On April 15, 2025, Summa launched the book Change through dialogue, written by action researchers from the Relational Work research program. The first copy was received by writer, columnist, and program maker Özcan Akyol, better known as Eus. Diversity, inclusion, and equality have become important topics of conversation. In a time when polarization is increasingly visible in society, it's important to truly listen to and understand each other. Dialogue is an important tool for taking valuable steps. But how do you have that conversation when things are difficult?

At Summa, we conduct research on diversity, inclusion, and equality (DIG). "Our book shares insights and offers practical tools for professionals," says Rinske Broekman. She co-authored the book with Summa colleague Bennie Krol. "We did a lot of experimenting. We used various methodologies to discuss sensitive topics with students and colleagues. It's great that we can now share our findings and provide resources that work in practice."

There's increasing polarization in the world, and the number of societal discussions is growing. As diverse as society is, so is Summa. Bennie Krol: "How do you engage in dialogue on topics where opinions differ so widely? How do you create an environment where everyone feels safe and we learn from each other's perspectives? Our approach doesn't aim to impose a particular point of view on people. We do, however, want to help colleagues and students engage in constructive dialogue – sometimes about sensitive topics, such as gender-neutral restrooms or sexual orientation."

Hans Panjoel, practitioner of Relational Work at Summa, finds the book incredibly valuable. “Different opinions converge everywhere. In neighborhoods, at sports clubs, in families: everywhere you encounter social bubbles, usually with like-minded people. Education is precisely where all these bubbles converge. And especially in vocational education (MBO). Here we have conversations that aren't always had, or can't always be had, at home. And here you sometimes encounter very different opinions. Young people are searching. For their identity and for connection on sub-themes. These conversations can sometimes be fiery and heated. What's going on? It's good that we're working together on that optimal dialogue. There are many different opinions, and that's okay. In a good conversation, we connect, and everyone is allowed to share their opinion. This way, we learn that listening and speaking up enriches us enormously. Being mindful of other perspectives leads to insights; it's not all so black and white.”

How do you deal with it when the conversation gets tense?

Bennie nods. “Seeing through someone else's eyes enriches you. It creates connection, creates understanding. But how do you lead such a conversation? That was a quest for us too. And we write about it in the book. We interviewed both students and lecturers. We encountered people who were hesitant to act, dominant participants, and introverts. We sometimes saw tensions escalating, polarizing statements made. We heard that dialogue was often avoided because tensions escalated significantly around certain topics. And how do you act as a moderator in such cases? How do you keep the conversation safe, respectful, and inclusive for all participants? That's what we started working on, and the result is this book.”

A safe environment. Being yourself. Embracing differences. "We pay a lot of attention to that at Summa," says Rinske. "Student happiness and employee happiness are central to our educational institution; we strive for personalized education based on a genuine interest in who others are and what their lives are about. Many colleagues at Summa have been raising awareness of this for years. That prompted us to establish the Relational Work professorship, to embed this theme within Summa. This book is a beautiful product of sowing seeds. Through reflection meetings and dialogue sessions in varying groups, we examined what works and what doesn't. We saw something truly beautiful emerge right before our eyes. How wonderful it is that we can now share this process, which took several years, with everyone. We hope this book will inspire others, both within and outside Summa, within and outside the education sector."

"It's indeed a great starting point for others to continue with," Hans concludes. "Of course, the translation is always necessary, depending on the person in front of you and the situation. Which themes are relevant? What visible and invisible differences exist? It's important to discuss complex topics like tolerance, freedoms, beliefs, shared norms, and rules of the game together. Not always easy. How wonderful that this book helps in dealing with differences. For the future, both in the workplace and in society."

Download the eBook here for free.