Mediated Dialogue: Framework and toolkit, Practitioner Training

The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation

Peace and Conflict Resolution non-governmental organisation registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (1048990)

Type of Organisation: NGO

Mediated dialogue is an inter-group contact-based practice where groups who may be polarised or who need to repair relationships are brought together and facilitated through a dialogue process. It is an effective group facilitation and intergroup contact process to help reduce prejudice and improve social cohesion. It can be adapted for use within a wide variety of settings and target groups, either as a distinct intervention or as part of ongoing work with groups and individuals. For example, it can be applied to work with communities in dispute over use of space or anti-social behaviour issues, youth gangs, interfaith dialogues or where tensions exist between different ethnic groups. It is further applicable in situations where an existing relationship has broken down and repair or sensitive reengagement may be needed. 

The practice of mediated dialogue is situated within the wider social-psychology practice of intergroup contact theory, which states that creating space for meaningful contact between experiencing conflict can improve relations, reduce anxieties and fears of the ‘other’ and challenge prejudice between the in-group and outgroup. 

The process of mediated dialogue is one of creating meaningful contact through a series of dialogues. Dialogue gives space to neither confirm nor refute ‘prejudice’ but to move beyond the negative impressions forged from little or no meaningful contact. Dialogue desires for, and commits to, openness, movement and critical enquiry, all of which speaks to the potential for such interventions to prevent the solidifying of extremist attitudes/behaviour and thus the usefulness among the tools of CVE and youth work practice. 

The toolkit, training and additional one-to-one practitioner training and implementation support is offered to ensure that the resources are not used out of context or by those without sufficient training whilst allowing legitimate community practitioners to access valuable tools for use in community-based counterextremism and community cohesion. 

The framework outlines a multi-stage engagement and delivery process, supported by safeguarding guidance, facilitation instructions and planning materials.

The toolkit and training are for youth and community professionals and practitioners who have access to and work with groups and communities.

• Framework and toolkit Practitioner Guide
• Training
• 1:1 Personal Practice Development and implementation support

Address

The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre
Peace Drive
Great Sankey
Warrington
Cheshire
WA5 1HQ
United Kingdom

Contact person: Harriet Vickers
Telephone: +44 1925581231
infopeace-foundation [dot] org [dot] uk (Email) | Website