At the start of a two-hour brainstorming session last week, American University faculty, staff, students, and university leaders were asked to jot down ideas about how to promote dialogue and foster relationships between people who disagree.

“Building an understanding,” one participant wrote on a sticky note that became part of a makeshift wall of ideas. “You don’t have to agree, but you can have an understanding of a person’s perspective.”

“Talk less,” another wrote. “Ask more questions.”

Visions of Change—part of the Office of Inclusive Excellence’s Dialogue Across Differences initiative—modeled that conversations are key to building campus community. Through small group discussions at Butler Board Room on February 5, invited participants—some of whom had never met before—were asked to share their perspectives while also listening and engaging with others’ viewpoints.

As Eagles began that work, Nkenge Friday, vice president of Inclusive Excellence, said the goal of the morning was to foster understanding and generate ideas that can carry our campus community forward.

“Many times, we talk about the importance of dialogue [and] many people assume that it’s just that: talk. But part of it is designed to spur action, to build understanding, to bridge differences,” Friday said. “More importantly, it’s really to put us on a path toward a better future, if you will, and a more inclusive space.”

The event is part of OIE’s yearlong series of gatherings that promote and model AU’s values of respectful inquiry, critical thinking, and active listening and learning. Notably, various student leaders were invited to participate in the second installment of the series, including some of the Civic Life student fellows.

Tomer Ben-Ezer, CAS/BA ’25, BS ’25, said the inclusion of student perspectives was an important aspect of the event because “we spend time with each other for four years” and “we need to learn from other people” who represent a variety of identities, beliefs, and backgrounds.

“After today, I’m [feeling] very, very positive,” Ben-Ezer said. “We should continue doing what we’re doing. This is one little thing in a sea of [things] we can do, and this is a great start.”

Conversations over breakfast were grounded in practical video examples of AU community members engaged in dialogue. One of those videos featured a Jewish student and a Palestinian student discussing what they’d learned from being part of a small group of Eagles that has met weekly over the last year with support from OIE to facilitate conversation.

“In the beginning, we had to break the ice. We had to share some unfavorable views, but because we did that, it led to a very productive conversation,” one of those students shared in the video. “Being honest and transparent was very important to all of us and because of that, we were able to be vulnerable and learn from each other. It led to having a productive circle.”

At the end of the event, groups worked to generate one concrete idea that could help create more community at AU. Ideas displayed on posterboards ranged from a university-wide “It Starts with Us” campaign that would host frequent events; routine gatherings that include food or movement; and bolstering training and resources that can help campus community members become more skilled dialogue facilitators. 

The conversation will continue on March 25 at OIE’s Inclusive Excellence Summit, which is open to the entire campus community. The half-day event will share outcomes from the two prior Visions of Change events and feature a panel discussion with Friday, President Jon Alger, and other inclusive excellence leaders from across the DC area.

That symposium will lead directly into a full slate of civic-centered events tied to Alger’s inauguration on March 27–28. Events focused on understanding include a human library—a chance for individuals with diverse stories, perspectives, and experiences to ask each other questions, create connections, and challenge stereotypes—a panel on how civil discourse shapes education, and a roundtable discussion led by Civic Life student fellows on the practice of dialogue and listening skills.

University departments and groups can also apply to host a Meet and Eat lunch anytime to build community between groups that don’t typically have the opportunity to connect on campus. 

Learn more about and register for the Inclusive Excellence Summit and inauguration.