A Guide to Leading Change
Welcome to Your Dialogue Toolkit
Why Dialogue Matters
The Heart of Our Movement
Dialogue is Afghanistan’s pathway to peace. From the Loya Jirga to today, our history shows that collective wisdom heals wounds and unites communities. The Mili Mehwar National Dialogue builds on this legacy, empowering every Afghan to shape a future of reconciliation, justice, and progress.
Your Role: By hosting a dialogue, you amplify voices, mend divides, and contribute to national solutions.
Getting Started
Hosting a Dialogue
Who Can Host? Anyone—elders, youth, women, teachers, or groups.
Where? Homes, community centers, schools, mosques—any safe space.
When? Choose a time that works for your community.
What You’ll Need:
- A quiet, welcoming space.
- A group of 5-20 participants (small or large works!).
- This toolkit (and a pen for notes).
- An open mind and a commitment to listen.
Your Roadmap to Impact
Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Discussion
Plan Ahead
- Set a date, time, and location.
- Invite participants (aim for diversity—age, gender, background).
- Prepare a simple agenda (see templates below).
Set the Stage
- Welcome everyone and explain the purpose: unity and progress.
- Share the Mili Mehwar vision (see Page 2 of our main document).
- Set ground rules: respect, listening, no interruptions.
Start the Conversation
- Use our Key Discussion Topics (below) or let participants choose.
- Encourage everyone to speak—start with an icebreaker if needed (e.g., “What’s one hope you have for Afghanistan?”).
Guide the Dialogue
- Keep it respectful and on track (see Tips below).
- Take notes on key ideas, challenges, and solutions.
Wrap Up
- Summarize what was discussed.
- Ask: “What’s one action we can take?”
- Thank everyone and share next steps (e.g., submitting ideas to us).
Sparks for Meaningful Conversations
Key Discussion Topics
Choose one or more to guide your dialogue:
- Reconciliation: How can we heal old wounds in our community?
- Trust: What builds trust between neighbors or leaders?
- Peace: What steps can prevent conflict locally?
- Justice: How do we ensure fairness for all Afghans?
- Progress: What opportunities (jobs, education) matter most?
- Youth & Women: How can they lead change?
Pro Tip: Let participants suggest topics too—local issues matter!
Keep the Dialogue Flowing
Tips for Facilitating Respectful Conversations
- Listen Actively: Show you’re engaged—nod, ask follow-ups.
- Stay Neutral: Don’t take sides; let all views be heard.
- Manage Conflict: If tensions rise, redirect to shared goals (e.g., “What unites us here?”).
- Encourage Quiet Voices: Invite shy participants to share.
- Time It Right: Aim for 1-2 hours—keep energy high.
Make It Count
Turning Talk into Results
- Summarize Ideas: Write down key points from your dialogue.
- Propose Solutions: What can your community or leaders do?
- Share with Us: Submit your notes via:
- National Questionnaire
- Email:[email protected]
- Follow Up: Plan another dialogue or local action (e.g., a peace march).
Impact: Your input shapes national policies and local change!
Tools to Make It Easy
Resources & Templates
Template 1: Dialogue Agenda
- Welcome (5 min): Introduce the purpose.
- Icebreaker (10 min): “What’s one hope for our future?”
- Main Discussion (45 min): Pick a topic from Section 4.
- Action Planning (15 min): Next steps.
- Closing (5 min): Thank you and follow-up info.
Template 2: Note-Taking Sheet
- Date & Location:
- Participants:
- Key Ideas:
- Challenges:
- Solutions:
Additional Resources
- History Brief: Read about Afghanistan’s dialogue legacy on our website.
- FAQ: Check our FAQs for more guidance (see above).
- Poster: Download a “Join the Dialogue” flyer at www.afghannationaldialogue.com/toolkit
We’re Here to Support You
Contact Us
Questions? Need help planning? Reach out:
📧 Email: [email protected]
You Are the Change
The Mili Mehwar National Dialogue is a transformative, Afghan-led initiative uniting diverse voices—political leaders, civil society activists, tribal elders, religious scholars, youth, women, and experts—to forge a shared vision for peace, unity, and progress in Afghanistan. It’s more than a conversation; it’s a movement to heal divisions, rebuild trust, and shape a brighter future.
Afghanistan faces deep political, economic, and social challenges. Through inclusive and respectful dialogue, we turn differences into strengths, creating a roadmap for reconciliation, sustainable development, and social justice. This is our chance to write a new chapter of unity and hope.
Everyone! From youth and women to elders and leaders, every Afghan has a voice in this dialogue. Whether you attend a town hall, submit ideas via our National Questionnaire, or advocate for change in your community, your contribution matters.
Our structured roadmap includes:
- Preliminary Discussions: Identifying key voices.
- Preparatory Committee: Setting the stage.
- Public Awareness: Engaging the nation.
- National Conference: Defining priorities.
- Stakeholder Input: Gathering insights.
- Solutions & Action: Turning talk into results.
- Oversight: Ensuring accountability.
Join us at any step!
Rooted in Afghanistan’s rich tradition of dialogue—like the Loya Jirga—and inspired by global successes (e.g., South Africa’s Truth & Reconciliation), we combine history with innovation. Our process is Afghan-led, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring every voice shapes the outcome.
We’ve already:
✔ Engaged thousands in nationwide consultations.
✔ Mediated regional conflicts.
✔ Empowered women and youth.
✔ Delivered policy recommendations for governance and security.
Every achievement is a step toward a united Afghanistan!
Your voice is vital! Here’s how:
✅ Participate: Join town halls or discussions.
✅ Share: Submit ideas via the National Questionnaire (🔗 [link]).
✅ Stay Informed: Follow us on social media or sign up for newsletters.
✅ Advocate: Spread the word in your community.
Together, we build the future.