History of Sustained Dialogue
Sustained Dialogue (SD) was brought to the Northwestern University campus by student activists as a way to promote courageous conversations across difference. SD is different from other education opportunities because it focuses on building relationships, identifying mismatches in lived experiences, and working together to find ways to improve campus culture even in moments when we do not agree with each other.
The program was born out of a very specific need to build relationships, learn more about how other students experience campus, and to find ways to illuminate the similarities and differences groups share through the lens of identity.
According to the Sustained Dialogue Institute: "Sustained Dialogue differs from other changemaking processes through its focus on understanding the nature of community relationships, which are often the 'problem behind the problem'. Individuals carry culture and stories that ultimately shape national behavior or institutional culture. "
- Practice staying present and engaged in moments of contention
- Learn ways to facilitate meaningful dialogue across difference
- Raise awareness of diversity and social justice issues
- Take action together