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COUNCIL FOR DIALOGUE

Improving Public Discourse
on Controversial Issues in our Society

Believing that dialogue can promote a cohesive community and that differences need not divide, we bring people with opposing positions on issues of public concern into structured, respectful conversation.

In a world of polarizing differences over issues such as race, religion, sexuality, security and privacy, Council for Relationships is undertaking a new initiative. The aim of Council for Dialogue is to bring together small groups of people within a given community. We will work with schools, libraries, religious communities, companies or others who are divided over a significant public issue. 

While derision and power plays often characterize debate and political action, the Council for Dialogue is committed to promoting respectful discussion and meaningful connection. We believe that differences need not divide. We will help people change how they discuss deeply held beliefs and opinions without altering the substance of their perspective. We believe that changing the structure of dialogue about controversial issues can diminish polarization and promote civil communities. The goal is to have a structured conversation and respect differences while sustaining a cohesive community. 

This new service is geared to the public arena and will expand on CFR's experience of helping people over the past 72 years. The Council for Dialogue will draw on their expertise of working with distressed couples and families wishing to change unproductive patterns of communication. We are collaborating with the Public Conversations Project, a Boston-based organization that has developed and refined a unique approach to difference over the past 14 years. In this way of working, a structure for conversation is carefully planned in advance with leaders of a specific community. The goal is to change the tone and shift the discussion, not to change the minds or opinions of the participants. Questions which help participants to reflect on their own and others' beliefs and opinions prepare the way for a guided, respectful dialogue which creates trust, increases understanding and can lead to collaborative action. 

This information is sent to you with the hope that you will have an idea or know of a situation in your personal or professional world where the Council for Dialogue may be useful. We are eager to utilize this innovative approach. 

For more information, please contact Margaret Shapiro @ 215-382-6680 x3118 or by e-mail at mshapiro@councilforrelationships.org.