Highlights from InterACT Fall 2025

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:45:35 -0500
dialogue, diversity, equity, inclusion, interact, justice

This semester, the Center for Social Justice Dialogue had the pleasure of reintroducing the InterACT dialogue program to campus. Here are some highlights:

100% of participants agreed that participating in InterACT made them more inclusive leaders and engaged community members

One respondent remarked that the techniques taught and practiced throughout InterACT "are very applicable to a wide range of scenarios and came in a time that I wanted info on how to respond in a calm manner"

All respondents indicated that it was likely that they would recommend InterACT to first-year students and student leaders on campus. As one participant put it: "I had an absolutely wonderful experience in InterACT and it was a joy to be there each week [...] It was wonderful and I learned a lot."

InterACT challenges its participants to develop essential dialogue skills through the evolvement of critical self-awareness, empathetic listening, authentic sharing, and adaptive communication. Another participant elaborated upon this in our post-survey, saying: "I really liked the value statement activity in session 2, because I learned a lot about what I stand for and what I was willing to sacrifice by forcing myself to choose a side."

Continue reading for a thoughtful reflection written by InterACT facilitator and CSJD Intern Kayla Tabernero!

Facilitating dialogues through InterACT was a profoundly rewarding experience that challenged and expanded the way I approach communication, empathy, and leadership. Through each session, I witnessed the quiet yet powerful impact of intentional listening—what we often called "generous listening." Hearing others share their stories and reflections on identity, privilege, and social justice allowed me to see how dialogue can serve as both a mirror and a bridge: a mirror that reflects our own biases and growth, and a bridge that connects us across lived experiences.

One of my favorite moments was during the generous listening activity, where participants explored the difference between "good" and "bad" listening through a short series of role-playing exercises. Watching students step out of their comfort zones, laugh, reflect, and learn together reminded me that vulnerability and curiosity are often the first steps toward genuine understanding. It was deeply moving to see how quickly strangers could become collaborators in empathy.

The most challenging part of facilitating was finding the balance between stepping in to guide a conversation and stepping back to let participants discover meaning on their own. Learning when to intervene and when to simply observe was a delicate process, one that taught me patience and trust in the group's collective rhythm. Working alongside Anelsy made that process far more fluid; our partnership created a sense of balance and support that carried the sessions forward with warmth and confidence.

Ultimately, InterACT reaffirmed for me that dialogue is not about having answers, it's about creating the space where transformation quietly begins.