Empowering Inclusive Conversations: How Greek University’s “Dialogues Across Differences” Transforms Organizations

Greek University, 2023-24 Bronze Alliance Partner

At Greek University we help organizations solve complex campus problems through keynote speakers and workshops for your fraternity or sorority members. Our speakers, facilitators and partners are more than just educators; they are architects of change. Since 2018 we have partnered with Culture Shift Team (CST) who specializes in helping organizations navigate the complicated landscape of membership and campus demographic shifts, crafting strategies that empower people and cultivate vibrant cultures.

The Client Challenge:

Picture this: A national sorority standing at a crossroads. Amidst the chaos of extreme political polarization and stark differences in lived experiences, maintaining safe and productive spaces for dialogue seemed insurmountable. Despite understanding the benefit of genuine connections across differences, they found themselves stumbling over sensitive topics like race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and socio-economic status. The absence of dialogue stifled progress towards building a stronger community, stalling their overall inclusion efforts. They asked us for a tool to help them reinvigorate their sense of community and propel organizational growth.

Introducing the Dialogues Across Difference Experience:

Enter the Dialogues Across Difference Experience, created by Greek University speaker and CST Co-Founder, Robert Lawrence Wilson. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill workshop; it’s a transformative journey aimed at igniting dialogue across diverse identities within organizations. Combining an interactive 1-hour participant self-exploration into identity and bias with our Reflective Listening tool, participants embark on a journey to navigate tough conversations while strengthening their sense of belonging.

Highlights:

  • Duration: A 2.5-hour immersive experience customized for students or staff participants
  • Interactive: Dive into lively and engaging discussions with peers, whether in-person or virtually.
  • Group Dynamics: Join a dynamic cohort of 50+ participants, each bringing a unique perspective to enrich the dialogue.
  • Simulation Exercise: Brace yourself for our Reflective Listening simulation — a deep dive into real-world issues, creating a space where everyone is listened to and understood.
  • Professional Facilitation: Delivered by Robert Lawrence Wilson and internally trained hosts, we create a structured and psychologically safe environment.

Benefits:

  • Trust-Building: Witness the emergence of trust and understanding among participants.
  • Enhanced Listening: Sharpen the active listening skills essential to nurturing inclusive environments.
  • Qualitative Insights: Datamine insights gleaned from participant responses captured via a pre-close survey to identify future organization priorities and actions.

Outcomes:

  • 91% of collegiate participants strongly recommend the Dialogues Across Difference Experience for their peers.
  • Identify your top 5 priorities and key actions from participants to overcome personal and organizational barriers to inclusion and belonging.
  • Participants show significant post-event improvement in:
  • Comfort initiating conversations around religion, race, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation
  • Understanding how their lived experiences contribute to the experiences of others
  • Understanding how to navigate differences in identity to improve  belonging
  • Participants walk away with practical tools for creating safe and supportive environments that extend far beyond the workshop session.

The Dialogues Across Difference Experience is more than just one experience — it’s a catalyst for meaningful change! Let us help your organization reshape conversations and transform your culture for the better! Intrigued? Visit www.greekuniversity.org/robert for more information.

Contact Mike Ayalon at Greek University to book educational programs or services for your organization by calling 203-58-GREEK or email: bookings@greekuniversity.org