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.
Our Approach
At the heart of our approach are two interconnected commitments:
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.
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.