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Dialogue

Tufts community members engage in dialogue about inclusivity in their community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tufts University, founded in 1852, was envisioned as a “light on a hill.” Guided by our motto, Pax et Lux (Peace and Light) motto, we strive to ensure this light continues to shine for each member of our community. At Tufts, students, staff and faculty work together to seek understanding, embody peace and bring light to one another and the world. Dialogue helps our community live up to the ideals of ‘peace and light’ by inviting us to reflect on what these words mean in practice - to further bring together a diverse world plagued by polarization. Dialogic practices create pathways for understanding, connection and mutual respect between community members, even when differences of opinion and lived experiences remain. 

At Tufts, dialogue has many purposes, and every person is encouraged to think critically about its impact. It is appropriate to consider several approaches and the purpose of a dialogue to determine if you would like to engage. Dialogue can help us:

  • Deepen understanding of each others' experiences and views
  • Prepare a group to address a common problem
  • Broaden the range of ideas of a topic under consideration
  • Debunk dominant narratives and counter negative stereotypes
  • Build trust as a precondition for critical inquiry and debate
  • Motivate participants to work for change

Programs and Initiatives:

In the Spring of 2024, the University launched an initiative called Tufts Talks Openly to open our lines of communication in the spirit of dialogic practice. Our expanded dialogic programs through OVPIIE offer community members opportunities to engage in learning across differences to create a more inclusive university. We invite you to explore these opportunities below. 

Resources

In addition to our yearly programming, dialogues are also available by request for your team or unit. If this is something you’re interested in or you would like to speak to an IIE team member about, please fill out our consultation form.

The concept and practice of dialogue has existed at Tufts University for decades. The following toolkit is part of a larger institutional strategy to create pathways for understanding and connection between community members. In the toolkit, you will find an overview of dialogue at Tufts, including definitions, frameworks, and resources, to help you identify opportunities to engage these practices in our community.

Read the full IIE Toolkit for Dialogue here.