Informal dialogue can occur in dialogue groups. Groups of individuals –whether friends, neighbors, or concerned citizens – can begin a dialogue by focusing on shared texts such as these guides, and by following a patter of sharing and talking that promotes dialogue rather than debate. Review of a common text is a good way to focus dialogue, whether through an entire guide or just a segment of the guide that particularly interests the group along with other resources.

Some recommended reading on beginning dialogue:

• The Magic of Dialogue: Transforming Conflict into Cooperation
  by Daniel Yankelovich
  
  
• Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time
  by Susan Scott
  
  
• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most
  by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
  
  
• The Third Side: Why We Fight and How Can We Stop
  by William Ury
  
  
• Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
  by Roger Fisher and William Ury
  
  
• Getting Past No: Negotiating with Difficult People
  by William Ury