How It Works

How Voices Of Understanding Works

Voices of Understanding facilitates dialogue between youth from divergent views about Israel and Palestine through a simple, structured, and facilitated process.

Fill out the Form to Express an Interest to Have a Dialogue

Begin by filling out our online form to express your interest in engaging in a dialogue. Provide us with some basic information about yourself and your perspective, along with your preferences for dialogue topics and format (group or 1 on 1). All the information you provide us except your first name is entirely confidential.

Receive Possible Times for a Video Call

After submitting the form, our team carefully matches you with a dialogue partner or dialogue group whose background and perspectives complement your own. You'll receive an email from Voices of Understanding containing a list of possible dates and times for a video call.

Schedule a Video Call

Once Voices of Understanding finds a date and time when you and your dialogue partner or dialogue group are available, Voices of Understanding will send you an email with a zoom link along with guidelines to follow about your conversation.

Engage in the Conversation

During the scheduled video call, a facilitator will help you engage in open and respectful dialogue with your partner or group. Share your experiences, perspectives, and aspirations, and actively listen to theirs. Explore common ground and seek to understand differing viewpoints with empathy and compassion.

Provide Feedback

Once you have completed the dialogue, you will get an email to provide feedback.

Get Your Certificate

Once you provide feedback, you will get a Dialogue Participant Certificate of Completion.

Guidelines

Conversations facilitated by Voices of Understanding adhere to a set of guidelines and requirements aimed at promoting constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding among participants. Here are some key guidelines and requirements:

Maintain Confidentiality: Conversations within Voices of Understanding are confidential, and participants are expected to respect the privacy of others by refraining from sharing personal information or details discussed during the conversation without consent.
Respect and Empathy: Participants are expected to treat each other with respect, empathy, and kindness at all times. This includes listening actively, refraining from interrupting, and acknowledging the validity of each other’s perspectives, even if they differ.
Open-mindedness: Participants are encouraged to approach conversations with an open mind, willing to consider different viewpoints and perspectives. This openness fosters a culture of learning and growth, allowing participants to broaden their understanding and challenge their own assumptions.
Active Listening: Active listening is essential to effective communication. Participants are encouraged to listen attentively to each other, seeking to understand the underlying emotions and motivations behind their words. Paraphrasing and summarizing what others have said can help clarify understanding and demonstrate active engagement.
Stay on Topic: Participants are asked to stay focused on the designated topic of conversation to ensure productive and meaningful discussions. This helps maintain relevance and allows participants to delve deeper into specific issues or themes.
Nonviolent Communication: Conversations should adhere to principles of nonviolent communication, which involves expressing oneself assertively yet compassionately while avoiding language or behavior that could be perceived as threatening or aggressive.
Moderation and Facilitation: Conversations may be moderated or facilitated by trained volunteers to ensure adherence to guidelines, maintain a safe and inclusive environment, and facilitate productive dialogue. Moderators help manage the flow of conversation, address any conflicts or misunderstandings that may arise, and ensure that all participants have the opportunity to contribute.

By adhering to these guidelines and requirements, Voices of Understanding aims to create a supportive and respectful environment conducive to fostering empathy, understanding, and meaningful connections among participants from diverse backgrounds.