This highly interactive workshop will bring participants through the four stages of intergroup dialogue as modeled after the University of Michigan's Program on Intergroup Relations that blends theory and experiential learning to develop one’s understanding of social group identity, social inequality, and intergroup relations. The vision of the program is to support individuals to live, thrive, and actively contribute to a more inclusive campus and community. Through activities and dialogue, Ruth and Allison will present sample IGR activities and share how IGR was implemented on Siena's campus.

1. Intergroup Relations
The four stages of dialogue
Dr. Ruth Kassel and Allison Schultz
Siena College Center for Academic Community Engagement

2. What is IGR?
● A social justice education program that uses theory and experiential
learning to facilitate learning about social group identity, social
inequality, and intergroup relations.
● Opportunity to consider and explore how we can live and work in a
diverse world
● Helps us to think intentionally about making choices that advance
equity, justice, and peace.
● IGR was founded in 1988 at the University of Michigan. First program
of its kind.
From: https://igr.umich.edu/about

4. Ruth’s IGR Story

5. Allison’s IGR Story

6. You had to be there
● During IGR - sacred space
● After IGR - welcome to the club
○ Diversity Task Force — Spring 2021
● Why we needed to start from IGR 101
○ Brave space and increased confidence to speak out
○ Plans for collaboration

7. The four stages of dialogue
Stage I — Group beginnings. Forming and building relationships
Stage II — Exploring the nature of social identity
Stage III — Exploring and discussing hot topics
State IV — Action planning and alliance building
From the program on intergroup relations at the University of Michigan

8. Stage I Group beginnings. Forming and building relationships
Debate, dialogue, and discussion
Tell us about your name (small groups)
Takeaways from this exercise

9. Stage II Exploring the nature of social identity
When did you first realize you were __________?
Identity wheel and other examples

10. Stage III Exploring and discussing hot topics
● How many times has a hot button topic
come up and you just go through the
motions?
● What are the barriers to having REAL
conversations about tough topics?
● How can we use dialogue to push
through?
● What do we mean by a brave space?

11. Stage IV Action planning and alliance building
Action planning and alliance building
● Critical mass for “collective action”
● Pipeline building on Siena’s campus
● MULT 300 projects & student action
Challenges
● Funding for trainings
● POC fatigue and turnover
● Structure to support other dialogues (interfaith, political, gender)

12. Siena - next steps
● Interfaith dialogue interest
● Intra-group dialogue class being developed
○ “white dialogue”
● Commitment of funding for future sessions
● Train the trainer scheduled for January

13. Questions?