Intergroup Dialogue Program at BC
Maria Bernal-DobekProfessional Development DayFebruary 19,
2010The Importance of Honest & Authentic Dialogue in a Diverse
Society1What 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.Hand them social identity profile and
packet as they walk in
2What is Intergroup Dialogue?A semi-structured process in which
participants explore:Commonalities and differences within and
between groupsIntergroup conflictsPossibilities 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.3A Peek into an Intergroup
DialogueWhats Race Got to Do with It?
University of California, Berkley (2006)
15-Week Dialogue Program
Multiple Identities Represented
Watch clip of video:Chapter 1, 3, 5, and 64Social Identity
ActivityEstablishing Ground Rules for DialogueSafety &
ConfidentialityComfortLearning EdgeConflict
Social Identity ProfileDialogue in small groupsRemember the
ground rules set at the beginning of dialogue
5Why 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., & Ziga, X. (2009).
Evaluation intergroup dialogue: Engaging diversity of personal and
social responsibility. Diversity and Democracy, 12(1), 4-6. 6Why is
dialogue important?Increased motivation to be actively engaged in
postcollege 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., & Ziga, X. (2009).
Evaluation intergroup dialogue: Engaging diversity of personal and
social responsibility. Diversity and Democracy, 12(1), 4-6.
7Intergroup Dialogue Professional Development (IDPD) The
Intergroup Dialogue Experience (IDE)Our FacilitatorsThe Intergroup
Relations Institute at the University of Michigan, Ann
ArborThursday, March 18thFriday, March 19th
Dr. Charles BehlingPhD in PsychologyFormer Co-Director of the
Intergroup Relations InstituteDr. Jennifer YimPhD in Psychology
& Womens StudiesDirector of the Global Scholars Program
Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator Training (IDFT)Friday, April
9thSaturday, April 10th
8Information and QuestionsThe Program of Intergroup Relations at
the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor:
http://www.igr.umich.edu/
Contact Maria Bernal-Dobek: [email protected].
Thank You!9
