Facilitated dialogue is small-group discussion, led by a facilitator, which enables people from all walks of life to talk deeply and personally about some of the major issues and realities that divide them. Dialogue is usually deliberative, involving the consideration of different viewpoints, and the weighing of various options for the purpose of reaching agreement on action steps or policy decisions.

People are leading deliberative dialogues across the globe in schools, churches, workplaces, and virtually every other venue imaginable. They are encouraging people to engage in dialogue about issues ranging from race relations in their communities and violence in their schools to how to handle the buildup of nuclear waste or the rapid rate of development in their region.

The dialogue process goes by many names. Here are just a few: civic engagement, public participation, study circles, community conversations, public discourse, honest conversations, deliberative discourse, community cafes. What they all have in common is the desire to bring people together to have healthy discussions that can lead to positive change rather than debates that polarize and fracture a community.

reprinted by permission from National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation

The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) is a Coalition of organizations and individuals who are committed to strengthening and uniting the growing dialogue and deliberation community. NCDD's website, at www.thataway.org, is an online resource center for organizers, facilitators, scholars and others who want to learn more about dialogue and deliberation or stay informed about what's happening throughout the field.

For more information about Dialogue:
www.thataway.org

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