We will share our resources, assessment models, and information with other universities through the Web site. We look forward to great success with the IDLP here at UM, and hope that, like existing dialogue programs at the previously mentioned universities, it will serve as a model for other institutions who wish to enhance the educational and experiential landscapes of their learning environments. Many graduate students want and need the experience of working with diverse groups and will have a lot to contribute as facilitators. For example, Counseling Psychology and Social Work graduate students are required to have a certain number of group practice hours and would be ideal for undertaking intergroup dialogue facilitation. Think about what will motivate your students to attend 6 weeks or more of dialogues.
Successful dialogues depend on the quality and experience of facilitators.
Provide comprehensive opportunities for training before the dialogues and follow-up after the program is over. The who, what, when, where, and how. These tips were provided by Kelly Maxwell and are based on the Arizona State University intergroup dialogue model. She has coordinated the Voices of Discovery Intergroup Dialogues program since 1997. Kelly is currently working on her dissertation and is on the job market for a full time position.