The transition from polarization to coexistence is pivotal. It is when the focus shifts from healing and mending social relations to investing in strengthening relationships.

• Coexistence arises with tolerance of difference i.e. social relations revolve on civic dialogue;  

• Collaboration arises with a widening sense of socio-economic justice i.e. social relations lead to participatory development planning, and  

• Cohesion arises with peace-culture i.e. social relations support discovery/creation of shared meaning and value.

Dialogue procedures match needs within the stages of social relations i.e.:

Crisis counseling for fragmented relations in crisis situations;

• Action research for excluded relations in wealth and power asymmetries;
• Mediation and reconciliation for polarized relations in protracted conflict;
• Civic dialogue for coexisting relations with tolerance for diversity;
• Town hall meetings for collaborative relations in socio-economic planning;
• Dramatic narrative and ‘new’ journalism for cohesive relations in peace culture.

From a toolbox of many different dialogue procedures – that span different domains -- stakeholders select procedures that help them explore practical and creative opportunities for change. The FULL TEXT of Peace Dialogue will SOON be available. It explores dialogue practice and procedures, stakeholder roles, training and research applications and policy dialogue. CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE FULL TEXT IN DRAFT.

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