Essential Partners

“[There are] so many ways to foster dialogue and build community,” reflected one EP Community of Practice member. “You can go big and go small—both are so impactful.” This summer, we gathered bridge-builders and changemakers from communities, campuses, and schools across the nation for three summits to celebrate, support, and inspire.

Trying to figure out how to navigate difficult conversations with students, staff, and faculty? With all of the changes that have been happening in higher ed., and the world in general, upcoming conversations in our educational settings have to be crafted for purpose and respectful to all involved. At Ohio University, I'm using Essential Partners' Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD) for our Dialogue Series with students, staff, and faculty. I'm also using their dialogue frameworks for faculty workshops on how to engage with students in the classroom without shutting down voices and invalidating experiences. Lastly, Essential Partners has great resources for conflict resolution and mediation, which will be helpful in teaching our 300+ Resident Advisors on campus to create safe, authentic, and more enjoyable Living and Learning Communities on campus. If you have the need for tools and resources for navigating civil discourse and creating cohesion in a company or at a university, I highly suggest them!

We are proud to stand alongside 32 community-led projects that are building belonging and addressing division across the country, all made possible by the New Pluralists Healing Starts Here initiative. Their new report highlights how local leaders are using approaches like dialogue, storytelling, conflict resolution, organizing, power-building, and collaborative problem-solving to repair relationships, strengthen civic trust, and transform communities. Read the complete report: https://bit.ly/4lAU6SR

Happy publication day to “The Dialogic Classroom in Higher Education,” a step-by-step guide to leveraging Reflective Structured Dialogue as a pivotal pedagogical tool to boost student curiosity, engagement, and content acquisition. Co-authored by EP Academic Associates Jill DeTemple (Southern Methodist University), Harriett E. Hayes (Bridgewater College), and Jennifer Ellis West (Samford University), this is truly a must-have for all higher educators. https://bit.ly/3HoD9wN

Trying to figure out how to navigate difficult conversations with students, staff, and faculty? With all of the changes that have been happening in higher ed., and the world in general, upcoming conversations in our educational settings have to be crafted for purpose and respectful to all involved. At Ohio University, I'm using Essential Partners' Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD) for our Dialogue Series with students, staff, and faculty. I'm also using their dialogue frameworks for faculty workshops on how to engage with students in the classroom without shutting down voices and invalidating experiences. Lastly, Essential Partners has great resources for conflict resolution and mediation, which will be helpful in teaching our 300+ Resident Advisors on campus to create safe, authentic, and more enjoyable Living and Learning Communities on campus. If you have the need for tools and resources for navigating civil discourse and creating cohesion in a company or at a university, I highly suggest them!

We were thrilled to lead a brief training with the inspiring Miami Dade College staff earlier this month. Here are EP Associate Montressa Washington (L) and Director of Programs Meg Griffiths (C) with Director of Changemaking Education and Social Innovation at Miami Dade College Sandra LaFleur (R), enjoying a red carpet moment!

The power of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework is better experienced than explained. If you're curious to learn more, join us for this three-hour, facilitated RSD experience on August 12! https://bit.ly/4o5CG3k

Save the date! We're a featured presenter at Building Together 2026, hosted by the Council on Foundations! Building Together is a sector-wide gathering for philanthropic professionals eager to connect and collaborate across differences. Learn more, submit a program proposal, and sign up for early access: https://bit.ly/4lpPQpE

More scenes from a fabulous week-long intensive in St. Louis!

✨ Honored that our amazing leader is highlighted in this beautiful reflection! Last week, RÍE had the opportunity to contribute to Essential Partners’ Community Leaders Summit through Hannia P. , our Founder/President/CEO and Community Cornerstone Fellow, who presented on Facilitating Community Connection: Integrating Dialogue, Leadership, and Rest In Action. Alongside incredible leaders like Amanda Chance and Sepi Djavaheri, MPA, we explored how dialogue, relational leadership, and intentional pauses can strengthen our communities. We’re grateful to Essential Partners for creating spaces where these conversations thrive — and to Kathy Eckles, M.A. and Winnie for facilitating with such skill and care. Also, to Gabi Mathews, who helped ensure a smooth transition between large and small virtual group sessions throughout the Summit. It’s always powerful to be reminded that whether we’re speaking, listening, or running tech behind the scenes, every role is essential in building communities rooted in trust, understanding, and connection. #CommunityBuilding #Dialogue #Leadership #RestAsResistance #Facilitation