On Diversity, Leadership, and Social Change
Our Global Community
Our logo was designed by one of our members from a photograph that was taken at our decennary Dialogue in Oaxaca in 2015, and which beautifully demonstrates the complexity and diversity of our membership and our beliefs.
The Global Inclusion Dialogue organizers and participants have grown into a community of distinct individuals from around the world, who work both within organizations and independently, as consultants, coaches, educators, students, writers, trainers, and much more. But above all, like everyone in the world, we are people with valid experiences, memories, ideas, and emotions. We are always seeking to become more diverse, open, curious, and international.
As a loosely-structured and volunteer-based group, the location of each annual dialogue changes on a voluntary basis; those who step forward agree to plan and host each consequent Dialogue probably—but not necessarily—in their country of residence. So far, past Dialogues have taken place in North and Central America, Europe, and Africa.
The language we use to identify ourselves also matters. For example, to highlight the fluidity of volunteer roles and to value involvement over merit, we refer to individuals as participants, not members. Because the Dialogues still require internal leadership to continue each year, those individuals—who also change according to needs and interests—are organizers, not managers.
The Global Inclusion Dialogue community is an ever-growing, somewhat ‘imagined’ community. Each differently hosted Dialogue will naturally include several individuals entirely new to the community. Moreover, because onsite participation necessitates international travel, only several individuals have been able to attend all past GDDs or GCDs. Likewise, almost none in this kaleidoscopic community have met all other past participants.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, the Global Inclusion Dialogue community is open to anyone who deems themselves to be “experienced” in the fields of building global communities, global diversity, leadership and/or change. We do not want to risk any appearance of exclusivity by setting “minimum” qualifications or criteria; everyone who chooses to come to the dialogue is encouraged to participate fully by learning from and sharing with others, having an open mind, a full heart and no set agenda of their own. In this vein, we let potential participants define what “experienced” means for them.
Our interest in and dedication to increasing global awareness, understanding and acceptance, and to building a global community at large is what unites us. Our desire to share this philosophy, to develop it, to refine it and to learn from each other is what motivates us to meet.
Financial Sustainability
Once you attend your first Dialogue, you can choose to stay remotely involved in the community for as many years as you’d like. This may include simply opting in for email each upcoming dialogue, or participating in the virtual community more proactively. This form of inclusion in is completely free.
Those who attend onsite dialogues, however, do pay a contribution in advance. Collectively, this helps to cover the logistical and operational costs of meeting, such as accommodations, meals, tours, and meeting spaces. In effect, your payment eventually returns back to you because you will not pay for Dialogue-related costs as they arise onsite.
Following any Dialogue, leftover surplus is added to a miscellaneous fund, which helps to cover additional costs, such as ‘scholarships’ for participants and (this!) Wix site subscription.
Dialogue Organizers
As a not-for-profit community that sustains itself through the good will of its members, the Global Dialogues community functions thanks to a team of core organizers whose faces change according to the community’s needs.
Our recognition of the need to take on the responsibility to prepare, organize, and facilitate the small microcosm that is our annual Global Dialogue is what places us at the core of this experience. As an ad-hoc coordinating team, we do most of our work in cyberspace, with frequent e-mails and occasional conference calls.
Core organizers do not receive payments or special discounts beyond reimbursed expenses.