18 May 2009
Why Dialogue?
Dialogue as relational communication
Dialogue is face-to-face gatherings of people meeting to address collective challenges, with facilitators using dialogue tools as a method to create a safe space that opens for new ways to communicate and relate to each other. It is a special form of communication using active listening and respectful, honest speaking. The goal is not to win (as in a discussion) or to create an agreement (as in negotiation), but to share and learn from each other, see from different point of views and get new perspectives. Most importantly, it is a way of addressing collective challenges that at the same time addresses each others humanity. One communicates not only impersonal opinions, but take part in the dialogue 'as a whole person' with a life-history, personal experiences and valuable complex emotions. This makes Dialogue different from simply problem-solving or peace education workshops; it is not only learning or engaging in creative joint thinking, it is also a way of relating to each other as individuals and not representatives from a certain group or side in a conflict. The Dialogue process creates new experiences that will change both the individuals and the group, as for instance changed perspectives, new ways of dealing with a conflict situation, and a we-feeling crossing old divisions. Through the participants the changes can transfer outside the Dialogue group.Dialogue as an open-ended process influencing social change
The Dialogue process is dynamic and open-ended, not attached to specific outcomes, but at the same time with clarity on why the group is coming together. Many practitioners describes it as a process going through phases, and the facilitators role is then, when the moment is ripe, to guide the group to the next phase. Often Dialogue is used in a conflict situation to break down walls of stereotypes, prejudices and fears. As there have been an increasingly attention to the difficulties/impossibility of solving all aspects of a conflict in traditional peace negotiations, there have been a greater focus on other kinds of peace efforts. Dialogue have been used strategically as complimentary to an official (forthcoming) peace process. The unofficial and relational nature of Dialogue makes it possible to more directly address needs and fears, and arrive at creative solutions transcending locked zero-sum perspectives, and is thus an effective way of influencing social change.Attached posts:
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