day 2004, a new report was released from the Geneva-based Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council WSSCC. The report emphasized that the world's severe water and sanitation problems will not be solved by "business as usual" - delivering solutions from the outside to communities who have had no involvement in, or ownership of, the process. An important report in its implications for public involvement. Click below for the full press release.

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Added by Sandy on March 24, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Citizen Engagement Summit Scheduled for November in Canada

I don't know much about this group yet, but the Whistler Forum just applied for membership in NCDD and I look forward to learning more about this summit. The Whistler Forum for Dialogue will hold its first North American Summit on Citizen Engagement November 10-12, 2004 in Whistler, British Columiba, Canada. The Whistler Forum is modeled after the Aspen Institute, and is led by Executive Director William Roberts. For more details, email William at .

Added by Sandy on March 23, 2004??-??Link to this entry

CIVICUS World Assembly Going Strong

I just received a press release from CIVICUS today about a conference in Botswana I wish I was at right now. Here it is: Gaborone, 22 March 2004 - Over 700 citizens from 100 countries worldwide gathered this morning in Gaborone, Botswana for the start of a four-day CIVICUS World Assembly conference around the theme of 'working together for a just world.' The participants included civil society activists, practitioners, researchers, activists, concerned business leaders, representatives from intergovernmental organisations and government representatives, all united by a common concern to work concertedly for greater social, economic, political and civic justice worldwide.

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Added by Sandy on March 23, 2004??-??Link to this entry

Trial Version of a New Website on Participation Launches

A trial version of participation.net, a collaborative information initiative on participatory approaches to citizenship, rights and local governance, has just been launched. Participation.net is a global, online space for sharing ideas about the participation of people in development, citizenship, governance and rights. Researchers, practitioners, activists, educators, policy makers and others from around the world are welcome to exchange diverse views and resources.

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Added by Sandy on March 08, 2004??-??Link to this entry

International Course Offered on Facilitating Multi-Stakeholder Processes

The International Agricultural Centre (IAC) in Wageningen, the Netherlands is offering an international course called ?“Facilitating multi-stakeholder processes and social learning?” from September 13 through October 1, 2004. For more information and application forms, go to www.iac.wur.nl/iac/courses/module.cfm?code=61/50/2004, or read more by clicking below.

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Added by Sandy on March 01, 2004??-??Link to this entry

July Facilitation & Consensus Course Offered in Northern Italy

The International Institute for Facilitation and Consensus and Ecovillage Torri Superiore are offering a course titled ?“Facilitation and Consensus?” July 2-8, 2004, in Northern Italy. Participants in this course will learn skills that will serve them well in every aspect of their lives, including the impact of rank and privilege on group process, dealing with ?“difficult people,?” avoiding wasted time in meetings, building cohesion among group members, and creating an atmosphere of trust and safety. Other topics will include how to balance participation between the talkative and the timid, handling ?“experts?” and dealing with personal attacks. Less dramatic, but perhaps even more practical tools include agenda planning, meeting site preparation, ground rules meeting evaluation.

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Added by Sandy on February 27, 2004??-??Link to this entry

NVC/Restorative Justice Conference in Helsinki this June

A conference called ?“Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as a Process in Victim-Offender Mediation and Other Conflict Situations?” will be held June 5-6, 2004 in Helsinki, Finland. The head trainer will be Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, the founder of Nonviolent Communication. Participants will hear how NVC-based mediation is used in prisons, in police work and in schools in different countries.

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Added by Sandy on February 19, 2004??-??Link to this entry

PCP offers Power of Dialogue training in Vancouver this March

The Public Conversations Project will offer its training ?“The Power of Dialogue: Constructive Conversations on Divisive Issues?” March 25-27, 2004 in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada). During this hands-on workshop, participants will explore ways to promote the type of meaningful dialogue that has the power to shift communication and relationships. Through the process of designing and facilitating an extended dialogue simulation, participants will learn the key elements of PCP dialogues. For a full description and registration information, visit: www.publicconversations.org/pcp/index.asp?page_id=123

Added by Sandy on February 01, 2004??-??Link to this entry