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Dialogue Across Difference

Build leadership skills in facilitation and mediation

Have you ever been in a conversation where people see things very differently, tensions start to rise, and you’re not quite sure what to say or do next? What if you could build the skills to step into those moments as a leader?

Learn to engage thoughtfully across identities, experiences and viewpoints, and to host and facilitate challenging conversations with your peers, with foundational training in dialogue and mediation.

Program phases:

  1. A four-day foundational retreat.
  2. Supported practice in campus dialogue.
  3. Advanced training for selected participants who have completed the program.

Dialogue Across Difference Retreat

October 26–29, 2026 at YMCA Cedar Glen

Join the Dialogue Across Difference Retreat to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to facilitate and mediate meaningful conversations across difference. Whether you’re leading a student group, working on a team, navigating conflict among friends or preparing for your future career, this program will help you learn how to create the conditions for people to listen, engage and move through challenging conversations together.

Retreat details

  • October 26 – 29, 2026 (4 days, 3 nights)
  • Location: YMCA Cedar Glen
  • Brings together 30 undergraduate students for learning, reflection, practice and community-building
  • No cost to students selected for the program. Transportation, accommodations, food, program materials and activities are all included.
  • There are only 30 spaces available, so we encourage you to apply if you’re interested in becoming a more confident leader who can help others navigate difference, disagreement and difficult conversations.
  • The retreat combines theoretical learning with real-world practice. You’ll have opportunities to try out facilitation and mediation approaches, work through real-life scenarios, reflect on your own leadership, and learn alongside students with different perspectives and experiences.

Apply for the Dialogue Across Difference Retreat

Apply by October 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

What you’ll gain

Develop practical leadership skills that you can use in your personal life, your studies, student leadership and future career. Through the program, you’ll learn how to:

  • Facilitate conversations across difference and create spaces where people can engage with perspectives different from their own.
  • Mediate conflict, tension and disagreement with care, confidence and intention.
  • Strengthen self-awareness and understand how identity shapes our perspectives and interactions.
  • Navigate challenging conversations while supporting relationships and group connection.

Civil Discourse Office Hours

In a new initiative from Alex Hernandez, the University’s Advisory on Civil Discourse, students are invited to drop in during monthly office hours and talk about navigating difficult conversations, practicing dialogue across difference and strategies for cultivating curious, open minds.

Swing by to chat and share ideas, experiences and concerns about what the university is doing to support and strengthen your critical resilience.

Upcoming Civil Discourse Office Hours

October 15, 2026 between 2:30 – 4 pm at Victoria College, Building 107

Contact alex.hernandez@utoronto.ca for more information.

Stay Connected

Share your information to stay connected, get updates and help shape this new program as it launches.