Sustained Dialogue Campus Network
Building an Inclusive, Engaged and Diverse Campus
What does Sustained Dialogue mean?
Sustained Dialogue brings together individuals from different groups in a repeated effort towards transforming conflicted relationships so that disagreements are constructively resolved.
Sustained Dialogue differs from conventional mediation or negotiation in two ways. First, it focuses on relationships rather than issues. Second, since relationships require a long time to change, Sustained Dialogue brings the same group of individuals together repeatedly over time to work through issues, allowing relationships to evolve.
At Emory & Henry, the SDCN is a mostly student-led initiative, supported by faculty and staff at the College. Collectively, moderators work to improve community relations.
Join us and develop skills of empathy and community building. Students are needed now as leaders and also as participants in the groups.
What are the benefits of Sustained Dialogue?
- The ultimate benefit is peace and reconciliation between the groups/individuals.
- Division of tension and more humane relationships between the groups/individuals are also beneficial outcomes.
- Sustained Dialogue helps to continually transform the dysfunctional relationships so that the groups/individuals can continue to work effectively together.
- Helps individuals relate productively to those who are racially and ethnically different than themselves.
Emory & Henry was awarded a grant through the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to develop a Sustained Dialogue Campus Network chapter. The SDCN is a nationwide effort that builds student leaders who work together across differences to bring about change on college campuses. Sustained Dialogue bridges divides through training, discussion and mentorship.