Our High School DialogueLab provides dedicated time and space to promote reflection, communication, and collaboration which aligns with Dalton’s mission of: “Cultivating values of respect, integrity, compassion, and justice to encourage community responsibility, combat prejudice and engage students as participants in a democratic society and global community.” 

This year, during five DialogueLab sessions, each High School student engaged in facilitated activities and conversations within their self-selected affinity group. Students also had the option to explore a new group, if they wished. Guided by student feedback, this year’s DialogueLabs continued to be led by trained student and adult co-facilitators – in the same groups for all five sessions – and centered racial identity as the affinity spaces. 

As the facilitators got to know their groups, each group's discussions were tailored to their identities, experiences, and temperament to ensure that they each engaged in meaningful and impactful discourse. The overarching discussion themes, adapted from a comprehensive racial affinity group curriculum developed by Dr. Liza Talusan, included Making Assumptions; Experiences We Share; and When We Disagree. This week, the groups wrapped up their time together for the year, centering reflection, celebration, and continued connection beyond the DialogueLabs. Looking forward, student feedback will continue to guide the evolution of DialogueLabs.