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X-WR-CALNAME:The Center for Understanding in Conflict
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://understandinginconflict.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Center for Understanding in Conflict
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250416T120000
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DTSTAMP:20260801T204604
CREATED:20250613T190447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250613T204822Z
UID:47950-1744804800-1744812000@understandinginconflict.org
SUMMARY:Series - Navigating Difficult Conversations
DESCRIPTION:Conflict is an inherent part of human relationships\, yet most of us have not learned how to approach these conversations with skill and intention. This three-part course is designed to help you navigate your own conflict-laden conversations with greater confidence and effectiveness. You’ll learn the essential steps to prepare for\, initiate\, and participate in difficult conversations that foster understanding and connection\, even in challenging circumstances. \nCourse Structure \nThe course includes short lectures\, guided self-reflection\, group discussions\, and role-play exercises. By the end\, you’ll have gained both conceptual knowledge and practical tools to approach conflict with greater clarity and effectiveness. Participants will also have opportunities to reflect on their own inner experiences\, work with allies\, and practice looping and other core communication techniques. \nThe course is structured around three key areas: \n\nSelf-Preparation: Understand your motivations\, goals\, and potential barriers before entering a difficult conversation. We will explore how to assess your readiness and determine when a conversation is appropriate.\nIssuing Invitations and Process Agreements: Learn how to thoughtfully invite others into a conversation and set agreements that create a foundation for productive dialogue.\nThe Conversation: Practice the skills needed to engage in the conversation itself\, including techniques for developing mutual understanding\, addressing differing perspectives\, and working toward a meaningful resolution.\n\nWhat You’ll Gain \nBy integrating lectures\, practice\, and reflective exercises\, this course provides a comprehensive toolkit for engaging in conflict-laden conversations with greater awareness\, empathy\, and skill. \n\nDescribe the steps for a meaningful conflict-focused conversation.\nAssess your motivation and goals for engaging in difficult conversations.\nAnalyze contra-indications for having a difficult conversation.\nPlan an invitation and set pre-conversation agreements.\nPractice participating in a difficult conversation through role play and reflection.\n\nPre-Course Work: Participants are asked to think of a real-life situation involving conflict that they would be willing to explore during the course. \nWho are the Trainers?* \nMelanie Rowen is a mediator and conflict coach who believes in the power of understanding-based conflict resolution to transform our world. She frequently trains individuals and groups on effective communication in conflict situations and on creating inclusive environments\, particularly around gender\, sexual orientation\, and disability. Melanie previously litigated civil rights cases\, including marriage equality\, employment discrimination\, issues involving transgender and gender non-conforming youth and their families\, and issues facing LGBTQ+ elders\, at the National Center for Lesbian Rights\, and served on the Board of Directors of the Transgender Law Center. Earlier in her career\, she worked in business litigation at Latham & Watkins LLP\, and for many years\, she was the Associate Director for Public Interest Programs at UC Berkeley School of Law. Melanie currently works in attorney professional development at the Bay Area offices of a large law firm\, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Association for Law Placement. \nSchedule Overview: \n\nSeptember: Focuses on self-preparation\, identifying the motivations and goals for a difficult conversation\, and recognizing the importance of curiosity. Activities include guided meditation\, journaling\, and initial small group discussions.\nOctober: Introduces the loop of understanding and the role of an ally in preparing for difficult conversations. Participants will practice looping and work in pairs to refine their approach to conversations.\nNovember: Covers issuing invitations and setting agreements\, followed by a deep dive into practicing the conversation itself through role play. Participants will apply all the skills learned and receive feedback.\n\nLogistics \nDates: February 18\, March 18\, April 16\, 2025 \nTime: 12PM – 1:30PM Pacific / 3PM – 4:30PM Eastern \nFormat: Online \nCost: $250 for the full series \nCancellation Policy  \nPlease note our cancellation policy:  If you cancel within 30 days prior to the program\, your deposit will be returned minus a $250.00 administration fee. Less than 2 weeks (but more than one week) prior to the program\, we will retain 50% of the total cost of the program (half of which may be applied to against a future program). Please note that refunds are not made for cancellations within the last week prior to the series start unless there is a replacement for your seat. There are no refunds after the start of the series. \n*Please note that trainers are subject to availability and may change prior to program start without notice. \n  \n*Please select desired ticket and quantity using the +/- feature before clicking ‘Get Tickets.’
URL:https://understandinginconflict.org/event/series-navigating-difficult-conversations-2/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Advanced Topics,Online Training,Practitioner Training
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