Have a dialogue in 3D

• What do we mean by dialogue?

  A dialogue in 3D takes the form of an organized conversation, guided by a moderator/dialogue supervisor in which an attempt is made to create mutual understanding. During a dialogue, participants can become more receptive to views of others and empathize with the other person. In its strongest form, dialogue brings participants into a transformative state of engagement and movement.

• Why is dialogue important?

  Dialogue can be used when parties can no longer enter conversation together and their contact can potentially escalate. Dialogue can connect groups and clarify the focus on a common goal. Dialogue can be an effective means for a board to invite students and employees to participate to hear their multiple voices. However, dialogue is not a panacea. It is a process and not a one-time solution to resolve tensions within a community.

• When is dialogue used?

  Dialogue is used to (proactively) expose situations that may divide the academic community of VU Amsterdam. Dialogues can be used to map the voices of minorities. Dialogue can be used in cases of tension, friction and polarization and can be a suitable form to bring parties closer together.

• Is there room for differences and irreconcilable positions in the dialogue?

  Multiple conversations are often necessary to keep a conversation going between groups that are on opposing sides. Often preparatory conversations are needed to before a party is willing to enter into the conversation.

• When do you have a dialogue behind closed doors?

  When a subject is particularly sensitive or concerns a very vulnerable group, a dialogue should take place privately.  

• What does it take to have a good dialogue?

  Clear conversation rules

  Acceptance of these conversation rules

  Good moderator

  Willingness to listen

  Open attitude

  Involvement

  Willingness to accept the potential discomfort of the conversation

• Dialogue rules of engagement

  • We have a responsibility to our entire academic community
  • We ask for clarification and are willing to explain ourselves to others
  • We are okay with discomfort, no matter how uncomfortable it may be
  • We think before we speak, knowing that words can be harmful
  • We practice the art of deep listening, which means we strive to understand the speaker's perspective. We do this by suspending judgment and being willing to receive new information from the speaker
  • We look for ways to broaden our perspectives
  • We accept that participating in the conversation is more important than the need to be right
  • We remain aware that our language must be productive and not corrosive
  • We i mto further the conversation with our contribution
  • This meeting is not intended for political activism, but we will not exclude those who consider themselves activists or politically involved
  • We are aware of hierarchy but strive to limit its role in this conversation. For all participants, all lives are precious and have equal value
  • There is room for emotions during this conversation, but we strive not to act out when emotional
  • We all have our own opinions, but let's remain aware that someone else may experience a different reality

• Use our Dialogue Tool!

  We made a special dialogue guidebook to get your started!

Contact 3D

Dialogue & connection

3D@vu.nl

See our calendar @ VU.nl/3D

W&N Building

You'll find the entrance on Campus Square, just across the volleyball court.

De Boelelaan 1085

1081 HV Amsterdam

Contact

• Miranda van Holland
• Programme Director 3D & Teamlead NEWConnective
• +31 (0)6 29 06 29 80
• 3D@vu.nl