The handbook offers insights about the practical approach of public dialogues, a concept developed by the NCPD. With this book, we hope to provide useful and accessible knowledge, rooted in real life experiences and practical examples.
The book has been developed as a resource to everyone interested in dialogue, peace, and conflict transformation. It can also be useful for those working with similar approaches or whose engagements concern that of public discourse, moderation, conflict work, communication, community building and organizing.
The handbook is written by Christiane Seehausen and Siri Syverud Thorsen. Agata Urbanik, Norunn Grande and Astrid Folkedal Kraidy have contributed with valuable input and proofreading.
Here you can download handbook: A practical approach to public dialogue
Conversations that matter
Over the years, while training and facilitating dialogue as a tool for conflict transformation, participants wanted to know if there was a way for dialogue to serve the general public, in addition to empower individuals navigating conflict situations. This request was the starting point for the development of our approach to public dialogues.
A public dialogue is a facilitated dialogue for the public about a topic of public interest. Deep listening and genuine follow-up questions are important ingredients in public dialogues. This approach is particularly useful for addressing sensitive, conflicted or controversial topics. By sharing personal stories and thoughts, the main goal is to build trust and better understanding across differences for those present.
Among other things, public dialogues can contribute to; less polarization and tensions in local communities; ensure inclusive processes and decision-making, create a safe space for conversations on challenging topics; highlighting important events and conversations in communities.
A doorway into a life-long learning process
The public dialogue approach is still a rather new concept and always evolving. With this book, NCPD wishes to embody some of the insights so far. Nevertheless, one of our wishes for this resource is for you to take what we have assembled and make it your own. We hope it can serve as a fundament for further development.
We want to emphasize that it is only a doorway into a life-long learning process that no-one ever graduates from. We invite you to study this book with the same mentality.
Join our trainings
Dialogue is not a skill that solely can be taught theoretically but rather needs to be practiced. We strongly recommend participating in at least one of our interactive trainings in this approach.
Here you will find information about upcoming trainings at the NCPD.
Next training in Public Dialogue will be held in September 23rd to 27th 2024.