Sustained Dialogue (SD) develops leaders able to transform differences into the strong relationships essential to effective decision-making, democratic governance, and peace. SD differs from other changemaking processes through its focus on understanding the nature of community relationships, which are often the "problem behind the problem". SD reaches beyond formal institutions to include "whole bodies politic"—everyday community members as well as formal leaders. Our method for changing society is to focus on the five elements of relationship: Identity, Interests, Power, Perceptions & Patterns of Interaction.
Sustained Dialogue Institute
By Tiffany RebelmouseJun 04, 2019
Tiffany Rebelmouse
Tiffany Rebelmouse is a contributor for The Fulcrum, a nonpartisan publication dedicated to strengthening democracy by fostering informed civic engagement and elevating diverse perspectives.


















State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, center, stands with members of the Washington State Domestic Workers Coalition at the state Capitol on Feb. 28, 2026. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights passed in the House that day, before being signed into law in March. (Photo courtesy of Casa Latina)



