D I ALO G UE: A P L A N FO R THE 2 0 2 0 E L E C TI O N
made, common ground will need to be
found, other forms of engagement will
be used to help move communities
forward. However, dialogue is the first
and most important foundational step.
When faced with seemingly intractable
problems, if we don’t take time to listen
deeply, share our stories, understand
the differences in our perspectives, and
what is at stake for each person around
the table, chances are that whatever de-
cision is made, people will not feel in-
cluded, valued, or heard.
tunity to challenge binary views,
hear people’s stories, understand
their experiences, and contemplate
different approaches to these is-
sues. The more we understand the
complexity of these issues, the more
perspectives we understand, the
more equipped we will be to find
comprehensive solutions.
• Dialogue gives us the opportunity to
reflect on the lens through which we
see the world. Each of us has a very
complex identity. Dialogue gives us
an opportunity to reflect on our own
personal and social identities and to
learn about the complexity of others.
• Dialogue gives us the opportunity to
explore power and privilege and how
these powerful forces have impacted
our lives and our communities.
What does dialogue achieve? 3
•
•
Dialogue builds understanding,
trust, empathy, and respect. It is
much harder to label someone,
dismiss someone, bully someone,
be disrespectful to someone with
whom you have a connection.
Five Key Dialogue Skills 4
Dialogue helps challenge binary
views of the world—Us vs. Them.
Dialogue gives us an opportunity
to explore the complexity of issues.
For example, we know that the is-
sues of immigration, health care,
and equity are complex. There are
more than two perspectives and
two approaches to solving these is-
sues. Dialogue gives us the oppor-
There are many dialogue skills; for ease,
they can be condensed into five key
skills. The Essentials of Dialogue offers
theory, lesson plans, and activities to
hone these skills. I’ve used these activi-
ties with students, educators, and reli-
gious and community leaders of all ages
and have found them effective.
3. Ian, et al. “Essentials of Dialogue.” Institute for Global Change, institute.global/advisory/essentials-dialogue. (adapted)
4. Ian, et al. “Essentials of Dialogue.” Institute for Global Change, institute.global/advisory/essentials-dialogue. (adapted)
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CSEE Connections
Summer 2020 Page 5