1. Timing Is Everything To engage in this type of conversation the timing needs to be right. This isn't a quick hallway conversation, but one that requires enough time for people to exchange stories and descriptions that usually have great detail. While a chat over coffee might be the opening, an invitation to continue might follow. If the dialogue is more formal be sure to provide ample time for everyone to feel part of the conversation.
2. Follow the Leader Getting this type of conversation going might mean opening up new territory with your co-workers. What it requires is for someone to take the lead. The easiest way is to start sharing yourself. That sets the tone for others to join in. Another good way is to position a great question like "What do you do on December 25th?" or "What are some of the ways you celebrate_____?" or "How do you celebrate_____?" If the dialogue is more formal a leader should prepare two or three questions but be tuned into the conversation to go deeper by "hitchhiking" questions to the original and encouraging others to chime in with their own curiosities. Another good way to start a formal dialogue is to establish an ASK or TELL option where people have the option to ask the group a question about their tradition or tell the group about a tradition.
3. Two-way Conversation A dialogue is different from a monologue. It implies that all parties are sharing and, in this case, learning. You do need to watch out for comments that steal the floor from others, like "Oh we do that too, except our family..." Allow time for everyone to have the spotlight, but don't avoid questions that help them take the story deeper like "What was that like for you?" or "What does it look like?" In a dialogue that is more formal establish a process where each person has time to talk, as well as an open forum for questioning.
4. Pictures Are Worth a Thousand Words How about inviting people to bring photos of their holiday celebrations or December gatherings and share them with you? In a more formal way have a photo gallery for others to post photos. This will guarantee conversation.
5. Whoever Shows up Is Supposed to Be There A December Dialogue isn't something that everyone is going to want to participate in, even if it appears to be a coffee chat. Those who are open and enjoy learning about others will let you know quickly whether they want to share their personal "stuff" by their degree of engagement or through nonverbal signs that demonstrate enthusiasm or disinterest. Read the signs and be respectful. If you want to establish a formal dialogue ask for volunteers and let them know what they might expect.
6. Open the Door and Keep It Open I have found that once a successful dialogue takes place it builds a new relationship with the participants that never ends. Follow-up conversations are deeper even when they are about new topics. It all comes down to demonstrating a level of respect that allows people to be themselves and bring their whole selves to the table. That's what we call "Inclusion."

The United States remains an overwhelmingly religious society. Six out of 10 Americans said that religion was "very important" in their lives in a Gallup Poll released in November of 2003. This fact is becoming even more apparent as the presidential race heats up. And, as you see in the statistics below from the City University of New York: most Americans identify as part of a Christian religion:

• Protestant (White Evangelicals): 30%


• Roman Catholics: 25%


• Protestant (Liberal): 20%


• Protestant (African-American): 8%


• Jewish: 2%


• According to recent State Department statistics, there are 2 million American Muslims associated with a mosque.


• Other: 15%