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The Importance of Honest & Authentic Dialogue in a Diverse Society. Maria Bernal-Dobek Professional Development Day February 19, 2010. What is I ntergroup Dialogue?. Face-to-face meetings between members of two or more social groups that have a history of conflict or potential conflict.
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The Importance of Honest & Authentic Dialogue in a Diverse Society Maria Bernal-Dobek Professional Development Day February 19, 2010
What is Intergroup Dialogue? • Face-to-face meetings between members of two or more social groups that have a history of conflict or potential conflict. • The groups are broadly defined by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, socioeconomic class, and other social group identities.
What is Intergroup Dialogue? • A semi-structured process in which participants explore: • Commonalities and differences within and between groups • Intergroup conflicts • Possibilities for alliance and coalition building • Dialogues are sustained over an extended period of time. • Research supports 7-14 week sessions • They are co-facilitated by individuals who are specifically trained in dialogue methodology.
A Peek into an Intergroup Dialogue • “What’s Race Got to Do with It?” • University of California, Berkley (2006) • 15-Week Dialogue Program • Multiple Identities Represented
Social Identity Activity • Establishing Ground Rules for Dialogue • Safety & Confidentiality • Comfort • Learning Edge • Conflict • Social Identity Profile • Dialogue in small groups • Remember the ground rules set at the beginning of dialogue
Why is dialogue important? • Increased awareness and understanding of both racial and gender inequalities and their structural causes • Increased motivation to bridge differences • Increased empathy Nagda, B.A., Gurin, P., Sorenson, N., & Zúñiga, X. (2009). Evaluation intergroup dialogue: Engaging diversity of personal and social responsibility. Diversity and Democracy, 12(1), 4-6.
Why is dialogue important? • Increased motivation to be actively engaged in post‐college communities by “influencing social policy,” “influencing the political structure through voting and educational campaigns,” and “working to correct social and economic inequalities” • Increased sense of responsibility for participating in coalitions to challenge discrimination, promote diversity, and address social issues Nagda, B.A., Gurin, P., Sorenson, N., & Zúñiga, X. (2009). Evaluation intergroup dialogue: Engaging diversity of personal and social responsibility. Diversity and Democracy, 12(1), 4-6.
Intergroup Dialogue Professional Development (IDPD) The Intergroup Dialogue Experience (IDE) Our Facilitators The Intergroup Relations Institute at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Thursday, March 18th Friday, March 19th • Dr. Charles Behling • PhD in Psychology • Former Co-Director of the Intergroup Relations Institute Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator Training (IDFT) • Friday, April 9th • Saturday, April 10th • Dr. Jennifer Yim • PhD in Psychology & Women’s Studies • Director of the Global Scholar’s Program
Information and Questions • The Program of Intergroup Relations at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: http://www.igr.umich.edu/ • Contact Maria Bernal-Dobek:mbernald@broward.edu. Thank You!