Understanding Multipartiality in Intergroup Dialogue Series

When I think of all of the concepts I learned in my training as an Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator, one of the most impactful learnings that has stayed with me throughout the years that I have carried into my work as a facilitator, educator, and consultant is the concept of multipartiality or, balancing social power dynamics in dialogue.

I’ve written before about important dynamics to be mindful of when working with groups and understanding the existence and overarching presence of dominant narratives and their influence on every space we occupy, and the need to surface and elevate counternarratives is absolutely critical for facilitators, as well as participants, to be aware of.

One of the most memorable and impactful educators who has contributed to increasing my understanding of this concept is Roger Fisher, through his work with The Program on Intergroup Relations at the University of Michigan.

The first time I heard Roger break this concept down, I remember thinking to myself, “This is an example of how education can be liberatory.” I thought so then, and I think so still. While I’ve continued to explain the concept to others as an educator myself in the years that followed, I continue to appreciate the ways Roger is able to explain multipartiality to participants.

While doing a bit of research for a talk I was working on designed to explain how I carry the concept of multipartiality into my work as an organizational consultant, I came upon a series of videos of Roger breaking it down yet again, and want to share them here as a resource.

This post is the first of a 7 part series on understanding multipartiality, as explained by Roger Fisher. Additional videos will be posted below.

Understanding Multipartiality

Part One (this post): What is Multipartiality?

Part Two: Facilitation Styles: Understanding the difference between Neutral, Advocate, and Multipartial Facilitation and their possible outcomes.

Part Three: Counternarratives

Part Four: Cultural Exploitation

Part Five: Inquiry

Part Six: Complicating Factors

Part Seven: Frequently Asked Questions

Ubuntu,

From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins-Jones