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X-WR-CALNAME:The Center for Understanding in Conflict
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Center for Understanding in Conflict
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250203T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250203T103000
DTSTAMP:20260624T045426
CREATED:20240913T123653Z
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UID:16024-1738573200-1738578600@understandinginconflict.org
SUMMARY:Join Us for the Free Virtual CUC Meet and Greet!
DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in conflict resolution\, mediation\, or understanding different perspectives? We invite you to join the Center for Understanding in Conflict (CUC) Meet and Greet\, a unique opportunity to engage with a community of like-minded individuals. This event\, held twice a year\, is a free\, 90-minute forum open to everyone\, providing a welcoming space to discuss any topic you wish to bring to the table. \nThe CUC Meet and Greet is facilitated by two experienced teachers passionate about the understanding-based conflict resolution model. One key benefit of attending this event is the opportunity to discuss any topic of interest or concern. The open format allows participants to steer the conversation in directions that are most relevant to them\, making each meet-and-greet a unique and dynamic experience. Whether you have questions about specific conflict scenarios\, want to discuss theoretical aspects of the understanding-based model\, or are curious about the Center’s programs and resources\, this is the perfect platform to voice your thoughts and gain valuable insights. \nBy interacting with the facilitators and other participants\, you can form connections leading to future collaborations\, mentorship opportunities\, or enriching discussions. The next Meet and Greet is just around the corner\, and we would love to see you there. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge\, share your experiences\, or listen and learn\, the CUC Meet and Greet offers a welcoming and stimulating environment. \nTogether\, we can continue to build a community that values understanding and collaboration in resolving conflicts. We look forward to seeing you at the CUC Meet and Greet! \nClick here to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvduupqjIqH9eqMNf9iLcrALjDujn_oQRu
URL:https://understandinginconflict.org/event/join-us-for-the-free-virtual-cuc-meet-and-greet-2/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Basic mediation,Conference,Online Training,Practitioner Training
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250207T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250310T120000
DTSTAMP:20260624T045426
CREATED:20241011T193550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T161324Z
UID:16196-1738918800-1741608000@understandinginconflict.org
SUMMARY:Self-Reflection for Conflict Professionals Intensive (SCPI) 2025
DESCRIPTION:CUC invites you to join our next online cohort of SCPI\, where conflict resolution professionals commit to exploring together practices of self-reflection that are constructive for ourselves and productive for our clients.\nTogether we will:\n\nLearn about compassionately connecting with and understanding\, in the context of our various histories\, positions\, and intersections\,  our deeper impulses fueling our commitment to working with people in conflict.\nRecognize barriers to self-understanding and constructive presence\, such as general reactivity\, judgment\, insecurity\, anger\, or the desire for control.\nWork with those barriers in ways that bring us closer to ourselves and our clients.\nExplore SCPI concepts and skills through the specific experiences of cohort participants.\nDiscuss how to integrate inner experience and external action.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will practice various self-reflection methods during six group online sessions over six months (approximately 1 three hour group session monthly) and in-between sessions individually (daily) and 1-1 peer meetings (weekly).\n\n\nThis program is for anyone whose work includes helping people navigate conflicts\, including mediators in various community and professional contexts\, human resource managers\, team leaders\, volunteer coordinators\, ombudspersons\, lawyers\, mental health and financial and fiduciary professionals\, and other similar professionals. Participants can be previously trained in or identified with the CUC understanding-based model\, but it is not a requirement.\n\nWhile we wish that everyone who wishes to attend could\, there will be a limited number of participants to ensure everyone has an impactful and productive experience and maintain strong connections between group members.\n\n\nDATES AND TIMES FOR ONLINE GROUP SESSIONS VIA ZOOM\n9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST on the following dates in 2025: \n\nFebruary 7th\nFebruary 28th\nMarch 21st\nApril 11th\nApril 25th\nMay 9th\n\nAll dates are Fridays.\nCOST\nThe cost will be $750 per participant for the 4-month program.\n\nParticipants will also need to access for themselves:\n\nA copy of Inside Out: How Conflict Professionals Can Use Self-Reflection to Help Their Clients\, by Gary Friedman. Paper copies are available for purchase through online stores for approximately $35 – 55.\nYour own self-selected or crafted paper journal for use throughout the program.\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTRATION\n\n\nPre-registration for the 2025 cohort is now open! Please click the link below to complete the pre-registration survey. Note we will be accepting applications through December and registering participants by early to mid-January 2025.\n\n\n: 2025 SCPI Pre-Registration Survey\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nFACILITATORS*\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHeba Nimr has worked in various capacities for more than 30 years with families and organizations challenging systemic barriers to equity\, as well as navigating interpersonal conflicts and abuse. Heba brings and builds on those experiences in her current practice\, based in Oakland for ten years and counting\, as a lawyer and mediator focused primarily in the areas of family law\, and life\, legacy and death planning.  