https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqZ6n_1ugvA
Center for Dialogue & Pluralism logo in white and Carnellian

At the heart of our approach are two interconnected commitments:

Dialogue

Dialogue, as a communicative process, prioritizes mutual exploration of our ideas, values, and experiences. Grounded in curiosity and intellectual humility, CDP’s approach to dialogue emphasizes listening and sharing intentionally, acknowledging assumptions, and broadening perspectives. Dialogue often leads to new understandings and ways of thinking, especially when engaging with differences in viewpoint, background, and experience.

Pluralism

Pluralism recognizes that difference is a social and cultural fact, with consequences and opportunities for society, politics, and our everyday lives. CDP sees pluralism as an active and dialogic practice of engaging with all forms of human difference. This dialogic pluralism seeks to foster human connection and mutual understanding, co-develop nuanced knowledge about society, and motivate shared action to advance the social good.

Our Mission & Vision

In a society characterized, in many ways, by division and polarization, the Center for Dialogue & Pluralism (CDP) (formerly the Intergroup Dialogue Project) advances intentional engagement across, and about, differences as an essential democratic practice. Leveraging the diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences at the university, CDP’s educational work focuses on building capacity in four key areas:

Human Connection

Strengthen innate capacities to connect with oneself and others in a way that foregrounds human complexity and deepens a sense of mutual responsibility with others in society.

Dimensions of Difference

Explore the multiplicity of human differences, their embeddedness in sociocultural and historical structures, and their consequences and opportunities for society, politics, and everyday life.

Intentional Communication

Analyze multiple and divergent perspectives; examine how assumptions and ideas develop and their impact on individuals and communities; and create knowledge together.

Collaborative Change

Identify social needs through critical inquiry of experiences and research; co-develop proactive strategies that advance the social good; and assess the impact of change efforts on individuals and systems.

This course helped me think more intentionally about what gives my life meaning by connecting my personal values to real-world impact. It showed me that purpose is not just about career success, but also about serving others and contributing to my community.

Pathways to Purpose student

My Cornell experience prepared me extremely well for forming meaningful connections with others. I apply what I have learned in CDP (both as a student and as a facilitator) in my everyday life, both in work and out of work.

CDP facilitator alum

After this course, [I plan on] being more open to engaging in difficult conversations with people around me at Cornell. I have learned a lot from engaging with people who disagree with me.

Intergroup Dialogue student

I feel more equipped to successfully communicate and share ideas with people I may disagree with. I am less afraid to approach differences in viewpoints.

Community at Cornell participant

[This course] reinforced that democracy depends on everyday habits, character, and sustained involvement, not just institutions. Going forward, I'm more focused on using my education in ways that genuinely serve my community.

Pathways to Purpose student

[Advising Across Difference] made me a better advisor all around. I have been using LARA and strategic questioning in meetings with students and I have noticed the difference in the quality of conversation and connection.

Advising Across Difference participant