Dialogue Training-of-Trainers

Aims & objectives

The goals of the training-of-trainers (ToT) was to increase the skills and knowledge of university professors, staff, and graduate students pertaining to intergroup dialogue facilitation, a method of conflict resolution and improving people-to-people relations.

The concrete objectives were to: Become fully trained in the Sustained Dialogue® model, to be able to lead the process, and to build facilitation skills for leading diverse groups.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Participants came from different cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and across different age groups; many of whom were youth including students at the university.

Training methods used & main activities

This training was developed to include both theoretical frameworks and concepts as well as real-life case studies and ample time for practice and integration. This training utilized applied learning approaches including group work and practicing facilitation in small-group settings. Real-life feedback was provided to participants.

Outcomes of the activity

Participants reported an increase in knowledge and skills pertaining to understanding dialogue; participants improved their confidence in facilitating an intergroup dialogue and responding effectively and compassionately to tensions on campus.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I served as a lead trainer for this ToT and co-designed and co-facilitated the training.

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.

Testimonial of the reference person

I am pleased to provide this validation for Jessica Lane, who successfully delivered our Sustained Dialogue train-the-trainers sessions with a campus community.
Jessica was an exceptional facilitator who demonstrated both strong comprehension and practical application of the methodology. She effectively delivered training sessions with clarity and confidence, articulating the full Sustained Dialogue framework while skillfully integrating relevant examples from her extensive experience in facilitation and mediation across diverse contexts.
Jessica's ability to bridge theory and practice, combined with her evident facilitation skills, made her a valuable contributor to our program. She is well-prepared to train others, and I confidently recommend her for future opportunities in this field.

Elena Martínez-Torres
Program Director
Sustained Dialogue Institute