The Consensus Council is proud to highlight a new TEDx talk delivered by our Executive Director, Ann Crews Melton, which explores today’s widespread crisis of accountability through the lens of restorative justice.
In this compelling 15-minute talk, Ann examines how individuals, communities, and institutions can move beyond punitive approaches toward practices that encourage genuine accountability, amends-making, and the repair of our frayed social fabric. Through highlighting impactful restorative justice stories and the critical work of the Consensus Council team, her message emphasizes the power of dialogue, connection, and responsibility in rebuilding trust during a time of heightened division.
Ann brings personal experience in facilitation, consensus building, and nonprofit leadership to this important conversation. She joined the Consensus Council as Executive Director in 2020, guiding the organization in its mission to foster collaborative problem-solving, community healing, and shared understanding.
Her career has consistently emphasized building bridges across differences. Prior to joining Consensus Council, Ann worked in ecumenical and interfaith relations with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Temple Israel Boston. A Texas native, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Austin College and a master’s degree from Emerson College in Boston.
Ann’s commitment to civic engagement extends beyond her professional roles. She is a council member of Heart River Lutheran Church, which meets at the ND Heart River Correctional Center, and she serves as an Aspen Institute Better Arguments Ambassador. She is also a former board officer of Humanities North Dakota and a current Duke Divinity School Reflective Leadership grantee. In 2021, Ann presented “Building Consensus Across Differences” at TEDxAustinCollege.
Ann lives in Bismarck with her family, where she continues her work advancing dialogue, connection, and participatory decision-making.
🎥 Watch Ann’s TEDx Talk
“Solving Our Accountability Crisis Through Restorative Practices”
https://lnkd.in/gTixwf22
https://lnkd.in/gTixwf22
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
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About the Consensus Council
For more than 30 years, Consensus Council has brought a diversity of voices to the table, teaching citizens and leaders to listen, converse, and collaborate across differences. Based in Bismarck, ND, Consensus Council facilitates conversations and builds agreements to empower people, transform communities, and advance the public good. Learn more at agree.org.