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Empowering Local Voices
The NDN seeks to coordinate collaborative local conversations into mindful national dialogue. Its design and function is meant to strengthen local civic infrastructures that, collectively, can reveal deeper insights into the national scale awareness of participants. NDN does not consider itself a “scientific poll” in the typical sense because it utilizes the self-selected opinions of participants.
Learn about our Opinionnaire® Survey analysis and Fast Forum® reports WordPress Plugin below.
The Start of The Conversation
On November 8, 2013, around 20 people gathered in Oakland, CA, using a World Café format to discuss poverty and wealth in the U.S. Below were the key takeaways:
- Complexity: Income inequality in the U.S. is multifaceted and deeply ingrained.
- Untapped Potential: People in poverty possess valuable skills and resilience.
- Spiritual Well-being: Discussion went beyond money to explore happiness and greed.
- Interconnectedness: Highlighted the separation between socioeconomic classes and the need for understanding and collaboration.
- Community: Emphasized the importance of inclusive communities and cooperation.
- Continue Conversations: Recognized the need for a broader national dialogue on class and money.
We aim to have this narrative shed light on the complexities of poverty and wealth in America and strongly encourage ongoing discussions and actions.
NCDD 2023 Conference Gold Star Sponsor
​Forum Foundation/National Dialogue Network
The Forum Foundation and its National Dialogue Network is a philanthropic nonprofit in Seattle interested in developing systems for large-scale dialogic venues — for example across political boundaries such as precinct, house and congressional districts, and for city, county, state, and federal constituencies. Allowing self-motivated individuals to engage in meaningful conversations about relevant issues without bogging down elected representatives to do it. Our tools produce a unique “Polarization-Consensus Rating” that graphically shows where different demographics are similar or different — allowing more insight into the issues and helping to find common ground forward.
NCDD 2023 Conference Gold Star Sponsor
​Forum Foundation/National Dialogue Network
The Forum Foundation and its National Dialogue Network is a philanthropic nonprofit in Seattle interested in developing systems for large-scale dialogic venues — for example across political boundaries such as precinct, house and congressional districts, and for city, county, state, and federal constituencies. Allowing self-motivated individuals to engage in meaningful conversations about relevant issues without bogging down elected representatives to do it. Our tools produce a unique “Polarization-Consensus Rating” that graphically shows where different demographics are similar or different — allowing more insight into the issues and helping to find common ground forward.
Polis – Opening Dialogues for a Better Future
To continue our vision started in 2013, keeping an open dialogue, we are exploring our new platform, Polis, that is designed to facilitate large-scale dialogic Opinionnaire® Surveys that encourages open discussions around pressing topics like Economic Inequality and Opportunity, the Aspirations for Future Generations, and the Purpose of Wealth.
What Makes This Special:
- Engage in Critical Conversations: Polis provides a safe and inclusive space for people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to come together and share their thoughts on important issues.
- Unique “Polarization-Consensus Rating”: We’ve developed a one-of-a-kind feature that visually represents the degree of polarization or consensus among different demographics. This insightful rating system helps identify areas of agreement and divergence, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
- Data-Driven Insights: Our platform generates valuable data and analytics that can inform decision-makers, researchers, and the public about the dynamics of public opinion on crucial topics.
- Find Common Ground: Polis encourages productive discussions and helps bridge the gap between differing viewpoints. By understanding where consensus exists, we can work together to find common ground and drive positive change.
Other Things We Offer
NDN does offer 3rd party organizations and agencies the opportunity to privately add additional printed materials and an extended Opinionnaire® Survey for their own unique audience. If you are interested in learning more about this feature, please send a message to: info@NationalDialogueNetwork.org.Â
The NDN coordinates distinct individual and community conversations giving everyone a “sense of place” and voice within the larger national dialogue.
NDN’s dedicated volunteers seek to revitalize and promote civic infrastructures within communities where all who choose to participate will impact the national conversation by:
- Focusing intently on an issue over time with others;
- Listening to the opinions and ideas being discussed in your community and across the United States; and
- Speaking up about your own opinions and ideas in conversations with your family, friends & community.