She has particular strength and interest in conflict resolution in multicultural and multilingual settings. \n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n  \nGary J. Friedman has been practicing law as a mediator with Mediation Law Offices in Mill Valley\, California since 1976\, integrating mediative principles into the practice of law and the resolution of legal disputes. Co-founder of the Center for Understanding in Conflict (formerly the Center for Mediation in Law)\, he has been teaching mediation since 1980. Prior to his work as a mediator\, he practiced law as a trial lawyer with Friedman and Friedman in Bridgeport\, Connecticut. After several years as an advocate\, he sought a new approach to resolving disputes through increasing the participation of the parties in the resolution of their differences. At that time\, he and his colleague\, Jack Himmelstein\, began to develop the Understanding-based model that is now practiced extensively in the United States and Europe. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorman Fischer is a poet\, author\, Zen Buddhist priest and former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center. As founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation (www.everydayzen.org)\, his work with meditation practice has taken him into many corners of contemporary American life including the arts\, education\, hospice training\, education\, and lawyering as a spiritual path. Recently\, he began offering meditation training to engineers at Google. Norman has worked with the Center for Understanding in Conflict on inquiries that focus on bringing the calmness and insight of meditation practice directly into conflict situations. Norman has written 29 books. His latest books are Untitled Series: Life As It is and The World Could Be Otherwise: Imagination and the Bodhisattva Path. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHansa Patel is an attorney\, mediator\, and teacher.  As an attorney\, Hansa zealously advocated for abused and neglected children or defended their parents’ rights in the San Francisco juvenile dependency court for fourteen years.  Hansa is passionate about serving the underprivileged community.  Feeling depleted by the court system\, Hansa explored new ways to empower her clients to resolve conflict.  Mediation empowers Hansa’s clients to choose how they want to engage with conflict\, co-create resolutions\, and even transform a relationship.  In the USA\, Canada\, and Africa\, Hansa teaches mediation\, including integrating mindfulness skills into conflict resolution.  Hansa wants her clients to have the same tools she cultivates in her children:  a mindful approach to resolving challenges in life. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n*Please note that trainers are subject to availability and may change prior to program start without notice.
URL:https://understandinginconflict.org/event/self-reflection-for-conflict-professionals-intensive-scpi-2025/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Advanced Topics,Online Training,Workplace Mediation
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250218T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250310T133000
DTSTAMP:20260624T045426
CREATED:20240827T182427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T161234Z
UID:15973-1739880000-1741613400@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?* \nSethu Laxmi Nair is a mediator\, facilitator\, coach\, and trainer in the fields of alternative dispute resolution and restorative practices. Currently\, she serves as the Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Restorative Practices at the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution\, an innovative public service group that offers a blend of conflict resolution\, training\, and systems design options within and across the New York City government. Through her private practice\, Sethu consults with nonprofit organizations and businesses\, offering a unique blend of leadership coaching\, mediation\, and group conflict management. \nA member of Hidden Water\, Sethu facilitates restorative circles to heal the impact of child sexual abuse in the family system. She also teaches a foundational course on Restorative Justice and Practices at the School of Social Work at Columbia University. Sethu has worked with various gender justice and human rights organizations in New York and India. She earned her bachelor’s at SUNY Purchase College and her Master’s in Economic and Political Development at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. \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\nFebruary 18: 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.\nMarch 18: 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.\nApril 16: 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/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Advanced Topics,Online Training,Practitioner Training
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250220T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250220T130000
DTSTAMP:20260624T045426
CREATED:20250123T130550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250123T130550Z
UID:47769-1740052800-1740056400@understandinginconflict.org
SUMMARY:Messy Conflict: Transforming Toxic Disputes
DESCRIPTION:Conflict professionals and mediators can encounter cases where traditional approaches fall short – when parties deliberately mislead\, launch personal attacks\, or harbor intense hatred that seems insurmountable. This practical webinar equips conflict resolution professionals with advanced techniques for transforming these volatile situations into opportunities for breakthrough. Learn how to use positive neutrality to empathetically and effectively engage parties to participate productively. \nWe will focus particularly on dealing with deception\, hostility\, and deep-seated animosity between parties.  By creating psychological safety for parties in high-conflict environments\, we will show how we help people move beyond positional bargaining to what really matters to them.  We will also address how to work with internal reactions to the partes that could interfere with emotionally supporting them.   Led by Catherine Conner and Gary Friedman\, this webinar draws from decades of combined experience in successfully navigating complex and emotionally charged mediations. 
