Who We Are | Why Dialogue? | Essay from Lawrence Berg
Why Dialogue?
Quotes on the significance of dialogue from the Network for Peace
 What's Dialogue Got To Do With Peace ?
By Laurence Berg
This struck me as an appropriate question to ask and try to answer when thinking about the work of the Network for Peace Through Dialogue. Here is one answer to that question.
Peace, itself, is not the last step in a long process that, once we reach it, we can just sit back and enjoy. It is a continuing, changing state that needs constant attention and effort. Hard work, perhaps, but a lot easier than war or fighting. But what does that work consist of? On the world stage, it is often called diplomacy, both formal and informal. At the local level, though we don't use the same fancy word, it's really the same thing: making meaningful contact with people we could be at odds with, letting them know what our issues are, and giving them a fair hearing, as well.
But why bother? Throughout history, examples of worthwhile diplomacy abound going back to ancient times. And in communities everywhere, worthwhile conversations also take place time and again. The quick answer is that it's good to identify common ground. But while finding common ground is always a good thing, it's not always enough to make people want to reach out to strangers.
The more important answer is in the idea that, when there is a risk of conflict, what each of us does can make the situation better or worse. There are many ways to do either, but in order to do anything positive, there has to be a conversation. And there's a bonus, too. When conflict is brewing, the fact is that we don't have to do anything to make things worse. We start imagining the worst in others and ignoring their good sides. The simple absence of contact sets us on a path of more and more division. On the other hand, simple staying in contact keeping the conversation going not only makes constructive change possible, but keeps things from getting worse.
It almost sounds too good to be true. And it's certainly so simple that it's often forgotten. Keeping the conversation going establishes relationships that are key to diffusing tension on short notice, creates opportunities to dispel misguided assumptions, and reminds everyone that, no matter how much we are bothered by our differences, we are still disagreeing with people who share the same basic needs and concerns as we do. Without an ongoing conversation, however, our disputes and disagreements are quickly hidden beneath a mountain of new accusations real and imagined.
This is not to say that any of this is easy at the global or local level. There are, of course, everyday examples of such connections that are informal and typically pass beyond our awareness. But sometimes, the issues are more complex, and more challenging. We're either faced with screaming and yelling (and even insults and abuse), or it seems so big, we don't know where to begin, or how we'll reach any end. This is where structured dialogue has an important role to play. Whether it is casual gatherings in coffee shops, or official meetings in town halls, issues of all kinds can be tackled helpfully and respectfully by people with any given diversity of views.
It's a marvelous thing when it happens and it happens more often and more easily than many people imagine.
Read More:
Why Dialogue?
What Constitues High Quality Dialogue?
7 Core Principles of Public Engagement
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