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What is Intergroup Dialogue?

Intergroup Dialogues are workshops carefully structured to explore social group identity, conflict, community and social justice. Each intergroup dialogue involves extended conversations on identity groups defined by race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, etc.

How are IGD's structured?

Each identity group is represented in the dialogue by a balanced number of student participants, usually 5-7 participants from each group. Trained facilitators, one from each identity group, encourage dialogue rather than debate.

What formats are IGD presented in?

There are several different IGD formats. A dialogue series can be in an entire semester, 7-week, 3-week, weekend or a series tailored to meet an individual's specific needs. Dialogues can meet once a week or twice a week. Dialogue workshops typically last 3 hours per session.

What information is presented in an IGD?

Issues such as privilege, oppression, target vs. agent group, conflict and issues of social justice are explored. In addition, students examine and discuss topics that address issues and experiences relevant to the groups in the dialogue, in relation to both the University setting and society.

Why is the principle of dialogue used?

Dialogue is a key concept of the IGD program. Dialogue is important to the success of in-depth conversations about topics that can be difficult and uncomfortable. The dialogue format is different from debate or discussion in that dialogue attempts to broaden students' perspectives and have them look for shared meaning in experiences. Dialogue encourages students to learn from one another by exploring differences of opinions and experiences in an attempt for students to learn from one another.

What scholarly research is the IGD program built upon?

There is a substantial amount of scholarly research that supports the concept of engaging in extended dialogues with others in an effort for students to learn about their identity and the identity of others. Intercultural Relations' specific model of IGD is based on the work of scholars Patricia King and Marcia Baxter Magolda and their Model of Intercultural Maturity (2005).

What is the goal of the IGD program?

IGD aims to uncover the many differences and inequalities in the current American social structures and institutions. By uncovering and dialoging through these historical and current issues, IGD strives for students to collectively generate new ideas and processes for current and future social systems without perpetuating social inequalities. The ultimate goal for the IGD program is to have students take action and build bridges with a mindset of social justice.

Can an IGD program be tailored for a specific club/organization/group/office/program/etc.?

Yes, IGD programs can be specifically designed to meet the needs of specific student populations. The length of the dialogue series, along with the focus of the series, can be designed specifically for individual needs.

Who can engage in an IGD series?

Any student or student group is welcome to participate in the IGD program. Intercultural Relations encourages all segments of the Georgia State community to participate in the IGD program. Residential students, athletes, Greeks, international students, student employees and all other areas of the University community are encouraged to participate.

How do I set up an IGD?

To set-up an IGD program or learn more about the program, contact Matthew K. Robison, Assistant Dean of Students, Suite 330 of the Student Center.