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Intergroup Dialogue Project

An academic initiative grounded in theory and practice that creates community across difference through critical dialogue.

Who We Are

In a society characterized, in many ways, by division and polarization, IDP advances intentional engagement across, and about, differences as an essential democratic practice. Leveraging the diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences at the university, IDP’s educational work focuses on building capacity in four key areas:

Two human icons

Human Connection

Strengthen innate capacities to connect with oneself and others in a way that foregrounds human complexity and deepens a sense of mutual responsibility with others in society.

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Social and Personal Identities

Explore the multiplicity of personal and social identities, their embeddedness in sociocultural and historical structures, and their manifestations in everyday lives.

two human icons with chat bubbles

Intentional Communication

Analyze multiple and divergent perspectives; examine how assumptions and ideas develop and their impact on individuals and communities; and create knowledge together.

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Collaborative Change

Identify social needs through critical inquiry of experiences and research; co-develop proactive strategies that advance the social good; and assess the impact of change efforts on individuals and systems.

IDP strives to impact the entire Cornell community and to support its ever-evolving needs by building capacity through our pedagogical frameworks and resources, educational offerings, and research. 

Pedagogical Frameworks and Resources

IDP’s pedagogical frameworks and resources help thread critical dialogue into teaching and learning processes, advising and mentoring practices, and other educational contexts ranging from residential life to orientation for incoming faculty and students. To aid all those at Cornell wishing to engage in critical dialogue, IDP provides a range of resources and support, including communication tools, facilitation materials, coaching practices, and content designed to facilitate growth in IDP’s development areas (human connection, social identity development, intergroup communication, and strategic change).

Educational Offerings

IDP educators and scholars develop and lead scaffolded programs and courses for students, faculty, and staff, rooted in core intergroup dialogue processes. These offerings focus on human connection, social identity development, intergroup communication, and strategic change. Through both group and one-on-one consultation sessions, we develop curricula for use beyond IDP’s own offerings, customized to the unique needs of each group. Our model relies on small-group settings co-facilitated by trained peer facilitators who create an intimate environment in which participants are able to be curious, vulnerable, and reflective.

Research

Our work is grounded in existing research that encompasses a range of topics including intergroup contact, humans’ innate capacity for connection, and social change. We collect qualitative and quantitative data from students, staff, and faculty participating in IDP’s programming, and these data enable us to conduct our own program evaluation work, communicate with partners about successes and areas for growth, and contribute to existing scholarship about diversity education.

“Intergroup Dialogue Project is both an amazing class to take and an amazing process to be a part of.”

EDUC 2610 Participant

“I can honesty say that Intergroup Dialogue was one of the most eye-opening and life changing classes I will ever take at Cornell University.”

EDUC 2610 Participant

“The lessons I’ve learned in this course are concepts I will grapple with the rest of my life, and the connections I’ve made with other students in my group are ones I will never forget.”

EDUC 2610 Participant

“Through IDP, I was able to build a community of people who were very different from me of different races, socioeconomic statuses, genders, and nationalities, with different opinions and experiences — yet some- how, still striving towards the same goals.”

EDUC 2610 Participant

“Through IDP, I have recognized who I am, recognized who others are, and recognized how I can use those relationships dialogue, build communities, and take action.”

EDUC 2610 Participant