Intergroup Dialogue (Race/Ethnicity, Gender, Class/Rank)

Intergroup dialogues have been occurring on our campuses with students in the past few years, and the ongoing research on this learning experience suggests that these dialogues are having a positive impact on students’ ability to interact effectively with others who are different from themselves in many dimensions of social identity (i.e. race, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, etc). Based on this promising research, we are interested in providing similar opportunities for staff and faculty as one way to develop more open and diverse campuses.
 
What is intergroup dialogue?
Intergroup dialogue is a facilitated discussion that brings people together from varied backgrounds to explore their commonalities and differences in new and meaningful ways. These dialogues examine the nature and impact of social inequities, address issues of conflict, and explore ways of working together toward greater equality and justice. They strive to promote the sharing of personal information, meaningful conversation, and critical examination of challenging issues. Intergroup dialogues aim to build relationships and foster learning from different perspectives.

Who facilitates the Dialogues?
Sessions are led by staff members who participated in facilitator training at the Five College IGD Summer Institute.   Smith facilitators include administrative assistants, deans, directors, assistant directors, program and area coordinators.  All staff and faculty are welcome to apply to IGD Facilitator Training offered during the summer by the Five College Collaborative, in partnership with the Social Justice Program of the UMASS School of Education, and with support from Five College Human Resources and Diversity Directors.

Registering for Dialogues
Click on the "Register Online" link below. You will be taken to an online registration form. Select the Dialogues that you would like to participate in and Submit the form. You may sign up for 1 or all of the Dialogues but note that Class/Rank is being offered twice on separate dates.

All dialogues are limited to 15 participants. Sign up early!