Intergroup Dialogue Project

What is the Intergroup Dialogue Project?
Intergroup Dialogue is intended to be a supportive space in which participants (and facilitators) can come to a clearer understanding of their relationship to structures of oppression. The facilitators work with the understanding that each individual is conscripted, or socialized, into their particular role within the system of oppression. This system, supporting “power over” relationships, privileges some, (agents), victimizes others, (targets), and manipulates everybody into upholding and perpetuating structures of oppression. Every person operates out of having internalized the role assigned to them.

Intergroup Dialogue is meant to be a space in which each participant can begin to separate themselves from their roles, empowering them to know themselves outside of their conscription. It is also intended to be a space in which each participant can work towards being aware enough of their socialization to transform their relationship to the structure of oppression, thereby transforming the structure itself. Intergroup Dialogue is meant to empower participants towards the creation of a more just world in which people choose their own path in life rather than unknowingly behaving according to their assigned roles.

Intergroup Dialogue at Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College started training students to facilitate intergroup dialogues in the residence halls in January 2001. This program continued in a variety of formats through the spring of 2004. The program went through a rebirth in the fall of 2006 when 6 brave facilitators were trained.  In spring 2007, they conducted their first peer-led dialogues and additional facilitators were trained and will be added to the current facilitator team to keep the program going.  We will have a dialogue facilitator training course during Fall 2008 and dialogue groups on race, race/class and gender/sexuality will be offered during Fall 2008.

Race/Class Dialogue - Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Explore individual identity and group membership, issues of commonalities, differences, conflicts and ways of working together with and across racial and social class differences. Other intersecting identities (race, gender, class, etc.) will be included in the dialogue.

Sexual Orientation Dialogue - Mondays, 4:30 - 7 p.m.
Explore and examine the range of sexual orientations through selected readings and dialogue with other students.  Dialogue will address the complexity of sexual orientation that incorporates social, cultural, institutional and political factors.  Dialogue and activities will increase participants self-awareness and understanding as well as provide an increased awareness of the impact of sexual orientation in daily life.  Other intersecting identities (race, gender,   class, etc.) will be included in the dialogue.

White Students Intragroup Dialogue - Mondays, 4 - 6:30 p.m.
Explore individual white identity and group membership, issues of commonalities, differences, conflicts and ways of working together with and across racial differences. Other intersecting identities (race, gender, class, etc.) will be included in the dialogue.

Students of Color / Multiracial Students Intragroup Dialogue - Wednesdays, 4- 6:30 p.m.
Explore individual identity and group membership, issues of commonalities, differences, conflicts and ways of working together with and across racial differences. Other intersecting identities (race, gender, class, etc.) will be included in the dialogue.

Get involved today by completing an application! Please fill out either a Participant Questionnaire (due Wednesday, Sept. 17) or Facilitator Questionnaire (Friday, Sept. 19).