Dialogue is often described as a way of talking that is different from our usual conversations because its goal is mutual understanding and relationship building, rather than agreement or persuasion. In dialogue, participants may gain clarity about their own perspective, understanding of others' perspective, and develop communication skills that may carry over to other relationships.

PCRC uses dialogue as our primary Civic Engagement strategy because it emphasizes collaborative problem solving and encourages individuals to share their own experiences. Dialogue allows us to do our work, helping people talk about important (and sometimes hard) issues, in public and community settings.

Dialogue Projects

The Civic Engagement Initiative collaborates on dialogue projects in San Mateo County, including the following:

Children and Family Dialogues: This collaborative project of PCRC, First Five San Mateo, and the Peninsula Partnership for Children, Youth and Families brings community residents together to participate in dialogues about the well-being of children and families in San Mateo County.

Race Relations Dialogues: The Race Relations Dialogue project uses outside material - a film, reading or speaker to frame a dialogue about race, privilege, diversity and oppression. These dialogues are generally co-sponsored by PCRC and another organization.

Law Enforcement and Community Dialogues: This project is a collaboration between the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and PCRC. It brings community residents together with Deputy Sheriffs to share information, build relationships and improve community safety.

Interfaith Dialogues: The Peninsula Clergy Network sponsors interfaith clergy dialogues with the support of PCRC.