Conducting dialogue with NEWConnective and 3D

NEWConnective organizes dialogues for and with students on campus. In doing so, we aim to make difficult conversation topics on campus discussable. These may be societal issues that could divide us as a community or subjects where certain groups don't feel heard. Many of these discussions take place in collaboration with 3D, the dialogue platform of the VU.

The Socratic dialogues organized by NEWConnective are aimed at students and often have a philosophical perspective. In other words, these dialogues make room for your personal beliefs. The focus can also be on political (activism) or more socio-cultural (coexistence) topics. Similarly, a dialogue could address existential topics such as fear, existential rights, coexistence, and feeling connected and seen.

3D is the dialogue platform of the Vrije Universiteit. Additionally, 3D serves as a community center, offering a third place on campus, a social environment separate from home and work. Third places are important for creating a sense of place and belonging. 3D functions on the VU campus as a beacon of community life and a space for personal and creative interaction.

Dialogue is an important form of conversation used to facilitate communication between groups on campus. Dialogue is one of the various methods used in 3D. Other examples include courageous conversations, round table talks, panel discussions, debates, or safe space discussions.

If you wish to organize a dialogue, you can contact newconnective@vu.nl or 3D@vu.nl

Why dialogue?

Dialogue can be employed when it's no longer obvious for parties to engage in conversation and when contact is at risk of disappearing. Dialogue can connect groups and clarify the focus on a common goal. Dialogue can be an effective means for a board to invite the workforce to participate and hear multiple voices.
However, dialogue is not a panacea. It's a process and not a one-time solution to resolve tensions within a community.
What do we understand by dialogue?
When is dialogue used?
Guidelines

• We think before speaking knowing that speech can be damaging
• We have a responsibility to our whole academic community
• We ask for clarification and be willing to explain yourself to others
• We need to agree that we are ok with unease, and how uncomfortable that might be
• We practice the art of deep listening, meaning we strive to understand the speaker's perspective. By suspending our judgment and being willing to receive new information from the speaker
• We look for ways to broaden our perspectives
• We accept that being part of the conversation is of greater importance than the need to be right
• We remain aware that our language should be productive, not corrosive
• We intend for our contribution to bring the conversation further
• We strive to prevent further polarization within our own community
• This meeting is not intended for political activism, yet we will not exclude those who consider themselves activists or politically involved
• There is no hierarchy, all lives are precious and have value
• We don’t communicate through slogans or remarks that you know to be offensive to others
• There is room for emotions but we aim not to act out when emotional
• We all have our opinions but let’s remain aware that someone else might experience a different reality

Conducting dialogue with NEWConnective and 3D

Conducting dialogue with NC

Why dialogue?

What do we understand by dialogue?

When is dialogue used?

Guidelines

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