We understand productive dialogues to be dialogues
that are effective in relation to the problem at hand (with an
understanding of the context in which the problem takes place).
Such dialogues are inclusive of all participants, recognize and
recover resources, promote knowledge and necessary innovation
in order to further social cohesion and effectiveness in an array
of areas.
In both the social and political spheres, productive dialogues
are essential processes: the way a dialogue is understood has
serious implications for the way interpersonal, community and
international relationships are handled. They affect participation, the
construction of meaning and agendas of common interest, the inclusion
of topics meaningful for the group involved, the construction
of the ability to learn from and manage situations, and other
concerns.
The Network for Productive Dialogue consists
of persons, theorists, professionals, groups and institutions
interested in developing dialogue as a means achieving interpersonal,
organizational and social transformation.
The Network offers resources for those who believe, as we do,
that the future of our shared social life on this planet depends
on our ability to engage in productive dialogues in a variety
of contexts. The Network offers educational materials, links
to professionals who are actively engaged in this perspective
and the opportunity for those who are committed productive dialogues
to be able to establish fruitful working relationships. One of
the Network’s aims is to develop, support and communicate about
programs, consulting work and collaborative counseling carried
out in different countries.
The Network attempts to share awareness of the projects, practices,
research, and theory of its membership for the benefit of all.
The Network understands that the theoretical advancements, practical
experiences, work methodologies, and research and intervention
programs are the original work of each of the persons or groups
that have developed them. The opportunity to
share experiences, reflections and contributions will make it
possible to expand knowledge and further resulting actions.
The Network is a joint initiative of Fundación Interfas
and Taos Institute, and the presidents of those organizations
are the directors of the Network. The Network also has an Advisory
Board that performs consulting and operative tasks.
Members of the Network include outstanding and experienced educators,
consultants and researchers working in an array of areas and
countries. For each of the Network's nodal projects a specific
group is formed. For the projects sponsored by the network, the
groups can be pre-existing; the decision whether or not to invite
other members into such pre-existing groups will be the decision
of said groups in collaboration with the Advisory Board.
