Dialogue

Why is dialogue important?

Dialogue and deliberation are important civic skills and tools for creating a stronger democracy. Participation in dialogue can lead to the mind-sets and skill sets necessary for addressing complex social and public policy issues. Those who participate in dialogue achieve a variety of outcomes such as developing mutual understanding, negotiation of competing values, and taking collaborative action (Carcasson & Sprain, 2016).

Surveys of young people in recent years have indicated that while young people are speaking to their peers about elections and politics, a majority of students said they were reluctant to discuss politics, race, and other controversial topics in class settings (Stiksma, 2021).

Engage in Dialogue at UNCG

Deliberative Dialogue Moderator Training for Staff & Faculty

To further the culture and practice of deliberative pedagogy on campus, the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement has trained a group of staff and faculty that are able to moderate deliberative dialogues. Please direct any questions to Kristina Gage, Associate Director for Civic Engagement, [email protected].

Spartans in Dialogue – Sustained Dialogue

The Office of Intercultural Engagement offers a 5-week interactive dialogue experience called Spartans-in-Dialogue designed to build relationships across difference. Students who want to participate and staff or faculty who are interested in facilitating can find more information on their website.

Ashby Dialogues

The College of Arts & Sciences hosts Ashby Dialogues to implement the vision of the late Warren Ashby that the University should be a community of inquiry, with faculty and students engaged in the pursuit of understanding both in and out of the classroom. Learn more about upcoming and past dialogues on their website.