Dialogues Program

All dialogues are different. As a participant in dialogue, you may engage in a facilitated discussion, self-reflection, small group discussions, and activities. Typically, dialogue consists of about 15 people with 2 facilitators. The facilitators will have a plan for the flow of dialogue, but ultimately it is up to the participants on where it goes.

You should expect dialogue to be uncomfortable. Dialogue bridges the gap of understanding by allowing for space where people bravely confront uncomfortable conversations with vulnerability, trust, and openness. By allowing people to voluntarily enter a situation where they know they will be sharing opinions that will be challenged, and listening to others’ opinions and struggles, dialogue helps us understand each other in a deeper way. Engaging in dialogue is not easy and it can be difficult building trust in a room full of potential strangers or over virtual platforms.

The purpose of dialogue is to uphold each person’s dignity, challenge each other’s perspectives, and be respectful of each other’s voice. The beginning of each dialogue will start with norms and community building to ensure that we are all on the same page. Facilitators guide the dialogue and help the group uphold the norms.

To learn more about what makes dialogue different than other communication methods, please click on Debate, Discussion, & Dialogue Handout (2008) (PDF). 

Norms are fluid and are often constructed by each group. Below are some common norms from Intergroup Dialogue:

We commit to confidentiality. What’s learned here leaves here, what’s shared here stays here. Help create a brave space where people can honestly engage and stay in this space.

Our primary commitment is to learn from each other. We will listen to each other and not talk at each other to prepare us to help raise our awareness and understanding of differences and similarities through this process.

Expect and accept a lack of closure. This is the start of a conversation. We will be challenging assumptions and pushing ourselves to think in ways we may not be used to, which may leave us with lingering questions and thoughts.

Monitor your airtime. Be mindful of taking up more space than others. On the same note, empower yourself to speak up when others are dominating the conversation.

We will work with awareness of status differences within this workshop. We recognize that there may be significant differences in position and power among participants. We understand that we learn when we are vulnerable and that we respect the limits people set for themselves on what they want to disclose.

When we challenge, we challenge the idea, not the person. We will not demean, devalue, or “put down” people for their experiences, lack of experiences, or difference in interpretation of those experiences.

We will trust that people are always doing the best they can and we are all co-learners. We recognize that it is very likely that we have learned misinformation about our own group and members of other groups. We will hold ourselves and others responsible for repeating misinformation or offensive behavior after we have learned otherwise.

Dialogues are offered through a semester-based series, single opportunities, and can be tailored to fit the classroom, department meeting, student organization event, program discussion, in your community-based organization, and in other settings. We also can host and facilitate other events that encourage community building and understanding.

If you are interested in bringing dialogue to you or partnering on a dialogue event, please contact Elise Krumholz at [email protected].

We will collaborate with you to develop and facilitate a dialogue to help you address a complex or contentious issue. During the initial consultation, we will discuss what you would like to achieve, how to prepare your class/program/organization for dialogue, and what the facilitated dialogue will look like.