Democracy Resource Hub Learning Series
The Democracy Resource Hub (DRH) is a project of the SHIFT Action Lab that connects people and projects working to renew democracy.
Over the past year, we spoke with dozens of practitioners across the democracy movement to understand what's needed most. This Learning Series is our response: a suite of practical skills and approaches that help people work better together across differences to take action for a future where we all Thrive Together.
Each session shares tested tools from the fields of organizing, bridge-building, and collaborative governance. You can join one or many. Every workshop is a chance to learn with others and build the civic muscle we need for the long term.
Learn. Connect. Strengthen Democracy.
Participatory Governance
Skills for deliberation and decision-making at scale
Bridge Building
Skills for connecting across political differences
Organizing
Skills for uniting people to take action.
Facilitation Skills for Deliberative Democracy
November 6, 2025
Citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting, and other deliberative models are giving communities new ways to solve problems together. This session introduces the core principles of participatory democracy and the facilitation skills that make it work. Participants explore real examples and meet practitioners leading this fast-growing global movement. Learn how your facilitation practice can open pathways to shared decision-making and civic renewal.
Facilitation 101: Introduction to Dialogue & Deliberation
December 16, 2025
How can facilitators design and guide conversations that help diverse groups learn, build trust, and move toward shared purpose?
This introductory session covers the essential building blocks of community facilitation: how to create a supportive container, ask strong generative questions, balance participation, and design simple processes that help people think and talk together across differences. Participants will learn the core foundations of dialogue and deliberation at the 101 level: how to surface values, structure a useful conversation, and choose the right kind of process for the goals at hand. The session focuses on practical, repeatable skills for local leaders, hub builders, and anyone hosting civic conversations in their community, with clear next steps for deeper learning in future DRH sessions.
Bridging Across Political Differences
Jan/Feb 2026
How can we depolarize ourselves and communicate more effectively across divides?
This session offers a practical tour of proven approaches to depolarization and dialogue from leading bridge-builders. Participants explore how to stay grounded, curious, and connected when tensions rise, using story-sharing and language awareness to build empathy and trust.
Designing Spaces for Belonging and Accessibility
Jan/Feb 2026
How do we create gatherings where everyone feels welcome, relaxed, and ready to connect, even when they see the world differently?
This session explores the craft of designing genuinely welcoming spaces across political, cultural, and social lines. Through real-world examples, participants learn design choices that lower barriers to participation and foster civic joy through hospitality, humor, and shared purpose.
Building Relationships for Civic Action
Jan/Feb 2026
How do we invite people into a shared process where outcomes are uncertain, differences are welcome, and everyone helps shape what happens next?
This session explores the hardest part of civic renewal work—getting people to say yes. Learn practical ways to spark motivation and trust, frame invitations so they feel grounded and personal, and turn curiosity into commitment through one-on-one conversations, storytelling, and relationship-building across divides.
Using Civic Technology for Meaningful Engagement
Jan/Feb 2026
How do communities decide what to work on together when there’s no shared ideology?
This session explores how diverse groups translate broad concerns into clear, inclusive, and actionable priorities. Participants learn issue-cutting and right-sizing techniques that balance openness with focus, ensuring many perspectives are represented while keeping efforts achievable.
Collaborative Issue Selection and Engagement
Jan/Feb 2026
How can facilitators help communities reason together when facts are contested and expertise is uneven?
Participants learn to integrate expert input without losing community voice—keeping citizens at the center of decision-making. The session focuses on methods for weighing evidence, surfacing assumptions, and building shared understanding that is “true enough to act on together.”
Facilitating Sensemaking in Complexity
Jan/Feb 2026
How can digital tools help us bring dialogue and deliberation to scale while keeping human connection and trust at the center?
This session introduces platforms that make it possible for thousands to participate in meaningful public dialogue. Participants explore hybrid approaches where online tools complement in-person facilitation to create more inclusive, transparent, and democratic processes.
From Solutions to Action
Jan/Feb 2026
How can civic-renewal projects turn collaborative solutions into sustained, coordinated action?
This session focuses on how cross-partisan teams can plan and implement community projects that maintain trust and pluralism. Drawing on organizing practices and nonpartisan collaboration models, participants explore what it means to build power responsibly and design efforts that strengthen civic muscle over time.