Submitted by Student Associate Hailey Willerth

“Repairing the Breach: The Power of Dialogue to Heal Relationships and Communities” is a resource written by Robert R. Strains Jr. as a part of the Public Conversations Project. This project, now called Essential Partners, focuses on dialogue about difficult topics, such as gender, race, and sexuality. The resource was published in the Journal of Public Deliberation in 2014. The Journal of Public Deliberation collects research and projects with a focus on deliberative democracy.

Click here to download the resource on the Journal of Public Deliberation’s website.

Within this article, Strains first discusses how communities often approach (or do not approach) issues with competing perspectives. Strains then discusses how dialogue can be used as a solution to foster mutual understanding and repair relationships to bring these opposing sides together. 

Key Points in "Repairing the Breach: The Power of Dialogue to Heal Relationships and Communities"

The Problem

Many communities divide themselves over issues relating to gender, race, politics, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc. This division creates barriers that make it difficult to work through disagreements.

How can dialogue be used to heal relationships and communities?

Re-authoring stories

Dialogue focused on personal stories allows individuals to edit or add to the stories told about them. This may challenge existing stereotypes to change the way they are seen. When these individuals feel they are being heard, they are more likely to listen to others’ stories.

Communicating from the heart

Dialogue that comes from the heart invites people to share their feelings. When opposing sides express their true thoughts and emotions (which they may have kept to themselves for years), it contributes to the healing process within communities. 

Witnessing others’ identities in constructive ways

Dialogue invites people to bring their identities into the conversation and experience interest---instead of demeaning stereotypes---from others who are different from them. When people feel they are being seen for who they are instead of being stereotyped, they are more likely to be open to hearing what the opposing side has to say.

The article includes even more information and successful case studies about healing dialogue. Click here to download the full resource.