The Dialogue Project cultivates intentional training in the development of essential collaborative dialogue skills among students, faculty, and staff. Programming builds capacities in such areas as empathetic listening, managing emotions, navigating conversations, and finding points of connection.

The Dialogue Project currently encompasses four primary components: a special topic series, the Middle East Dialogues, affiliated with courses related to the current crisis; a new partnership with StoryCorps’ One Small Step, which brings two people with different backgrounds together to record a conversation about their lives; workshops where faculty, staff, and students can actively practice the skills of collaborative dialogue; and guest speakers on campus who model and specialize in dialogue-related skills.

The Middle East Dialogues represented the Dialogue Project's first special topic series, encompassing courses and events related to timely challenging topics. We hope to offer a new series each year or every other year, depending in part on current events.  

The Dialogue Project launched in early 2024 with an initial focus on the undergraduate experience, including faculty and staff whose work is primarily focused on undergraduate students. Much of the programming offered through the Dialogue Project, such as events affiliated with the Middle East Dialogues, is open to the broader Dartmouth community. 

Additional activities in the professional schools can be found via Dartmouth Dialogues, an institution-wide initiative that highlights dialogue-related programs and events. 

Get in touch! Please email dialogue-project@dartmouth.edu.

No, the Dialogue Project does not represent or encompass a new free speech policy at Dartmouth.

Dean Elizabeth Smith initiated conversations with faculty about the Dialogue Project in 2020, and worked closely with co-founder Kristi Clemens and the Steering Committee to articulate its mission and values.

President Beilock’s prioritization of mental health and brave spaces encompasses the Dialogue Project, whose seven priorities include the establishment of “brave spaces across campus, where open and courageous dialogue can take place.”

Dartmouth Dialogues encompasses dialogue-building initiatives and events across campus, including the Dialogue Project.