Unite Through Conversation: Sustained Dialogue Institute's Summer Dialogue Series

This June, the Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI), an esteemed member of NCDD, is hosting a four-part virtual training series to equip participants with the tools and techniques of Sustained Dialogue. Beginning June 9, 2025, this hands-on training offers in-depth learning on how to bridge divides and foster constructive dialogue in communities, campuses, and workplaces. Designed for both new and experienced facilitators, this opportunity empowers individuals to create safe spaces, navigate complex conversations, and lead change through relational, action-oriented dialogue. Read more in the blog post below.

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​The Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI), a valued NCDD Member organization, is offering their comprehensive Summer Mondays Virtual Sustained Dialogue Training series beginning June 9, 2025. This four-session training provides participants with the skills and methodology to facilitate meaningful dialogue across divides in various community settings.

​Training Details

The series consists of four 4-hour sessions held on Mondays from 1-5pm EDT (10am-2pm PDT):

• June 9: Part 1
• June 16: Part 2
• June 23: Part 3
• July 7: Part 4 (Note: No session on June 30)

What You'll Learn

Participants will gain expertise in the 5-stage Sustained Dialogue process developed during the Camp David Peace Accords. This methodology has been successfully implemented on 60 campuses, in at least 12 communities, and various workplaces globally. The training covers:
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• Understanding dialogue principles and when they work effectively
• Using relational lenses for facilitation and conflict understanding
• Recruiting participants and creating safe dialogue spaces
• Developing active listening skills
• Exploring identity and background considerations
• Asking powerful questions in facilitation
• Managing emotional regulation and debunking skills
• Addressing power dynamics for equitable facilitation
• Leading community root cause analysis
• Facilitating action planning

Who Should Attend

This training is ideal for:

• Co-facilitator pairs seeking to address divisions in campus, workplace, or community settings
• Leaders looking to convene and facilitate productive conversations around conflict
• Anyone interested in building skills to transform intergroup divides

No prior facilitation experience is required, though participants should be prepared to listen deeply, regulate their emotional responses, work collaboratively, and remain open to feedback.

About Sustained Dialogue

The Sustained Dialogue process was designed by former diplomat Dr. Harold Saunders as a civic peace process centered on bringing together individuals from conflicting groups. Through systematic dialogue—not negotiation—participants explore relationship dynamics, identify obstacles to change, and design interactive steps to overcome these barriers.
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As an NCDD Member, the Sustained Dialogue Institute continues to build capacity for groups navigating divides around race, ethnicity, power, religion, and other challenging topics in communities worldwide.

Registration Information

Space is limited to 46 participants, so early registration is encouraged. Participants should commit to attending all four sessions. The training will be conducted via Zoom, with flexible participation options available.

For more information or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-mondays-virtual-sustained-dialogue-training-1-5p-edt10-2p-pdt-tickets-1256768752169?aff=oddtdtcreator