Effective Strategies to Reduce Bias and Increase Trust
Intergroup contact can reduce bias – but only under the right conditions. This session unpacks the psychology behind effective contact: why simply putting people in a room isn’t enough, and what makes the difference between deepening connection or reinforcing fear. We’ll explore key factors that support mutual recognition and change across lines of identity and ideology, and learn how to design conditions that make real connection possible.
Use psychological insights to reduce bias, increase resilience, and build connection
🧠 Intergroup Contact Theory
🧠 Recategorization
🧠 Attributional Bias
☑️ Understand the theory and research behind intergroup contact
☑️ Identify conditions required for bias reduction and trust-building
☑️ Explore examples of failed and successful contact initiatives
☑️ Gain tools to structure safe contact
You bring people together across divides
You want research-backed strategies to reduce bias and build trust
Peacebuilding Orgs
Seeking insight into when contact fosters healing
NGOs & Nonprofits
Wanting guidance to design cross-group programs that deepen empathy
Interfaith Facilitators
Looking for tools to support trust-building across religious, ethnic, or worldview boundaries
Political Staffers
Needing strategies to reduce bias through intentional, contact-based interventions