Frequently Asked Questions

About Intergroup Dialogue (IGD)

You keep hearing about this thing called “dialogue”.  What is it and why is everyone talking about it?  Here are some answers to some of the most asked questions:

What is Intergroup Dialogue?

Intergroup Dialogue is intended to be a supportive space in which participants (and facilitators) can come to a clearer understanding of their relationship to their identity and how that identity impacts their experience of oppression.

Intergroup Dialogue is intended to be a space in which each participant can work towards being aware enough of their socialization to transform their relationship to the structure of oppression, thereby transforming the structure itself. Intergroup Dialogue is meant to empower participants towards the creation of a more just world in which people choose their own path in life rather than unknowingly behaving according to their assigned roles.

What's the benefit to being in something like IGD?

Let’s hear from former participants:

“Intergroup dialogue has solidified my intent on participating in any community I live in after graduation and in becoming persistent about fighting racism and being aware of other issues other than race that exist in America as well.”

“I am more willing to say how I feel about things in my classes even though I may feel like what I have to say reveals a lot about me. In other words, I am more willing to take risks in dialogue. “

“Intergroup dialogue has definitely changed the way I interact with my friends. As an ALANA student I thought that my white friend or just white people would not be able to understand or discuss white privilege. But in my group there were women who were and so I know it that it can be done.”

“I feel that I have grown so much. I would never have been able to speak to people so openly and engage in dialogue so readily if not for my experience with Intergroup Dialogue. I often find myself initiating dialogues with peers that I have never spoken to before.”

Is it like a class?

A little. But not really.  There are no grades.  There are some readings so that the dialogue can have a foundation. But mostly, you are bringing your life experiences, thoughts, willingness to engage with other students and learning skills of dialogue while also learning about yourself and the way that a system of oppression works.  Additionally, you will have the opportunity to complete an action project putting everything that you just learned into purposeful action immediately!

How much is the time commitment?

Each intergroup dialogue section meets for 8 week for 2.5 hours per week, so that’s some of your time.  Other than that, we might suggest that you will spend an additional hour outside of the dialogue for prep. 

Can I choose which dialogue to attend?

Yes. On the online participant form, you have the opportunity to select which dialogues you are available for and interested in. Select only the ones you know you can attend and want to do and we’ll plug you into that dialogue.

Do I have to attend every session?

Yes.  Part of sustained intergroup dialogue is building connection and community; therefore, we need participants to committing to attending the sessions.  Obviously, if you’re ill and can’t drag yourself to dialogue...we will understand.

I’m not a good listener – should I even bother joining?

Most definitely!  We all have work that we can do towards being better listeners and communicators in general.  You will not be alone in seeking new tools to communicate, connect, and understand yourself and others better.

Who leads the dialogues?

Your peers. Students just like yourself have been through a semester-long training in both the content of social justice and the process of dialogue.  They believe in the benefits of intergroup dialogue for the development of a supportive campus community and have seen the benefits of dialogue in their own lives.  Many of them have been previous IGD participants.

Are all 5 college students allowed to participate?

Yes.  We welcome students from Smith, UMass, Hampshire, and Amherst. 

What do we do each session?

Each session of dialogue is different but you can expect opportunities to share your own experiences and perspectives, listen to others, receive some insight of the topic being covered, and have fun with your peers.

Will I have enough time for it?

Only you will know that.  We think so and we think that it will enrich your experience at Mt. Holyoke and beyond. 

Register for an intergroup dialogue and to read more about IGD...