Chapter title

In a culturally and socially diverse society, discussion about issues of difference, conflict and community are needed to facilitate understanding between social/cultural groups.

Intergroup dialogue is an interdisciplinary field of practice that seeks to bridge social and cultural divides and effect social change. In recent years, this practice has been increasingly recognized as a valuable method for addressing difficult issues in K-16, higher education, community and the workplace. This practice engages individuals and groups in facilitated small group processes to explore difficult or contentious issues to develop shared meaning across lines of difference and entrenched conflicts, and generate opportunities for collaborative action. The process is valued because it fosters the development of intergroup leadership competencies that are increasingly called up in order to navigate our ever more interdependent, competitive, divided, stratified and globalized world.

And another thing!

The skills of dialogue include developing a critical awareness of social identities, understanding one’s own connections to power, privilege and oppression, and developing interpersonal communication skills such as active listening, purposeful sending, and providing feedback.