Speak Peace: Foundations of Compassionate Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

Join us for a fun, experiential, and meaningful introduction to the principles and practices of Compassionate Nonviolent Communication (NVC), co-sponsored by The Peace Center and the regional Alliance for Nonviolent Communication.

Discover this life-transforming communication practice that builds trust, transforms conflict, and creates harmony in your relationships.

In this event, you will learn how to create a quality of connection between yourself and others where everyone's needs, even in conflict situations, are held with care and compassion... without resorting to punishment, force, manipulation, blame or other approaches that we end up paying for later.

Learn how to honor your deepest desires in every moment, and never give in or give up on your needs again. You will learn how to:

* express yourself honestly and openly;
* hear difficult messages without taking them personally;
* connect with others by communicating empathy; and
* find the gift that underlies all blame, judgment and criticism.

TIME:  6:30 pm - 9:30 pm CT (local time)

COST:  $30-45 per person (sliding scale to support choice and various income levels; if you are unable to contribute in our requested range up front, contact us for payment options)

REGISTER or RSVP: %20pbcumby [at] comcast [dot] net (Contact Polly Cumby by email) or call her at 630-802-2306

This training is open to everyone, and is the kickoff event for a regional gathering of the Alliance for Nonviolent Communication. 
Additional events throughout the weekend include a day-long Strategic
Planning session on Saturday from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm; a intermediate
learning session on Sunday from 1 pm - 4 pm led by Certified NVC
Trainer, Myra Walden; and an summary and report of our strategic planning from 4:15 pm - 5 pm Sunday.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATING COMPASSIONATELY:  More than just a luxury in ordinary times, Compassionate Communication skills are more important than ever in our rapidly changing world.

As leaders across the globe scramble to address a wide variety of economic problems, national security issues and natural resource shortages, one constant exists -- in order for any solution to be lasting, it requires people to collaborate, communicate, and act in partnership.

Compassionate Communication provides the relational skills, as well as ways of thinking and being, that support us in making the transition from a domination-style style system ("either/or" paradigm) to a partnership approach ("both/and" paradigm).

NVC is much more than a communication process -- it is a way of life that can be applied in any situation to bring about more peace, harmony and mutual respect... that can resolve any conflict to everyone's satisfaction.

WHAT IS NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION?

NVC is both a spiritual practice that helps us see our common
humanity, and a concrete set of skills which help us to live more
peacefully. These skills apply to thought, language, and using our
power in a way that honors everyone's needs.

NVC is a learnable process for creating emotional freedom,
self-acceptance, inner peace, and fulfilling relationships. It involves
expressing ourselves honestly, listening with empathy, and developing a
more compassionate inner relationship.  People around the world are
using NVC skills to transform conflict, create harmony in their
relationships, and build a world where everyone's needs are honored
through compassionate giving, and without the use of coercion or
violence.

NVC was created by clinical psychologist
and international peacemaker Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, who has taught NVC
in more than 35 countries around the world, and whose work is supported
and promoted by the global Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC).

NVC helps people to:
* speak in a way that inspires compassion and understanding
* initiate difficult conversations with more ease and confidence
* remain centered and peaceful while hearing difficult messages
* express anger fully, safely and respectfully - yet powerfully
* shift patterns of thinking that lead to depression, guilt, shame
* enliven yourself by expressing and receiving gratitude
* translate criticism, judgments and blame into life-serving messages
* resolve long-standing conflicts and heal painful relationships
* inspire others to change their behavior willingly