Dialogue Tool Box

The Tool Box includes exercises and practical tools that are based on PCP's approach to dialogue: "By 'dialogue' we mean a structured conversation (or series of conversations) that has the goals of improving communication, increasing mutual understanding, and shifting participants' relationships in a constructive direction."

The mission of PCP is "to foster a more inclusive, empathic and collaborative society by promoting constructive conversations and relationships among those who have differing values, world views, and positions about divisive public issues."

The Tool Box is organised into four sections:

Fundamentals

• Premises, Practices, and the Spirit Behind Them
• Distinguishing Debate From Dialogue: A Table

Questions to Ask Before the Dialogue

• Questions to Ask of Those Who Seek to Convene a Dialogue
• Talking with Potential Participants About the Conflict and their Hopes for Dialogue

Designing, Facilitating, and Following up Dialogues

• A Model for An Introductory Dialogue on Abortion
• Common Phases in an Opening Meeting
• Beginning a Dialogue Session: Go-Rounds and Questions
• Sample Ground Rules (Agreements) for Dialogue
• Self-Help Tools for Participators
• Guidelines for Facilitators
• A Sample Protocol for a Follow-up Interview

Other Exercises and Questions for Mulling

• The Exercise on Stereotyping
• Moving Beyond Polarization over Abortion: Steps You Can Take on Your Own
• Thinking about Strains Related to Class Differences
• The Uncertain Path to Dialogue: A Meditation

Click here for the Tool Box in PDF format [445k].