Dialogue
Tufts University, founded in 1852, was envisioned as a “light on a hill” Pax et Lux- Peace and Light). In seeking to understand and demonstrate ‘peace and light,’ faculty, staff, and students at Tufts work together to illuminate each other and the world. Dialogue encourages communities to move toward ‘peace and light’ by considering what these words mean in action, perhaps especially in a diverse and polarized world. Dialogic practices at Tufts create pathways for understanding and connection between community members, even when differences of opinion and lived experiences remain.
Dialogic practices at Tufts create pathways for understanding and connection between community members, even when differences of opinion and lived experiences remain.
Dialogue has many purposes and every person is encouraged to think critically about its impact. It is appropriate to consider several approaches and think critically about the purpose of engaging in dialogue. Dialogue can help us:
- Deepen understanding of each others' experiences and views
- Center groups that have been historically marginalized
- Prepare a group to address a common problem
- Broaden the range of ideas of a topic under consideration
- Counter negative stereotypes
- Build trust as a precondition for critical inquiry and debate
- Motivate participants to work for change
Resources
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, even when differences of opinion and lived experiences remain. In the toolkit, you will find an overview of dialogue at Tufts, including definitions, frameworks, and resources, to help you identify opportunities to engage with these practices in our community.
Programs
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 offer community members opportunities to engage in learning across differences to create a more inclusive university. We invite you to explore these opportunities below. Our office can also provide dialogues 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 dialogic practices please fill out our consultation form.