About Beyond Differences
Developing and testing a small student-led dialogue pilot
Beyond Differences explores whether structured dialogue can support more comfortable and respectful conversations across different communities.
Pilot status
Beyond Differences is currently being developed and tested as a small student-led pilot.
About Beyond Differences
Our story
Started on 25 July 2026
The project started on 25 July 2026. Beyond Differences is a team project on the 2026 Grassroots Internships, a four-week programme run by Kubair Shirazee and Team Numu, in partnership with Peace Through Prosperity. The team conducted early pilot activities, introduced before-and-after measurement, strengthened its consent process, and developed Dialogue Kit Version 2 through a Week 4 field test led by an outside facilitator.
Mission
To test a respectful, structured dialogue format and learn carefully from a small student-led pilot.
Vision
Conversations across different communities in which people can listen, speak, and reflect with respect.
Objectives
What the team is testing and developing
The current objectives are limited to the documented work of this small pilot.
Test structured dialogue
Use a clear conversation format and observe what helps participants discuss difficult subjects respectfully.
Develop the Dialogue Kit
Refine Dialogue Kit Version 1 through documented pilot learning.
Measure before and after
Use paired self-reported responses to examine early movement without overstating what the results mean.
Strengthen consent
Keep participant consent and responsible use of project media central to the pilot process.
Core values
Principles for difficult and necessary conversations
These principles guide how the team is developing and testing the pilot.
Respect
Treat each perspective with dignity and avoid making assumptions about identity or experience.
Consent
Use participant information and media only within the consent available to the project.
Careful evidence
Distinguish early self-reported pilot results from proof of wider impact.
Learning
Use documented activities and feedback to improve the project rather than claim maturity too early.
Why it matters
Why the pilot is being tested
Conversations about ethnicity and difference can be difficult. The pilot is testing whether a structured dialogue can make those conversations easier and more comfortable for a small group of participants.
Our relationship
The programme relationship
Beyond Differences is a team project on the 2026 Grassroots Internships, a four-week programme run by Kubair Shirazee and Team Numu, in partnership with Peace Through Prosperity.