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Who We Are
The CU Dialogues Program, housed under CU Engage: The Center for Community-Based Learning and Research within the School of Education, supports the campus community by offering dialogues across differences, dialogue facilitation skill development, and strategic support for sustainable equity and inclusion capacity building.
What is a Dialogue?
A dialogue is a facilitated conversation that invites participants to share their own perspectives and experiences and listen to others with curiosity. We understand dialogue as a communicative process differences (Zuniga et al, 2001). In designing dialogue experiences, we draw on multiple dialogue frameworks, including the University of Michigan’s intergroup dialogue framework, the Sustained Dialogue Insitute’s sustained dialogue approach, and Essential Partners’ reflective structured dialogue method. We understand deliberative dialogue to be the practice of thoughtful analysis of problems through dialogue, with the aim of reaching consensus and enacting change (Burkhalter et al, 2002).
This infographic was informed by Ratnesh Nagda, Patricia Gurin, Jaclyn Rodriguez & Kelly Maxwell (2008), based on “Differentiating Dialogue from Discussion” and “Comparing Dialogue and Debate,” a paper prepared by Shelley Berman. Also used to inform this infographic was "Why the Dialogic Classroom" Copyright © 2023 Essential Partners.
“This is the most meaningful class that I have taken at CU. It's applicable to every aspect of my life. Every student at CU could benefit from a class like this and learn how to be a better, more resilient, more critical, and thoughtful human being.”
-Dialogue Across Difference course participant
"Equity-centered dialogue facilitation training has been one of the most impactful learning opportunities I've had in my career. The simple methods are effective and prioritize listening across and into difference. Conversations for action go further because we're hearing from more people."
-FBS facilitator/Admin team leader
“This has been an unexpectedly profound and important experience for me.I did not expect the extent to which this work would come to feel so vital to our shared work to advance equity, belonging, inclusion, civility, and anti- racism. I am part of work that is deeply important to my organization, which is gratifying and humbling.”
-OIT Dialogues Facilitator
