The IJPC Small Group Dialogue Process

Topically-focused discussions are guided by trained, impartial facilitators for the purpose of increasing mutual respect and understanding among diverse people and promoting civic engagement.

Round 1: Introductions 

Review of the Agreements (see below), the foundation for our dialogues, and the process. The facilitator’s role is to ensure the group abides by the Agreements, creates a comfortable experience, and provides the opportunity for all to speak (recognizing that while it is enriching when all participate, it is also honorable to pass.)

Round 2: Listen and Be Heard

Everyone who wishes to express their thoughts or advocate a position has a chance to do so. To encourage true listening, Reflective Listening is used in this round. Reflective Listening is paraphrasing what the previous speaker has shared before sharing their position on the topic.

Round 3: Genuine Questions

The chance to ask genuine and respectful questions of one another or the group about what was heard in Round 2. The person who is asked a question restates it before responding in order to ensure understanding of the question.

Round 4: Reflection

A brief closing in which the group is asked a final question prompting reflection upon the topic and experience. The group also completes evaluations.

The spirit of IJPC Dialogue events are characterized by the following AGREEMENTS:

Open-Mindedness: Listen to and respect all points of view.

Acceptance: Suspend judgment as best you can.

Curiosity: Seek to understand rather than persuade.

Discovery: Question old assumptions, look for new insights.

Sincerity: Speak for yourself about what has personal heart and meaning.

Brevity: Go for honesty and depth but don’t go on and on.

Confidentiality: Respect and honor the rights and privacy of all participants.

Adapted and revised from original source: Conversation Café.

Debate vs. Dialogue

Assuming there is a right answer and you have it	Assuming many people have pieces of the answer; together they can craft a solution
Combative: Participants attempt to prove other side wrong	Collaborative: Participants work together toward growth
About winning	About exploring common ground
Listening to find flaws and make counter-arguments	Listening to understand, find meaning and agreement
Defending assumptions as truth	Revealing assumptions for re-evaluation
Critiquing the other side’s position	Re-examining all positions
Defending one’s own views against those of others	Admitting that others’ thinking can improve on one’s own
Searching for flaws and weaknesses in others’ positions	Searching for strengths and value in others’ positions

Source: Swidler, Leonard. The Dialogue Decalogue:
Ground Rules for Interreligious Dialogue