Intergroup Dialogues

Intergroup Dialogues is a program that is based off of a national model and is offered to Northeastern students through a partnership by the Office of Institutional Diversity & Equity, the Leadership Studies, and Student Affairs.

What are Intergroup Dialogues?
Intergroup Dialogues are on-going and open conversations with 8-12 Northeastern students focusing on deepening their understanding of this vibrant, diverse and global society. Each dialogue group has two students who are trained facilitators. The dialogues are honest conversations in a safe environment. Through these conversations, students will explore similarities and differences among people which will lead to insights that will serve Northeastern students throughout their lives as they impact our society.

Participants
Participation in Intergroup Dialogues gives you the opportunity to learn about the world in which we live and connects you with other students who are interested in learning about social identities such as gender, socio-economic status, and race. Students should be in their first three years of undergraduate education. To register to be a participant for the spring 2013 semester, click here and submit the form by January 23rd. 

Roles of Participants:

• Actively and honestly participate in the discussions.
• Support the ground rules and the co-facilitators.
• Remain open-minded.
• Attend six sessions of 1.5 hours each.

Facilitators
Being a facilitator can be an incredible opportunity. Facilitators should be in their third year of undergraduate education or above. To apply to be a facilitator for the spring 2013 semester, please click here (note you may need to log in to Orgsync first). You and your co-facilitator will lead six (6) Intergroup Dialogue sessions with a small group of 8-12 people.

Roles and Responsibilities of Facilitators:

• Serve as a guide for the session and keep the discussion moving and on topic.
• Assist group members with processing their ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
• Encourage group members to identify and discuss deeper issues.
• Facilitate ice breakers and group activities.
• Support ground rules developed by the group.
• Remain neutral on session content.
• Mediate conflict and support finding common ground.
• Ensure appropriate time management for each topic.
• Distribute curriculum and other materials to group members for each session.
• Prepare for your session with your co-facilitator. · Attend one training sessions.
• Attend one check in session.
• Facilitate all six group sessions.

Note: Training and materials are provided. You do not need to be an “expert” on the topic to co-facilitate sessions.

For more information on Intergroup Dialogues, please contact Chris McGill at c.mcgill@neu.edu.