Fostering Empathy Through Dialogue

Photo: Emily Paine

Jocelyne Scott ‘11 (center), senior director of equity & strategic initiatives, facilitates a Dignity & Dialogue Circle.

In an age where many conversations happen through social media comments or quick text exchanges, it’s easy to lose the depth and connection that meaningful in-person dialogue can offer. That’s why in fall 2024, Bucknell’s Division of Equity & Inclusive Excellence launched Dignity & Dialogue Circles, a campus-wide program that encourages students, faculty and staff to come together to share experiences, reflect deeply and communicate respectfully.

The program has proven impactful for Bucknellians like Kathy Graham P’03, P’05, associate vice president of university advancement, who attended a session on post-election civility. “It inspired me to approach family conversations with empathy rather than trying to debate or convince,” she says.

Facilitators report that participants apply circle principles across campus to improve communication.

Graham, for example, integrated circle principles into a workshop for her team to encourage constructive discussions. And Kurt Nelson, director of religious & spiritual life, has used the framework in grief support groups. “For students dealing with loss, these circles create a space to feel understood and supported,” he says.