« Principle Characteristic What to do Learning • Dialogue is about minds unfolding (sometimes referred to as ‘openness’) in the sense that participants open themselves up to hearing, and reflecting on, what others say, to what they themselves are saying, and to the new insight they may gain as a result. • The moderator helps clarify perceptions and dispel wrong assumptions on issues as a way of creating understanding among the parties to conflict. • Dialogue is about listening for a deeper understanding and about awareness of the issue at stake. It is a good way of conducting conflict analysis. Humanity • This characteristic has a lot to do with how people behave towards one another when they fully engage in dialogue. It requires empathy (the ability to put oneself in others’ shoes). • The belief is that interaction and learning do not happen only at an intellectual level but rather involve the whole person so as to include feelings, desires, emotions and intentions. It is largely these stated and invisible aspects of human interaction that move people to learn and change. Long-term perspective (sustained over time) • It is generally agreed that the various kinds of crises that afflict societies often require swift action so as to end violence and stabilise these societies. This action could take the form of negotiations, which may result in peace treaties, etc. • The moderator creates an environment, that is, a ‘safe space’, that supports this kind of human interaction among participants. This is done by maintaining a respectful tone during meetings (even in the most extreme of conditions) and by truly respecting the position of the other person without reacting to it. • Use time in a different way. There should be no ‘quick fixes’ as this may not bring about qualitative changes to people. There is thus a need for change at a deeper level. • Intrinsic to the nature of dialogue is its focus on underlying patterns of relationships and behaviour from which the crisis emerges. THE DUAL AGENDA OF DIALOGUE (Discussion and mini lecture) Once the facilitator is certain that the participants adequately understand the concept of dialogue and how it differs from other peace-building approaches, the facilitator can move the discussion forward by providing brief input on the dual agenda of dialogue in relation to peace, community healing and reconciliation. Theoretical input: Purpose of dialogue Dialogue always has a dual agenda. This agenda comprises: • Addressing concrete community problems as well as intolerance; and • Working to transform the underlying relationships between the parties. The five stages of sustained dialogue Firstly, the trainer must ensure that the five stages are related to one of the key characteristics of dialogue and are sustained over time (long-term perspective). In this way, there is a constant connection between the theory and practice of dialogue. 38 Community Healing: A training manual for Zimbabwe