Testimonials
Participation in Sustained Dialogue will have a powerful effect on your life here at UVA. Every member's experience will be different, but the commonality that stretches between you will be a greater understanding of the racial issues surrounding the UVA community and a network of friendships where you feel comfortable discussing and working to solve these issues.
"At the University of Virginia, Sustained Dialogue has had just the kind of effect I hoped it would when it was first being organized here. It has put down roots and enabled a significant number of people to explore one another's life stories and points of view with real depth and continuity. UVa with SD feels like a subtly but recognizably different place from UVa before SD. What SD has the potential to do is to create concentric circles of empathy among a large number of people - to get at the subjective reality of one another's ways of looking at the world to embody Goethe's wonderful, pithy phrase, 'This is my truth, tell me yours.'"
-Dean Pablo Davis, University of Virginia
“There was definitely a lot of skepticism when we got started. And we, as moderators, were in uncharted territory. But, in both [our] groups, there were breakthrough days where people shared their most personal feelings about racism. People were moved to understanding and empathy and we moved forward together. This was only possible because the same group of people met repeatedly.”
-David Tukey, Princeton ’02
"Sustained Dialogue brings with it a kind of flavor that draws individuals (that wouldn't normally include themselves in conversations about difference) to the table; it can clearly be credited with building a stronger sense of community at Dickinson College and changing the way people view themselves and others."
- Norm Jones, Administrator, Dickinson College
“I agonized with friends through my freshman year about how I could do something to improve race relations. When I heard about Sustained Dialogue, I said to myself, ‘That’s something I can do.’”
- Teddy Nemeroff, Princeton ‘01
“I think that Sustained Dialogue has really begun to make its impact on UVa. This year there were a lot of racially involved events, and while many attempted to do things to improve the situation, it is evident that SD is the group that will continue to be forum for discussion and change. [SD] brings together groups of people that would not usually be found in the same room, and it gives them the opportunity to discuss topics usually kept behind closed doors. But discussion is what is needed if people are ever going to open up and change their ways, and that is what Sustained Dialogue is all about.”
- Jessica Fowler, University of Virginia ’06
“The beautiful thing about Sustained dialogue is that while there is a good deal of energy, it is ultimately “grass roots” and student driven.”
- Janet Dickerson, VP of Campus Life, Princeton
“As a black woman in America I confront many barriers. Sustained Dialogue is my voice. It is an avenue for me to be honest about my experience and share my perspective. When my contemporaries acquire positions of power they might remember our discussions [which might] possibly shape the way they see the world.”
- Tshepo Masango, Princeton ’03
“Sustained Dialogue has opened my eyes up to race relations in a way that I had never thought possible. As a middle class white student from the suburbs, I had been taught the "colorblind" mentality growing up and as a result, was unaware of the racial dynamics that pervade all segments of society. Going through Sustained Dialogue, I've learned more from my peers -- and taught others more -- than I ever could have imagined.”
- Brian Cook, University of Virginia ’04
“[That] is what makes SD so powerful. The connections the people can make with one another forms the bond that actually sustained the dialogue.”
- Sam Todd, Princeton ’04
“9/11 confirmed how much more we need to do as a nation. The real potential [of Sustained Dialogue] is to bring into the conversation about difference, those who are not already on that path. Sustained Dialogue reaches beyond the choir.”
- Janina Montero, Vice-Chancellor, UCLA (former VP of Campus Life, Brown University)
“In my group, I see the true essence of the program - how it has already influenced many students; teaching them to challenge their old ways of thinking and introducing them to different points of view. I met people who were scared, like me, of what they might hear, and I now see how strong and engaged they are in this program. I have put aside my fears and doubts; I am excited to continually talk, listen and learn from my fellow [peers] through Sustained Dialogue. ...what we learn, such as listening and discussion skills, are things we will take with us after we graduate. I have tremendous faith and pride in this program and in each participant; I think, together, we can really make a difference...
- Lisa Bowman, Dickinson ‘04
Sustained Dialogue makes college more enjoyable. We all go to school seeking new experiences and people, but often don't like to step outside our comfort zones. Sustained Dialogue... puts 10 or so people of various backgrounds in a room, and through simple communication, creates great friendships. Cultures, religions, and entire lives are shared merely through human interaction. Too often we're too afraid to take that step and truly broaden ourselves. But once we do, our life and the lives of those around us are made stronger.
- Danny Rubin, University of Virginia ’06
Sustained Dialogue is unlike any organization on campus. It is the most pro-active organization because not only does it seek to improve the university campus as a whole, but it also seeks to improve oneself, which I believe is the most daunting task of all. Building relationships in which we encourage each other to think deeper about our own thoughts and help others see ours does more than any seminar or teach-in. This is a process that I hope I can carry with me even after I graduate and for the rest of my life.
- Vrinda Shah, University of Virginia ‘06