1. The Estonian Dialogue Academy
The Estonian Dialogue Academy is a place of encounter, inspiration and learning. We deeply believe in the power of thinking and talking together. This is why we teach dialogue and critical thinking skills, train dialogue facilitators and organisers, and promote more inclusive and interactive cultures of communication and participation. We collaborate with schools, NGOs, governments, local networks, businesses, politicians and the public.
1.1 About our fields of work
- EDUCATION: We provide training in group conversation and critical thinking skills to empower young people to discuss any topic or fundamental question that is important to them.
- COMMUNITY: The power of free societies lies, to a great extent, in the possibility of voluntarily forming, joining and leaving groups of all kinds. We work to strengthen these communities by facilitating conversations and providing dialogue training.
- DEMOCRACY: We strengthen and protect constitutional democracies by encouraging public dialogue and citizens’ participation in political decision-making processes.
- LEADERSHIP: We help governments and businesses strengthen their empathic leadership, empowering them to combine strong vision with critical, collective thinking.
2. Message
2.1 Key messages about dialogue
- Dialogue is about the joy of thinking together.
- Listening is not the same as remaining silent – it is about a genuine interest in what others are trying to say.
- Every opportunity to speak comes with the responsibility to support others to share their ideas as well.
- Dialogue is not about being nice and soft. It is about taking each other extremely seriously and addressing the most important questions first.
2.2 Key messages about our believes
- We stimulate a culture of open and inclusive conversations because deep down we all want to be free, but not without meaningful connections with others.
- We fight against the belief that changing your convictions is a weakness. Having an open mind is a sign of curiosity about what others think and say. True power lies in the conversations that spring from it.
- People often believe leadership is about having a vision and collecting followers. For us, the people come first. Only when visions are collective work, they have a long-lasting effect. That is why we support the development of emphatic leadership in communities, politics, public organisations and businesses.
- A common misconception about democracy is that it is primarily based on the rule of the majority, whether by politicians or the people. This would mean that any conversation aimed at keeping societies together would be useless. We believe that open dialogue and debate help to safeguard the role of critical minorities in decision-making processes. The fact is that the dividing lines between majorities and minorities are constantly changing.
3. Voice & Tone
3.1 Writing Tone & Voice
We speak to our team, and others with kindness, calmness, and confidence. We’re genuine, honest, transparent, friendly, and relatable.
3.2 Our Tagline
The purpose of our tagline is to capture and summarise our promise, values, and experience.
Estonian Dialogue Academy – For curious people and critical minds
Eesti Dialoogiakadeemia – Uudishimulikele inimestele ja kriitilistele meeltele
3.3 Our Slogan
Join the conversation!
Ühine vestlusega!