URL:https://understandinginconflict.org/event/messy-conflict-transforming-toxic-disputes/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Practitioner Training,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250227T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250310T140000
DTSTAMP:20260624T045426
CREATED:20240827T181902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T161458Z
UID:15970-1740657600-1741615200@understandinginconflict.org
SUMMARY:CUC Support and Development Group
DESCRIPTION:Joining a Support and Development Group is an invaluable opportunity to take your conflict resolution practice to the next level. Imagine having a dedicated space to bring your most pressing challenges\, gain fresh perspectives\, and explore innovative solutions with a community of like-minded professionals. The insights you gain\, combined with the relationships you build\, will deepen your mastery of the understanding-based model and enhance your effectiveness in the real-world situations you encounter daily. If you’re ready to invest in your growth and be part of a dynamic learning environment\, we encourage you to sign up or reach out with any questions. Take the next step in your professional journey—this is the perfect setting to refine your skills\, gain support\, and make lasting connections. \nHow the Group Works \nThe Support and Development Group is a collaborative learning environment designed for professionals who have completed the Center’s basic training and seek to deepen their understanding and application of the understanding-based model. This program offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in practical learning by presenting real-world challenges they’ve encountered in integrating the model into their work. Through collective exploration\, the group investigates not only what is meaningful to the participant presenting but also what resonates with others\, fostering broader insights and growth. \nGroup Size and Structure \nThe intimate group size\, limited to 10 participants\, encourages deep\, interactive discussions. These sessions are led by seasoned facilitators from The Center for Understanding in Conflict who guide the group in theoretical reflection and practical problem-solving. Participants commit to five 2-hour meetings over six months\, creating a sustained\, trust-based learning community. The continuity of these meetings allows members to build strong connections\, enabling more candid sharing and deeper exploration of personal and professional conflict resolution challenges. \nWhat You’ll Gain \nIn addition to learning through case presentations\, the group is structured to encourage self-reflection and mutual feedback\, ensuring that participants can transform theoretical knowledge into confident\, applied practice in real time. By fostering a supportive environment where professionals can candidly share and explore their experiences\, this group is instrumental in making a real difference in their professional lives. \nLogistics \nDates: February 27\, March 27\, April 24\, May 22\, and June 26\, 2025 \nTime: 12PM – 2PM Pacific \nFormat: Online \nCost: $500 for the full series \nWho are the Trainers?* \nCatherine Conner has been a mediation and collaborative practice trainer since 2004. She is a frequent presenter at collaborative conferences and family law workshops. She authored Collaborative Practice Materials with Steven Neustadter and Margaret Anderson. Catherine Conner’s private practice focuses on family law alternate dispute resolution\, including mediation\, collaborative practice\, and private judging. She graduated from the UC Berkeley School of Law in 1982 and is a founding partner of Conner\, Lawrence\, Rodney\, Olhiser & Barrett\, LLP. In 1992\, Catherine became a Certified Family Law Specialist.  She has been honored as the recipient of the Rex Sater Award for Excellence in Family Law\, the Eureka award by Collaborative Practice California and was the 2018 honoree for Careers of Distinction.  She was on the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals from 2007-2014 and served as the President in 2013. She has been a board member of the CUC since 2015. \n \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. \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. \nPLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED LESS THAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO PROGRAM START WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE TRAINING TEAM DUE TO DEMANDS OF PREPARATION TIME AND ROLE PLAY ASSIGNMENTS. \nFor additional information\, please email us at admin@understandinginconflict.org. \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-cuc-support-and-development-group/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Advanced Topics,Online Training,Practitioner Training
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