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Is it possible to have the challenging social justice dialogues we need to have today with both civility and honest boldness?  

We say YES; it is not only possible but necessary for us to both bridge the differences that divide us and form the kinds of cooperative relationships necessary to deal with the social justice challenges that now confront us all.   

Dialogue is communication approach that promotes a “confirmation of otherness” as Martin Buber and M. Friedman proposed. Dialogue enables people with different viewpoints to form relationships across the differences that divide us.  Dialogue requires speaking with respect and listening for understanding. Dialogue is always nonviolent; violence and threat of violence creates a monologue because it silences the other.

Related to dialogue is the concept of civility. Civility is arguably the foundation of civilization.  According to The Institute for Civility in Government, "Civility is about more than just politeness, although politeness is a necessary first step. It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one's preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same."

Today, social workers arguably need training in dialogue participation, dialogue facilitation, and civility more than ever before. Our local communities and nation are currently challenged by systemic racism, political polarization, pandemic, climate change, and inequality.

In this largely experiential two-hour workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice knowledge, skills, and values in civility and dialogue training that they can use in their own social work practice, on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

The Confirmation of Otherness, in Family, Community, and Society - LINK

The Facilitators

We are two diverse colleagues, friends, and social workers who collectively have well over 50 years of experience in Dialogue Facilitation with Social Justice issues.

David Parker, PhD is an educator, consultant, motivational artist and author of books for children. David's educational and professional background is dynamic and diverse. David consults with the educational, business, government and law enforcement communities on issues related to how their organizational is impacted by beliefs. He teaches the Inclusive Dialogue class for the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. David is the Vice President of the Utah National Association of Social Workers.

Drdave Derezotes, LCSW, PhD is retired Director of Peace and Conflict Studies in the College of Humanities, Chair of the Senate Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. He has published seven textbooks and authored numerous articles and presentations. For the last thirty years, much of his teaching, practice, and scholarship has been involved in building, testing, and teaching new community practice models. He currently writes, consults, teaches, and sees clients in his private practice.