Democracy is founded on participatory process and freedom of speech. Traditionally the democratic process has used debate as the primary vehicle for speaking out. Debate, however, is by its very nature a polarized process. One of the goals of Interdependence Day is to support a shift from polarized debate to the collaborative process of dialogue. Below are listed some of the defining qualities of both debate and dialogue.

Debate

Listening to find flaws
Defends assumptions
Competitive
Win/Lose
Exclusive
Undermines
I'm right, you're wrong
Focus is on speaker's success