The UCLA Dialogue Across Difference (DaD) Initiative is pleased to announce the creation of a new fund to support UCLA undergraduate and graduate/professional students who want to deepen their engagement with the principles and practices of dialogue. DaD is dedicated to promoting the values of active listening, empathy, intellectual engagement, and curiosity across lines of difference on campus.
The new DaD Bruin Bridge-Builders Fund offers two types of grant opportunities to students:
The UCLA Dialogue Across Difference (DaD) Initiative is pleased to announce the creation of a new fund to support UCLA undergraduate and graduate/professional students who want to deepen their engagement with the principles and practices of dialogue. DaD is dedicated to promoting the values of active listening, empathy, intellectual engagement, and curiosity across lines of difference on campus.
The new DaD Bruin Bridge-Builders Fund offers two types of grant opportunities to students:
Training Grants
These grants (ranging from $250-$2500) are intended to support students’ participation in opportunities that help them build the muscle to navigate differences or to advance dialogue on campus. For example, students would be eligible to use funds to attend workshops, events, conferences, trainings or seminars that build their skills in the principles of dialogue.
Requirements:
- Students should be able to explain in their application how this experience will help build their capacity for dialogue across difference.
- Recipients of this grant will be required to write a short reflection about their experience, and to share their learning with the UCLA community in at least one of the following ways (students should indicate their preference when they apply):
- Publish their written reflection on the DaD website
- Present about their learning at a DaD program
- 1-1 meetings with at least three other students to share their learning
- Other ideas are welcome
Eligible items for funding:
- Examples of items eligible for funding: Registration fees (conferences, workshops, training programs), airfare, lodging, dialogue-related reading material
- Examples of items ineligible for funding: Personal coaching or contract fees, office supplies or equipment, university tuition
Examples might include (but are not limited to):
- Participation in a facilitation or mediation training or workshop
- Participation in a conference for a “bridging,” dialogue, conflict resolution, or related organization
- Participation in a retreat for bridge builders
- Participation in trips or experiences related to peace and conflict studies
Eligibility to apply: UCLA undergraduate and graduate/professional students are welcome to apply.
Program Grants
These grants (ranging from $250-$5000) are intended to support student-led dialogue programs and activities that promote the values of active listening, empathy, intellectual engagement, and curiosity on campus. For example, students may use these funds to organize their own intentional dialogues, to host guests who promote the values of dialogue, or to develop other dialogue-related ideas.
Requirements:
- Students should be able to explain how their idea will help build a culture of constructive dialogue across difference at UCLA.
- Students should have a clear plan for how they will develop and implement their dialogue idea, and should submit a short budget explaining how the funds will support their program.
- Recipients of this grant will be required to submit a short report summarizing the program or idea, and if relevant and appropriate, submit a photo of the event.
Eligible items for funding:
- Examples of items eligible for funding: food, supplies, facilities, advertising/ graphics, honoraria and consultant fees, transportation.
- Examples of items ineligible for funding: clothing, decorations, purchase of electrical or mechanical equipment (e.g., computers, cameras, etc.)
Examples of possible programs might include (but are not limited to):
- Dinner dialogue to discuss political topics from different perspectives
- Story sharing program that highlights different identities and narratives
- A film screening of a movie that models dialogue across difference (e.g., see “film” tab here for examples)
- A professionally mediated conversation to help resolve a student group conflict
- A printed “how-to” guide for how to have hard conversations across difference
Eligibility to apply:
UCLA undergraduate and graduate/professional students are welcome to apply.
- Both individual students and Registered Campus Organizations are welcome to apply for the Program grant.
- Recipients of the Program Grant must have some demonstrated experience with or exposure to the principles of dialogue. (E.g., participation in a past DaD training or event; completion of a dialogue-related course or program at UCLA; completion or involvement in a dialogue or bridging training program outside UCLA)
Frequently Asked Questions
When are applications due?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are expended.
How soon can I expect to be notified if my application was approved?
Applications will be reviewed and approved within a 3-4 week turnaround. Please be mindful of this turnaround time when applying for programs and trainings that are time-sensitive. If you have an urgent, time-sensitive request, please email kindness@ucla.edu.
What counts as “dialogue” or “bridge building”?
The UCLA Dialogue Across Difference Initiative seeks to promote the values of active listening, empathy, intellectual engagement and curiosity across lines of difference on campus. There are many approaches and frameworks for dialogue that might help achieve these aims, such as intergroup dialogue, conflict resolution and mediation, restorative justice, multi-narrative exchanges, and other more informal modes of connecting across difference.
These funds are not restricted to any one dialogue approach, framework, or audience. That said, they are chiefly reserved for initiatives that help students understand, communicate, and connect across lines of difference.
Can I apply for a program to build bridges or foster dialogue within my student group or community?
Yes! Dialogue can take place between groups (“intergroup”) or within different members of a specific group (“intragroup”). If you are navigating differences between members of the same group or organization, you may also apply for funding to support dialogue within your group.
Can I get help with my program idea?
If you are applying as a Registered Campus Organization, you can get program support or advice from your SOLE advisor.
If you are applying as an individual, please reach out to us at kindness@ucla.edu and we will find a way to support you.
How often can I apply to DaD grants?
Students and Registered Campus Organizations may receive a training grant and/or program grant once per quarter.
I am interested in learning more about dialogue, but I don’t know where to start.
The Dialogue Across Difference Initiative offers ongoing workshops for students who want to gain skills for having hard conversations across difference. Sign up for our newsletter here to learn more.
DaD is also currently compiling a digital clearinghouse of existing UCLA programs, courses, and student groups that advance dialogue. Check back soon for more information about this clearinghouse. You can also check out opportunities from the Listen First Project or the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation. If you are interested in a specific type of opportunity, but don’t know where to look, please email kindness@ucla.edu.
Can I apply to both a Training Grant and a Program Grant at the same time?
Yes, a student may apply to both grants at the same time. That said, each application must fit the requirements and eligibility for each respective grant.
Do you support applications dealing with political subject matter?
The UCLA Dialogue across Difference Initiative and the Bruin Bridge Builders Fund do not adopt political stances. This does not mean that your proposal cannot touch political subject matter. On the contrary, dialogue across difference about political or ideological subject matter is vitally important and encouraged. Rather, applications will be judged on the extent to which they promote the values of the DaD initiative (empathy, active listening, intellectual engagement, critical thinking) across difference, and have an explicitly stated approach to exploring differences.