Perhaps the most significant outcome of the Bridging the Religious Divide dialogue initiative was personal awareness. Awareness that we all tend to operate within our own cultural assumptions and that those assumptions are often blind to the complexity and uniqueness of others experiences, feelings and values. Awareness that the intent behind others' words or conduct may be different than the interpretations we presume. Awareness of how our words, beliefs and behaviors may affect others in ways we may not intend.

"It is very easy to demonize a person who is not like you. It is very easy to make things black and white."

When participants were asked at the end of the process "What were the most meaningful insights you gained?", many spoke about becoming more aware of their unconscious assumptions. "I was stunned to realize how perceptions differ and how important it is to not assume everyone sees an event in the same way," said one person. "The process helped me to break away from cultural biases I didn't even know I had," said another. "For example, I knew nothing about the Wiccan faith. But although I know nothing, I had stereotypes. If I even thought about it, I thought it was wicked in some way." Another reflected, "I remember the first day when we sat around the table. I think we all came in with stereotypes. Now that I know everyone I see that everyone is unique. I knew that in my head. That it's not fair to make assumptions about someone until you hear their whole story, because until you do, you don't really know them. But now I know it in my heart." Someone else put it this way: "It's very easy to demonize a person who is not like you. It is very easy to make things black and white. These discussions made me see how stereotypes drive out any possibility of getting to know someone."

In reflecting on insights gained, some spoke of how learning about others' beliefs and experiences helped them better understand — and trust — their intent. "Others' intentions are often not what we assume," noted one participant. "I came to understand that what I experienced as exclusion was actually an effort to protect something," said another. Another summed up her experience by saying: "How do you effect change? First by being willing to speak up. But also by being aware of how I see things, how I interpret what I hear and experience. This group helped me remember I am in charge of my own response."

"Others' intentions are often not what we assume. I came to understand that what I experience as exclusion was actually an effort to protect something."