Respectful Dialogue Toolkit

Respectful Dialogue Toolkit: How to Foster Meaningful Conversation Across Difference

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion strives to inspire our Ohio State community to engage deeply, with integrity and respect, when having crucial conversations about our world. Whether it is conversations in the classroom, the residence hall, the workplace, or at the kitchen table, we encourage the exchange of diverse ideas, perspectives, and views. Academic freedom is a core value of our institution, and The Ohio State University is committed to creating learning opportunities in which all members of the university community can engage in frank, meaningful discussions with others.

What is Respectful Dialogue?

Respectful dialogue is engagement in honest, thoughtful, and reflexive conversation with the goal of understanding one another. By combining dialogic skills with active listening and an understanding of the diversity of experiences that shape our world, we strive to create conversational spaces where we can effectively communicate across differences and boundaries and learn from one another. Each person strives to operate with curiosity, authenticity, and vulnerability, to own the impact of their words, and to embrace the shared values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Workshops to Learn How to Foster Inclusive Dialogue

From Debate to Dialogue

From Debate to Dialogue: Conversation Strategies to Build Connection Across Difference is a cross-institutional training series presented by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's Strategic Diversity Planning, Training and Assessment unit and American University's Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning.

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Navigating Difficult DEI Conversations

Difficult conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) range from conceptual to conflict resolution. This workshop offers participants the opportunity to learn what is important to consider when having difficult DEI conversations and offers concrete tools to avoid harmful conversations in favor of healing ones.

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Goals for respectful dialogue for instructors, staff, and students

Instructors

  • Create inclusive classrooms

  • Model respectful discourse

  • Actively listen and respond compassionately

  • Collaborate to contribute to curriculum and department mission

Staff

  • Engage with Ohio State community members with respect and dignity

  • Actively listen and respond compassionately

  • Collaboratively contribute to unit mission

  • Create positive connections across campus

Students

  • Engage in class with respect and dignity

  • Actively listen and respond compassionately

  • Engage with peers and living companions

  • Engage cooperatively in student organizations

Watch These Webinars to Learn More

In July 2020, The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Facilitators Group sponsored two panels about facilitating dialogues. Part I, How to Prepare for an Effective Dialogue session focused on the specific steps people can take to setup an effective dialogue session. Part II focused on specific skills and strategies that people can use to ensure participants engage appropriately and effectively in dialogue.

Part I

How to Prepare for an Effective Dialogue Session

Watch Part I: How to Prepare for an Effective Dialogue Session
Part II

Best Practices and Strategies for Hosting an Effective Dialogue

Watch Part II: Best Practices and Strategies for Hosting an Effective Dialogue
Political Conversations in the Workplace with Dr. Gerald Saffo and Debra Saffo

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted a workshop on political conversations in the workplace.

Watch Political Conversations in the Workplace with Dr. Gerald Saffo and Debra Saffo