Dialogue Tool Kit
The tool kit contains 8 activities each corresponding to a principle of dialogue. They are intended to be used by social workers or anyone working in the human rights arena to introduce, understand and practice dialogue with the goal of building trust while learning to listen, be empathic and understand another point of view. Click on each principle to view the activity.
1
Approaching conversations with an attitude of openness makes building relationships easier, allows one to gain better insight into other's thoughts and change one's own behavior.
2
Safe spaces refer both to physical and mental. There must be a balance of physical distance and human contact, an awareness of the balance of power in the room, absence of all forms of violence and enough time set aside to allow for dialogue.
3
Inclusion holds people accountable and gives a sense of belonging to the process. By including people with different backgrounds, a more diverse perspective is gained and the possibilities of finding collective solutions to issues increases.
4
Listen with kindness, a deep sense of respect and humility. Listening requires focus and presence. Do not let one's own thoughts and biases interfere with listening.
5
In dialogue, everyone's statements and opinions are equal. This implies any statement is valid because it comes from an individual's own perspective.
6
Asking questions is a way to understand one another because it is an opportunity to clearly communicate opinions, hopes, fears and experiences.
7
Dialogue provides and opportunity to put difficult topics on the table. It helps to build bridges and allow for constructive criticism in the form of questions that permits all to express their opinion.
8
Dialogue provides the space to overcome disappointment or difficulties and face future challenges in a constructive way.
