What should be the focus of education? What should be the reigning function of our schools? We examine three different school boards and their priorities: prepare students for success in the job market; widen students' horizons and help them develop a love of learning; and educate students to be responsible citizens. This Citizen ChoiceWork Guide (and video) was developed for community conversations, classrooms, study groups, and individuals. (continue)

This 10-minute video chronicles how a law school seminar builds trust, deals with controversy, fosters constructive conflict, and transforms participants into effective problem solvers through intergroup dialogue. Another video explores these ideas in the context of a police academy. (continue)

Roundtable, Inc. is a production company that focuses on building social capital. Roundtable produces public engagement projects in several media (television, radio, web, print, books) and partners with other production companies to help increase the impact of their work. They form regional coalitions for each project and provide online training for facilitators. (continue)

This 53-minute documentary chronicles the journey of a multi-racial group of college students as they examine their own and confront each other's attitudes about race and ethnicity. This video vividly illustrates students of color and white students at different stages of racial identity and demonstrates the possibility of growth as a result of dialogue. (continue)

The cycle of violence in the Middle East may seem to have no end, but in San Diego Jews and Palestinians have united despite the odds. The documentary film 'Talking Peace' takes viewers inside the Jewish Palestinian Living Room Dialogue and tells a compelling story of two sides coming together through the simple act of listening. In the living room of Jim Rauch, a Jew, and his wife Doris Bittar, an Arab, the stage has been set to create an alternative to living with hatred. In their home, Jews and Palestinians share their stories and their pain governed by only one rule: to truly listen to each other. (continue)

The Color of Fear 3 is an intimate conversation on the issues of what it is to be gay in this society and the impact it has on their sense of safety and identity. Through their personal stories and interactions, we have a glimpse into the fears, the stereotypes, and moral issues that are dividing and confronting us today. (continue)

This 76-minute documentary film tells the story of 1,100 Somalian immigrants who relocated to Lewiston, Maine. At first the immigrants were welcomed, but soon fear and distrust broke out amongst the townspeople. Tensions erupted after the mayor sent a letter to the immigrants requesting that they tell their friends and family not to move into the town. The mayor claimed that the newcomers were straining town services. The conflict escalated into competing 'hate' and 'peace' rallies held simultaneously and separated by only a few miles. "The Letter" could help dialogue programs raise awareness in their communities about how racism and immigration intersect. The film could also help planners decide which of these issues to address in their community. (continue)

Traces of the Trade is a feature documentary in which Producer/Director Katrina Browne tells the story of her New England ancestors, the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. Cameras follow as Browne and nine fellow descendants undertake a journey of discovery to Rhode Island, Ghana, and Cuba. Retracing the steps of the notorious Triangle Trade, we uncover a family's, a region's, and a nation's hidden past. Simultaneously, viewers will follow descendants of the DeWolf family as they grapple with the contemporary legacy of slavery, not only for black Americans, but for themselves as white Americans. The film is intended as a catalyst for dialogue and education through screenings in communities and classrooms, and discussion guides and other materials are being developed. (continue)

In June 2009, NCDD’s director Sandy Heierbacher created a number of public playlists on YouTube, featuring some great, short videos that show and/or introduce people to dialogue and deliberation. The playlists, which are added to regularly, can be found at www.youtube.com/user/sheierbacher/videos?view=pl. Here’s the playlist featuring Sandy’s absolute favorite D&D videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=FLAiollxZrTF4kFvLaGQCElw&feature=plcp Well over 100 YouTube videos are organized on these public playlists, which are periodically updated: About dialogue & deliberation (people talking about D&D) Dialogue & deliberation in practice (includes clips of actual ... (continue)