Intergroup Dialogue

An Intergroup Dialogue Workshop is a facilitated and structured conversation-based program designed to bring individuals from different social, cultural, or identity groups together to engage in open and respectful discussions about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It aims to build relationships between participants with different social identities through personal storytelling, empathetic listening, and intrapersonal and interpersonal exploration. It integrates three core educational goals: raising awareness, building relationships across differences and conflicts, and strengthening individual and collective capacity to advance social justice. 

The primary goal is to foster understanding, build empathy, and promote meaningful communication between participants who may hold diverse perspectives and experiences. The Diversifuse team uses a multi-approach facilitation method to accomplish this. The Intergroup Dialogue workshops sessions can be half-day, full-day, or multi-session.

Our Intergroup Dialogue's structure and process follows the University of Michigan's four-stage model:

Stage 1: Forming and building relationships; raising consciousness

Stage 2: Exploring the differences and commonalities of experience

Stage 3: Discussing current conflicts (hot topics) to connect personal experiences with systemic inequalities

Stage 4: Action planning and alliance building

All Intergroup Dialogues include:

Safe Space: A safe and inclusive space is created where participants feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, experiences, and opinions without fear of judgment or reprisal.

Structured Discussions: Guided by skilled facilitators, participants engage in structured discussions that encourage them to share their personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions on various topics related to identity, bias, privilege, discrimination, and more.

Active Listening: Participants are encouraged to actively listen to each other's stories and viewpoints, creating an environment where they can genuinely understand the perspectives of others.

Reflection and Learning: Through self-reflection and group activities, participants gain insights into their own biases, assumptions, and behaviors, leading to increased self-awareness and personal growth.

Empathy Building: By hearing the lived experiences of others, participants develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds.

Conflict Resolution Skills: Participants learn constructive ways to navigate disagreements and conflicts that may arise during discussions, promoting productive dialogue even in challenging moments.

Shared Understanding: The workshop aims to facilitate a shared understanding of the complexities of identity and diversity, enabling participants to develop a more nuanced perspective on social issues.

Action Planning: Towards the end of the workshop, participants are encouraged to identify tools and actionable steps to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment in their personal and professional lives.

An Intergroup Dialogue Workshop is not about reaching consensus or converting participants to a particular viewpoint, but rather about creating an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and respected. It serves as a platform for individuals to bridge gaps, challenge assumptions, and work towards a more harmonious and equitable society. The structure and content of the workshop can be adapted to address specific issues, identities, or goals, making it a versatile tool for fostering meaningful conversations.