PLEASE FORWARD BROADLY
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To:  Dear Palestinian-Jewish Dialogue initiators and supporters
From: Libby and Len
About: Two Dialogue deepening experiences near Washington, DC

     October 4-6, 2002, Friday-Sunday, we will participate in a special Dialogue conference in Alexandria, Virginia.
     We two will remain in the area for several post-conference days. 
     For Monday, October 7, we invite those deeply interested in Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue to spend a day together in the same location near Washington, DC, to meet each other, deepen, and consider the future.
     Below is a bit more information.

Yours,     Libby and Len

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WHAT:  First National Conference on Dialogue and Deliberaton
WHEN:  October 4-6, 2002
WHERE:  Radisson Old Town Hotel -- Alexandria, Virginia
WHY:  The first-of-its-kind conference will bring together dialogue leaders in a welcoming, respectful and informal atmosphere in order to work towards five goals: (1) defining and clarifying our work and our field, (2) knowledge-building and sharing information, (3) building skills, (4) meeting and getting to know our colleagues in the field, and (5) initiating collaborative projects.

WHO:  Initiated and organized by The Coalition for a National Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation

The American Association for Higher Education, Citizens' Unity Commission, Congressional Exchange, Dayton Dialogue on Race Relations, Dialogue to Action Initiative, The Dialogue Project, EPPA Consulting, Fusion Partnerships, Inc., George Masons University Dispute Resolution Project, Hope in the Cities, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, The MultiCultural Resource Center of Portland, Oregon, NABRE (Network of Alliances Bridging Race & Ethnicity), National Conference for Community & Justice, New Jersey Office of Bias Crime and Community Relations, Norfolk United Facing Race, Oregon Uniting, The Public Conversations Project, Search for Common Ground and Search for Common Ground USA, Study Circles Resource Center, The University of Michigan.

For more information and registration information and forms, see: 
http://www.thataway.org/conference/

Contact:
Sandy Heierbacher
Director, National Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation
sandy@thataway.org
802-254-7341

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WHAT:  All-Day Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue Meeting
WHEN:  Monday, October 7, 2002 -- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:  Alexandria, Virginia -- Radisson Old Town Hotel (tentative)
WHY:  This will be a one-day opportunity for those who are deeply interested in Palestinian-Jewish Dialogue to finally meet face-to-face, review principles of Dialogue and outreach, consider shared challenges to sustained Dialogue, and think together about deepening and widening the Dialogue circle, here and overseas.

This day will have structure but will respond and flow with participants' needs.  We will offer during this relationship-based gathering brief, substantive presentations, with graphics and printed materials on:

1.  Story as Entry to Dialogue

"An enemy is someone whose story we have not heard."  Dialogue begins with Story, and with compassionate listening.  The prescription is to listen to everyone - even to the "enemy" - without "yes, but."  And not just when it's easy, but when the wind is blowing 100 miles an hour.  Like now.

2.  The Process of Social Change Through Dialogue and Expanding Identification

Social change needs Time.  It begins with individuals - Innovators and Early Adapters, in Dialogue with others, even "enemies."   One Listens compassionately to learn from the "other," to discover together a new social intelligence.  The "action" of Dialogue is relationship-building -- widening and deepening the ever-increasing circle.  With Dialogue comes  discovery of a stronger faith and sense of self, and Expanded Identification to include all of humankind and life.

3.  Beginning, Maturing, and Growing A Dialogue

Want to begin a Dialogue Group where you live?  This is a how-to!  Finding Dialogue partners.  Conducting first meetings.  Establishing a dependable core group.  What Dialogue is and is not.  Dealing with dynamics.  Deciding when and how to begin outreach and public offerings.  Working with the media.  Widening the circle.  Finding balance of Dialogue and Advocacy.

Reply with intention to participate:
Libby and Len Traubman
LTraubman@igc.org
650-574-8303