Principle 2: Create safe spaces

You must create safe meeting spaces where psychological safety is protected. Participants meet eachother with equality and respect, with a transparent agenda.

Folk Møter Folk used Principle 2

Folk Møter Folk (People meet people) arranged meetings in the library where the local population could meet making sure to include fugitives. This created a safe space where the main goal was to get to know eachother.

folk møter folk interview

"We need help to meet eachother. How can we do this"

Watch interview

To function as a facilitator you must:

  • Remain an impartial third party and support all relevant parties in dialogue.
  • Ensure that everyone is listened to and that it’s safe to ask open and exploratory questions.
  • Conduct conversation with all parties prior to the dialogue to get enough information to facilitate a safe space ; what is confidentially shared with you in these conversations must not be shared with others in the group.
  • Plan what to say when the parties first meet, including explaining the framework for the dialogue, your role and any ground rules.
  • Make sure to keep the space safe and be ready to end the dialogue if something unexpected comes up that makes it dangerous or impractical to continue.
Two boys in front of the peace brigade during civil war in Northern ireland 1970s.
Two boys in front of the peace brigade during the civil war in Northern Ireland 1970s.

Peace through personal meetings

Peace Prize laureates Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams used Principle 2: Create safe spaces by organising joint peace marches, peace groups, and community initiatives to build cooperation and trust between Protestants and Catholics during the violent conflict in Northern Ireland. They received the Peace Prize in 1979 for their efforts to create safe spaces where the two sides could get to know one another.

Betty williams portrait

“...by getting them to know each other, talk each others languages, understand each other’s fears and beliefs, getting to know eachother physically, philosophically and spiritually”

Peace Prize Laureate, Betty Williams

What are the dialogue principles?

The eight dialogue principles were defined when we tried to understand how the Peace Prize laureates managed to move their causes forward in such a peaceful and productive way. We realised there is a pattern in their approach. Dialogue is the overarching concept, while the principles are parts of dialogue that anyone can practise.

About the book

Explore the eight principles of good dialogue:

principle 3

Include all relevant parties

principle 4

In dialogue, you must listen

principle 5

Let everyone share their experiences

principle 6

Ask questions

principle 7

Talk about the difficult topics

principle 8

Contribute to forgiveness and reconciliation

principle 1

Dialogue should be a basic attitude

principle 2

Create safe spaces

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Dialogue belongs in all areas of life

Foto: Betty Williams, cc 4.0 wikicommons, Willy Pragher