Hicks and Kaplowitz release new guide
July 26, 2024 | By Nick Pfost
In times of deep division, the need for constructive communication across differences is cast into sharp relief. Too many find they don’t really know how to do so in a way that advances understanding and the public good—and the consequences have unfolded in plain view.
A new groundbreaking book offers a critical hope. Facilitating Transformational Dialogues: Creating Socially Just Communities delves into the art and science of fostering conversations that transcend superficial differences, build mutual understanding, and drive social change and repair. It provides educators, facilitators, and organizational leaders with practical strategies and theoretical insights to facilitate effective and empathetic dialogues.
The book is also a hands-on resource that can be used by social workers, corporate trainers, and community organizers. With detailed case studies, illustrative examples, and step-by-step guides, it equips all readers with the skills to initiate and sustain meaningful conversations that inspire change and foster inclusivity.
Facilitating Transformational Dialogues is an edited volume from Stephanie Hicks and Donna Rich Kaplowitz, lecturer and associate director at The Program on Intergroup Relations. It features a foreword by social justice advocate Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum and contributions by leading scholars and practitioners: Kristie Ford, Kelly Maxwell, Sara Crider, danny alvarez, Christina Morton, Meaghan Wheat, Deborah Slosberg, Monita Thompson, Cesar Vargas-Leon, Mark Chesler, Roger Fisher, Erika Crews, Michael Kaplowitz, Charles Liu, Anna Yeakley, Trey Boynton, Taryn Petryk, Tazin Daniels, Shana Shoem, Alice Mishkin, Rima Hassouneh, Charles Behling, Sariah Metcalfe, and adrienne maree brown. The book also included an intergenerational dialogue about dialogue with founders Tatum, Patricia Gurin, and Ximena Zúñiga and emerging leaders Emely Hernandez Rubio, Ollie Jayakar, Cesar Vargas-Leon, and Meaghan Wheat.
Hicks and Kaplowitz bring deep experience in projects focused on social justice education and intergroup dialogue facilitation. Their combined expertise also draws from extensive research and practical application in higher education and community settings.
Facilitating Transformational Dialogues is available now through Teachers College Press. A celebration of the book will take place this fall in Ann Arbor.
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