Sample Invitation for College Dialogue Session Would you like to have a constructive, respectful conversation with fellow

Jews whose perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are different from yours without arguing or debating? Are you interested in talking about your experiences, feelings, convictions, and questions in a supportive environment that promotes reflection and mutual learning? Jewish students of all perspectives and backgrounds are invited to take part in a special dialogue program! When: Date Time It is important that everyone be present at the beginning of the dialogue, and so please plan to come on time and to stay until the end. Where: __________________ What: This structured, facilitated conversation will give you an opportunity to: share your perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and related issues learn about other Jewish students' perspectives reflect on your experiences, feelings, values, ideas, and questions discuss what you want and need from others in the _____ Jewish community in relation to these issues Free dinner will be provided. Who: Jewish students of all perspectives and backgrounds are encouraged to participate, including people who have strong convictions about the conflict and people who feel ambivalent, unsure, or confused. The dialogue will be a time for personal reflection and exploration, and it will be useful both to people who have studied these issues in depth and to people who are just beginning to think about them. The program will be will be led by experienced facilitators from the Jewish Dialogue Group, an independent, non-partisan organization that works to foster constructive dialogue within Jewish communities about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other difficult issues. To Register: Space is limited. Please sign up by ______ by visiting: ____________ For More Info: Email _____ at _____, contact the Jewish Dialogue Group at info@jewishdialogue, or visit www.jewishdialogue.org. ================================================== What to Expect The program will involve intimate conversations in small groups. The facilitator will set up a structure for the conversation and pose questions that will help you to speak and listen in a manner that fosters mutual understanding and reflection. The conversation will not be a

debate, a negotiation, or a mediation. You will be encouraged to explore your differences, seeking to understand them more fully, but not to persuade one another or to seek consensus or compromise. The dialogue will begin and end with everyone together in one large group. After a brief introduction, you will establish some communication agreements, like ground rules, for the conversation. Next, you will break into groups. In those groups, you will share your hopes for the conversation and then take turns responding to a series of questions. You will have an opportunity to share: how the conflict has affected you and experiences that have shaped your responses to the conflict what is at heart of the matter for you how you see and feel about the situation, your hopes and fears, and any commitments or sense of obligation that you feel questions you are wrestling with, and any areas of confusion or uncertainty

Next, there will be be a less-structured discussion in which you can ask each other questions, respond to one another, and build on ideas that have come up. You will then have an opportunity to talk about what you want and need from each other another and from the _______ Jewish community as a whole. Finally, the groups will come back together for a brief closing and a discussion about next steps. Terms of Participation All participants will be expected to observe the following ground rules: Listen attentively. Speak honestly in ways that promote learning and genuine inquiry. Refrain from explicit or implicit attack or persuasion. Treat what others say as confidential.

About the Jewish Dialogue Group The Jewish Dialogue Group is a grassroots organization that works to promote constructive dialogue within Jewish communities about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other controversial issues. Our board members, staff, and volunteers have many different political perspectives. As an organization, we don't take positions on any issues, but focus solely on promoting dialogue. We have led more than 250 dialogues in synagogues, schools, and other venues throughout North America. We also train facilitators, create publications to enable to people to lead dialogue programs of their own, and advise people who are initiating dialogue programs.