The Dialogue Project

What Will the Project Do?

Small groups of 4-6 people will meet (on Zoom) to further explore Arendt’s work, and to address additional questions that reading Arendt raises: What are others taking away from the readings? How do they apply what they are reading? Have their perspectives changed? Does reading Arendt impact their actions?

The weekly 90-minute VRG sessions do not allow time for everyone to speak, nor to hear what each attendee brings to the discussion, especially since the growth of the VRG during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dialogue groups will supplement the VRG by providing a space where everyone is given an opportunity to speak and be heard. The dialogue groups would be considered public space—confidentiality is not applicable.  Speaking and being heard aligns with Arendt’s notion of appearance in public as an exercise of the most basic human right, and can be seen, despite the small numbers, as an experience in plurality.

What is "Leaderless Dialogue?"

The model used here is rooted in the concept of good will: “to reveal and to listen as the primary condition for all human intercourse…” cited by Arendt as the core of Jaspers’ work. Participants engage in the dialogue based on a determination that good will is present, and with the agreement to raise the issue and ask the group to address it, if anyone feels it is not.

• The purpose of the group is to further explore Arendt’s work and provide space for group members to share Arendt’s impact on their thinking and actions.
• Participants would adhere to the concept of good will as the underpinning of dialogue:
  • Speak your truth and respect others
  • Stand your ground and stay open to the influence of others
  • Speak to be understood and listen to understand
• Each group chooses its meeting times and topics