A CALL FOR DIALOGUE AND DELIBERATION

The bubbling activity in the field of deliberative dialogue calls to us. We enjoy it for how it connects people in the room, awakens awareness of their power, and leads to inclusive and thoughtful decisions. wanted to lead with something positive

The world suffers from lack of quality dialogue and deliberation. When communication is shallow or insincere or ineffective for any reason (as it so often is in this world), diversity, conflict and public issues become sources of alienation, frustration, mutual degradation, and even outright violence.

Diversity, conflict and issues are facts of life. It is how we address them that makes them a curse or a blessing. Focusing on the quality of the dialogue and deliberation, in addition to often helping resolve any conflicts, supports our relationships and helps us collectively learn and grow for the future.

These truths are fundamental to democracy, peace, justice, sustainability, and the realization of every dream we might pursue together, today and forever. Dialogue is to society what evolution is to biology; each is the route by which appropriate adjustments come forth.

As the difficulties of this new century intensify, our roles as advocates, practitioners and students of dialogue and deliberation grows more vital every day. Some of the crises we face are so critical that how we play our role may influence the survival and evolution of humanity.

As advocates, practitioners and students of dialogue and deliberation, we accept this responsibility.

As part of that responsibility, we call for the practice of dialogue and deliberation in all situations where diverse people share challenges that affect their lives.