Background information
In October 1997, during the multi-party negotiations which led to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, a number of people from diverse political and cultural backgrounds and rooted in community work throughout Northern Ireland met to explore their understanding of the situation. They were concerned that at a time of such high tension in Northern Ireland, the future was being negotiated by politicians alone, behind closed doors
The group agreed on the need to develop a broad process of dialogue on the critical issues affecting the future because they were too important to leave solely in the hands of political leaders. They felt that without inclusive dialogue at all levels of society it would be very difficult to reach a lasting settlement that everyone could buy into.
As a result, the Community Dialogue organisation was established.
What We Do
Over the years, since 1997, we have encouraged people to engage in our dialogue processes. We have organised workshops, residentials, away days and courses in many different settings across Northern Ireland and further afield, all focussed on developing a greater understanding of the diverse positions people hold on the grounds that without such understanding an agreed future is impossible.
We have also produced a range of documents, aids to dialogue, on the wide range of contentious issues we are grappling with and critical to the moving on process.
In 2005 we published “Peace Comes Dropping Slow.. Dialogue and Conflict Management in Northern Ireland” This book, written by Brian Lennon, a founder member and long time senior member of the staff of Community Dialogue, gives a powerful insight into the work of the organisation over the years since inception, the development of the dialogue process and the ongoing challenges we face as we continue the journey towards an agreed and inclusive future for all our people.
We were delighted in 2008 to receive PEACE III funding to implement a new project “Steps into Dialogue”. This new project has two strands – “Unravelling The Jargon” and “Dialogue On The Ground” and further information on this new project is available on the website.
What We Don’t Do
We don’t pursue a party political agenda or tell you what to think.
How to Get Involved
If you want to find out more get in touch with us:
