The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice Manual

CHAPTER SIX:
DIALOGUE IN SPECIAL SETTINGS
This chapter shares the Network’s experience in applying its common ground approach
and dialogue model to two settings presenting unique challenges: a two and one-half day
national conference on common ground in the abortion conflict, and a six week pro-choice/prolife
dialogue over the Internet.
For each setting we felt it was critical to retain the essential elements of the common
ground approach since both presented the same needs for a safe environment and a structure
promoting dialogue over debate. The conference posed the challenge of a large group, a more
public space, and a variety of sessions to meet an assorted set of goals. The Internet venue
lacked face-to-face contact, stretched out the conversation over weeks, and put a premium on
careful use of language since everything went down in print.
What follows is a description of how we designed these projects and a report of our
experience with two national conferences and two email dialogues.
I. ON-LINE DIALOGUE
The purpose of online dialogue is to provide the opportunity for open and honest
conversation through the Internet that as much as possible provides the same safe environment as
an in-person dialogue. We acknowledge Harry Webne-Behrman of Collaborative Initiative in
Madison, Wisconsin who, as the online facilitator, played a key role in developing this design
with us, and Karl Schumann, our computer-savvy intern, whose initiative made it possible for us
to take common ground dialogue into cyberspace.