Deliberate Dialogue
Goal:
To assess an individual's tendency and ability to engage constructively with others, participate in group or community life, foster understanding across differences, and contribute positively to collective well-being and social bonds. This draws upon concepts of social engagement, community, dialogue, and prosocial contributions. This resource can be undertaken in addition to the other empathy assessments on self empathy and empathy for others.
Key Areas for Assessment:
Social Engagement and Participation: Questions about involvement in community activities, groups, or civic processes. Participating as a member of larger society. Taking action for the benefit of others or the community.
Intergroup Relations and Tolerance: Items assessing comfort interacting with people from different backgrounds or with different viewpoints. Valuing social tolerance. Beliefs about understanding commonalities across different groups.
Sense of Community: Questions adapted from the Sense of Community Index (SCI), assessing feelings of belonging, togetherness, importance to a group (influence), having needs met by a group, and shared emotional connection within specific communities (e.g., neighbourhood, workplace, social group).
Constructive Dialogue: Items assessing willingness to consider perspectives different from one's own. Actively listening to others. Learning from people who are different.
Belief in Collective Impact: Questions about the belief that working together can achieve positive change in society or within a community.
Contributing to Well-being: Items about actions taken to benefit others or contribute to shared well-being. Mentoring or supporting others.
The assessment, where each line item can be rated and considered individually, serves several important and often interrelated purposes which you can reflect upon as you rate yourself against each element:
Fostering Empathy and Understanding
Encourages active listening and perspective-taking.
Reduces stereotyping, bias, and “othering.”
Building Inclusive and Cohesive Communities
Supports multiculturalism, pluralism, and coexistence.
Promotes a culture of mutual respect and shared values.
Developing Global Citizenship
Encourages responsibility, curiosity, and openness toward difference.
Reinforces the idea that disagreement is not disrespect—and that shared dialogue allows for the holding of tensions.
Enhancing Leadership Skills
Exposure to diverse perspectives deepens critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity.
Dialogue skills are critical for effective leadership, inter-cultural competencies, and innovation.
Improving Conflict Resolution and Collaboration
Fosters skills in mediation, de-escalation, and bridge-building.
Strengthens team dynamics across differences in race, religion, politics, etc
Identifies barriers such as fear, misinformation, or lack of exposure.
DELIBERATE DIALOGUE
These short prompts assess an individual’s willingness to engage in dialogue with people different from them. Recommendations for each indicator are outlined for consideration in your attempt to improve your willingness and ability to engage in dialogue with people who are different to you.
“I believe it is important to listen patiently to perspectives from people with very different life experiences than mine, even if I disagree.” Connects to the ability to engage in macro perspective-taking. A good place to start would be to start reading several sources on a particular issue.
“I try to understand the historical background and systemic conditions that contribute to current social inequalities.” Draws on contextual understanding. You could engage in further investigation into social inequalities for different groups and their historical evolution, from several perspectives.
I am willing to engage in conversations about issues of “otherness” (e.g., race, class, religion, gender identity) and how they impact people.” Directly uses the concept of “otherness” and its social construction. You could seek a deeper understanding of otherness by reading accounts of otherness across these intersectionalities.
“I believe that open dialogue between people from different backgrounds can help build a stronger, more connected society.” Focuses on the goal of social cohesion and the role of dialogue. Consider reading about examples of the benefits of dialogue.
“I am willing to speak up against prejudice or discrimination, even if it feels challenging or uncomfortable.” Relates to social responsibility and social justice. You could further investigate the impacts of bystander interventions and perspectives of those who have felt prejudice or discrimination.
“I seek out opportunities to interact with people from cultures, communities, or identity groups different from my own.” Connects to broadening macro self-other awareness. Go and visit other faith and cultural/community centres to learn more about different cultures, communities and identities to your own. Go to festivals and events run by people who are different to you.
“I believe that addressing issues of systemic inequality requires collective action and dialogue.” Links contextual understanding and social responsibility/justice to action. Get involved in multi-faith and multicultural initiatives in your community.
Further reflective prompts include:
What feelings or beliefs about engaging in difficult conversations stand out to you?"
Do you read/watch a variety of sources to understand different perspectives?
Where have you felt challenged when trying to understand or communicate with people from different backgrounds?
What worries or inner critic voices come up when you think about speaking about sensitive topics?
How does your comfort level with difficult conversations relate to your beliefs about addressing systemic inequalities or promoting social justice?