Social Safety during Diversity Week 2026

From Monday 5 to Friday 9 October 2026, the University of Groningen celebrates Diversity Week. Throughout the week, students and staff are invited to take part in a variety of activities that encourage learning, reflection, dialogue, and connection. During this week, the Social Safety program is participating with three activities.

Story Café: Where Diversity Meets Social Safety

Wednesday 7 October, 11.30 - 14.30 hr (Lunch included)
Academy building, room 1111.0016 (Bruinszaal)
Sign up here, before 5 October

Step into a warm, welcoming space designed for genuine connection. Inspired by Nora Bateson’s Warm Data Lab meeting methodologies from the Art of Hosting, our Story Café moves away from statistics, precise solutions and rigid debates to explore the messy, beautiful and complex intersections of diversity and social safety through the power of human storytelling. We will provide the space and you are invited to bring your stories.

Grab a cup of tea or coffee, pull up a chair and join a table. Each table features a unique prompt designed to spark fresh perspectives, allowing you to share personal experiences, listen deeply, and wander between conversations - and allow ideas to cross-pollinate. There are no right answers or forced conclusions here - we aim to create a fluid environment to look at our culture through diverse lenses. Come share your story, hear others and help us weave a stronger, more inclusive university community.

Weaving diversity into a fabric of belonging

Thursday 8 October, 13.00 - 15.00 hr
Orangerie, Heymansgebouw
Sign up here, before 5 October

How do we create an environment where differences are not only acknowledged but actively contribute to a sense of belonging? During this creative ‘Do & Talk’ dialogue session, we will explore together what belonging means within the University of Groningen.

Through a guided group conversation, participants will share experiences, perspectives, and insights on diversity, inclusion, and belonging in everyday university life. At the same time, we will collaboratively create a large woven textile artwork. Each strip of fabric added to the weave represents a story, experience, or perspective that forms part of the UG.

By literally weaving together, we make visible how diversity and belonging are interconnected. The final artwork will serve as a collective expression of the many voices, backgrounds, and experiences that strengthen our university community.
The session will be facilitated by colleagues trained in the dialogue and participatory methods of Art of Hosting. No weaving experience is required. Only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to engage with others.

Masterclass Inclusive Dialogues

Thursday 8 October, 14.30 - 17.00
Location TBA
Sign up here, before 6 October

What does it mean to engage in dialogue where everyone feels truly seen, heard and empowered to contribute?

Hosted by the Dialogue Team Social Safety, this interactive masterclass introduces you to some core principles of Participatory Leadership (Art of Hosting) - a powerful framework for facilitating meaningful, inclusive dialogues.

In this mini-masterclass, you will learn practical methodologies to work with collective intelligence. We will explore how to design conversations that bridge diverse perspectives, manage power dynamics, and foster psychological safety. Whether you are leading a seminar, chairing a committee, or managing a team, you will walk away with actionable tools to host collaborative spaces where every voice matters. Join us to transform how we connect, converse and co-create our culture.

View the full program for Diversity Week 2026 here.