Preparing the Ground: First Steps for Successful Sustained Dialogue

​The Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI), a valued Member Organization of the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), offers a powerful methodology for addressing conflict and building stronger communities. With global reach, SDI’s approach fosters deeper understanding and long-term transformation across diverse settings. Read the blog post below to learn more.

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​In today's fractured social landscape, the need for effective dialogue across differences has never been more urgent. The Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI), an NCDD Member Organization, offers a proven methodology for addressing deep-rooted conflicts and building stronger communities through structured, ongoing conversations. Today, we're exploring the critical first steps of this powerful process.

What is Sustained Dialogue?

Sustained Dialogue (SD) is a conflict resolution and peacebuilding process centered on immersive engagement. Unlike one-off discussions or formal negotiations, SD involves structured, ongoing conversations designed to build trust and foster understanding over time. The process helps participants transform relationships and address the underlying systemic causes of conflict.
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SD is particularly valuable for addressing conflicts that aren't yet ready for formal mediation—situations involving identity, fear, historic grievance, and injustice. It creates spaces where everyday people outside of government can work to change conflictual relationships through regular, meaningful interaction.

The Impact of Sustained Dialogue

SDI's work has had significant reach and impact. Their methodology has been implemented in 12 countries internationally, 7 communities across the United States, 16 workplaces, and 125 college and university campuses. In total, SDI has led nearly 300,000 active or completed projects, fostering stronger relationships worldwide. Research indicates that participants in SD programs show improved understanding and greater commitment to collaborative community action. In workplace settings, SD has enhanced employee engagement. On campuses, participants gain diverse leadership skills and develop a stronger personal identity. In communities, SD has fostered relationships that support social, economic, and political development.

Defining Your Purpose and Mapping the Community

​The first step in preparing for Sustained Dialogue involves defining your purpose while listening deeply to community needs. Begin by identifying areas of division and challenges where collective dialogue could make a difference. SD has been successfully applied to building collective voice among marginalized groups, developing treaties in violent conflicts, addressing economic development challenges, resolving resource disputes, and rebuilding relationships after community divisions. The key is identifying a local challenge that requires diverse, willing participants to build relationships and envision new paths forward.
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Alongside defining purpose, community mapping involves documenting relationships and dynamics without stereotyping. Consider which groups need healthier relationships, who's already involved with the issue, who holds power and influence, whose voices are typically absent, who would be most directly impacted, and which groups might be difficult to engage directly. This mapping should include visual representations of relationships between groups and identify key individuals for preliminary conversations about dialogue possibilities.

Project Mapping and Addressing Barriers

Consider who should and shouldn’t participate in the initial dialogue, taking community dynamics into account. Project initiators can remove barriers, legitimize the process, and provide financial support. Potential conveners can organize, legitimize, and financially support the project. Two trained local co-moderators will facilitate sessions and build legitimacy. Invite about 18 people to get a final group of 8-15 willing participants who can follow agreements and help legitimize the process. Identify and address barriers for both moderators and participants. For moderators, consider logistical issues, emotional needs, educational preparation, and political support. For participants, anticipate logistical considerations, emotional needs, educational preparation, and community support. Plan conversations to address concerns and build readiness.

Moving Forward with Confidence

​By thoroughly addressing these "WHO" questions in Stage 1, you lay a strong foundation for the remaining stages of the Sustained Dialogue process. This preparatory work increases confidence and the possibility of success before anyone comes to the table. Remember that Sustained Dialogue is designed to tackle the most challenging human conflicts—those involving deeply held identities, historical grievances, and systemic injustices. By thoughtfully preparing the ground, you create the conditions for transformation that formal mediation and negotiation often cannot achieve.

​For more information or assistance with implementing Sustained Dialogue in your community, visit sustaineddialogue.org or contact [email protected].

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This article is adapted from the Sustained Dialogue Institute's Stage 1 worksheet. View it here: Link.