Research Opportunity: Evaluating Deliberation Workshops about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Jewish Dialogue Group is seeking a graduate student to help evaluate the programs that we and other organizations will conduct with our new "Guidebook for Deliberation about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." This is an unpaid opportunity that offers students access to data that may be useful for their research interest.

About the Jewish Dialogue Group

JDG is a non-partisan, grassroots organization that works to foster constructive dialogue within Jewish communities about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other challenging issues. We lead structured dialogue programs in synagogues, colleges, and other venues throughout North America. These programs help people to:

• understand one another and built positive relationships across political divides
• reflect on their own experiences, feelings, ideas, and questions, in a supportive environment
• explore how they can respond to critical problems in effective and ethical ways

We also train dialogue facilitators, create publications that empower people to lead dialogue programs of their own, and provide advice to people who are engaged in dialogue work.

About the Deliberation Project

In 2012, JDG will publish a new "Guidebook for Deliberation," which will enable Jews across the United States to systematically explore the choices they face as they consider how to respond to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The guidebook will describe four alternative responses to the question, "How can Jews in the U.S. respond to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in ways that are ethical and effective?" Each response will include detailed recommendations for action, along with an explanation of the hopes and fears, interpretations of history and current events, and ethical and religous commitments that motivate that approach. The four responses will reflect a full range of ideas and concerns within Jewish communities.

Jewish individuals and organizations across the country will use the guidebook to conduct deliberation programs. In these workshops, participants will explore a variety of perspectives on the conflict; reflect on their own values, feelings, and concerns; exchange ideas; and weigh their options. Like our regular dialogue programs, deliberation workshops will create an environment for respectful conversation and mutual learning. Some programs will be one-time events, while others will involve multiple meetings over a period of weeks or months. In addition, we expect that many people will study the guide on their own and discuss it informally, without participating in formal programs. Click here for more information about the project.

The Role of the Researcher

The researcher will work with JDG staff and volunteers to design and implement an evaluation plan for the project. JDG will use the results of this research to improve its programs and to demonstrate the value of its programs to funders. The evaluator may take on a variety of roles:

Qualifiations

We are seeking a student who has prior experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods and whose research goals overlap with JDG's goals. The evaluator does not need to have extensive knowledge about issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but basic familiarity with the issues and prior experience working with Jewish communities are helpful. This opportunity is ideal for students who are pursuing masters or doctoral degrees in Jewish studies, psychology, social work, education, or peace and conflict studies. We are open to working with a student in any location.

To Apply

If you are interested in working with us, please contact Mitch Chanin, the Jewish Dialogue Group's Executive Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please also free to contact us with any questions.