How do people learn Dialogue Groups?

Dialogue groups enact an inclusive container that intentionally aims to change the ways that people communicate and interrupt dysfunctional cycles of polarization. Firstly, participants formally or informally agree to engage in a discursive collaboration that strives for greater resilience, trust, and understanding. While the term “Dialogue Process” can refer to a broad array of dialogue methods developed by various nonprofit organizations seeking to address distinct social problems, this peaceful practice universally relies on listening skills as a prerequisite for healthy public discussion and communication across differences.

There are several organizations in the US and across the globe that offer their own training for individuals and groups that want to use dialogic approaches in their daily lives. Interested parties can explore a variety of dialogue group methods and training organizations, including the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation, Art of Hosting and Harvesting, Authentic Relating Games, The Circle of Trust Approach, Essential Partners, Jefferson Dinners, One Table, Sacred Discourse, and Safe Conversations. Training can be done in person or virtually and then shared further with one’s organization or community.

The resource list below includes links to other dialogue training organizations as well as to worksheets and exercises to practice the methods.

How do people implement Dialogue Groups?

The dialogic approach acknowledges that no two communities are the same. Individuals and groups can implement dialogue groups in civic and community settings, higher education institutions, secondary and middle education contexts, workplace and organizational structures, faith and religious congregations, and other social environments.

Firstly, participants and facilitators identify important community issues or conflicts that seek resolution or discussion. Facilitators should then invite stakeholders and community members to engage in the dialogue. The inclusion of diverse voices and vantage points can give rise to more fruitful outcomes as dialogue participants are given the opportunity to challenge and be challenged by oppositional or disparate viewpoints.

While each dialogue method may require different levels of facilitator input, most dialogue groups require an appointed facilitator or moderator who can help to lead the discussion and uphold the group norms. That said, individuals can apply dialogic approaches to their places of work, home, and worship by incorporating opportunities for multi-directional discussion and reflection.[2]

Dialogic approaches can be implemented in personal, professional, and organizational settings. While organizations can retain trainers to teach facilitation to their employees and then create policies and practices that facilitate their use of civic dialogue skills, simple adjustments can also be made to ongoing practices that incorporate increased opportunities for discussion, reflection, and mutual understanding.

[2] Braver Angels. (n.d.) Our Mission. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from http://www.braverangels.org/our mission

For what types of circumstances are Dialogue Groups suited?

Dialogue groups aim to support the resolution of disputes, improve community relationships, and promote social cohesion. Dialogue groups can be particularly useful to generate stakeholder input and collaboration as communities grapple with policymaking decisions. Similarly, dialogic approaches can support institutions and public services as they address the complex needs and social challenges presented in their communities. While dialogue groups can promote understanding and give rise to new collective solutions, they can also work to restore, repair, and reconcile pre-existing conflicts between divided groups.[3]

[3] Dessel, Adrienne, et al. “Using Intergroup Dialogue to Promote Social Justice and Change.” Social Work, vol. 51, no. 4 (2006): pp. 303–15. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23721215

Do Dialogue Groups work for preventing or controlling aggression or violence?

Dialogue groups can help mitigate, prevent, and control aggression or violence by providing a peaceful platform for conflict resolution and bridging across differences. Although dialogues can cultivate mutual understanding, build social bridges, and establish common ground, facilitators and participants must stay vigilant to ensure that dialogues do not become explosive or volatile petri dishes for dysregulated conflict. This method requires sensitivity from both facilitators and participants to disagree while maintaining an orientation towards shared understanding and connection. Dialogue processes can support participants to explore differences, interact with diverse cultures and backgrounds, build confidence in interactions, and develop respect for the values of people from different walks of life. In doing so, dialogue groups have the power to de-escalate tensions in both the early and later stages of conflict.[4]

[4] Froude, Jack, and Michael Zanchelli. (2017). What Works in Facilitated Dialogue Projects. US Institute of Peace. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep12250

Information Sheet-Choose-Dialogue Groups (PDF)

Have a suggested improvement to this information sheet? Send it to inbox@peacethroughaction.org

Where else might I go to learn more about Dialogue Groups?

• Explore this Resource Library from Essential Partners that provides in-depth research studies, blog posts, classroom exercises, and informational videos about their Reflective Structured Dialogue process.
• The Center for Courage & Renewal provides programs, resources, and connections that nurture deep integrity and relational trust through dialogue in order to build the foundation for a more loving, equitable, and healthy world.
• Survey dialogue groups and events offered by organizations such as Braver Angels and Living Room Conversations that work to promote social cohesion among people across the political and cultural spectrum.
• Select a conversation subject from this list of topics prepared by Living Room Conversations to connect and build better communication with people in and beyond your network.