The International Institute for Sustained Dialogue (IISD)

What they do:

“Sustained Dialogue (SD) is a systematic, open-ended political process to transform relationships over time. It conceptualizes of three decades of experience with dialogue among citizens outside government in such relationships. SD differs from most other approaches to problem-solving and conflict resolution in two ways. First, it focuses on transforming relationships that cause problems and conflict - relationships that may appear calm but are undermined by destructive interactions for a variety of reasons. Second, it offers a process that unfolds through five stages in a series of meetings. It may be used in national, community, corporate, or campus settings.”

International Institute of Sustained Dialogue (IISD)

“A systematic, open-ended political process to transform relationships over time. It conceptualizes of three decades of experience with dialogue among citizens outside of government in such relationships.” -Two different approaches:

1.Focuses on transforming relationships that cause problems, create conflicts,..

2.Presents a 5 stage process

• a. people decide they want to change a relationship, agree to talk

• b. participants come together to talk

• c. figure out what problems need to be focused on first, more talk about changes that need to be made

• d. design steps to make a change, what will be outcome, consequences

• e. give plan to people involved who can really help

In 1999, students who wanted to improve race relations on their campuses started using Sustained Dialogue

Colleges/Universities that have SD: Princeton University, UVA, Dickinson College, West Virginia University, University of Notre Dame, Colorado College, Denison University