History

Occidental College piloted the Intergroup Dialogue Program (IDP) during the 2002-2003 academic year under the directorship of Dr. Jaclyn Rodriguez.  Our program is modeled after successful programs initiated at a handful of large, public institutions including The University of Michigan, The University of Washington, Arizona State University, The University of Illinois, and The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. To date Occidental represents the only institution of its size and type to offer an Intergroup Dialogue Program. 

IDP has received strong support from the Department of Psychology, the office of the Dean of the College, and the Core Program.  The Program was further institutionalized as an academic initiative with support from the Sociology and American Studies departments. 

Goals

As a curricular initiative IDP seeks to enhance students’ knowledge and awareness about diversity, social identities, power and privilege, intergroup conflicts, systems of oppression, and methods of taking action toward social justice.  We also develop skills for constructive intergroup relations and leadership that prepare students to participate in and foster an inclusive, diverse, and just society. 

Dialogue is both challenging and rewarding. We invite students to identify and work openly with assumptions held about self and others, and our interrelatedness.  We encourage engagement, suspending judgment, perspective taking, and empathy.

Approached with integrity and commitment, Intergroup Dialogue helps participants appreciate and bridge difference, promote inclusive collaboration, and inspire socially just agency.

Some specific goals of the Intergroup Dialogue Program include:

--increased awareness of similarities and differences within and between social groups

--honing of communication and alliance building skills necessary for effective participation in diverse democracy

--development of critical thinking skills that permit reflection, reassessment, and a commitment to engage challenging socio-political issues

--enhanced ability to manage within and between group conflict

--promotion of the College mission of equity and excellence through a curricular initiative that focuses explicitly on intergroup knowledge about and mutual respect for individuals' multiple identities