File a Formal Complaint
Upholding Integrity in the Center for Nonviolent Communication
Our Conflict Engagement System promotes accountability and integrity in the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC). We support a path to restoration and understanding for those who have been impacted by the actions of individuals representing CNVC or being certified by CNVC who have not honored agreements or standards associated with their roles.
How Concerns Are Handled
When someone submits a Concern, a Conflict Triage Person reviews it to determine whether it falls within CNVC's responsibility, and if so, where it should be routed.
Each area then has its own conflict engagement mechanisms, e.g. Programs has a process for engaging with conflicts related to programs, the assessors have a process for engaging with certification questions, and a group called Ecosystems Support holds complaints about Certified Trainer conduct.
All conflicts are held in a way aligned with NVC
For Certified Trainers, our role is one of an accountability partner. Certified Trainers commit annually (in the Trainer Agreement) to “to address these issues with the people concerned in the first instance, and at the earliest opportunity, as an informal attempt to find an acceptable solution between the parties.”
To make sure this happens, we enter an accountability process focused on restoring connection rather than assigning blame. We first ask the trainer to engage directly with the person who raised the concern and check in over a defined period to support that happening. If direct engagement doesn't lead to resolution, the process escalates step by step — first through a facilitated conversation, then peer trainers, and, as a last resort, a Dispute Transformation Team.
Concerns involving governing bodies or staff
These are routed to the relevant circle or role based on where that accountability sits within CNVC's governance structure. If it's unclear which body is responsible, the Coordinating Circle clarifies placement or, where needed, and may form a Dispute Transformation Team.
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Note that where a concern names the ED, to avoid a conflict of interest, triage follows the channel structure in the Whistleblower Policy §2.6. If there are concerns about the Board President: Report to the Board Vice President ([email protected]) and the Executive Director ([email protected]). Concerns where all internal routes are compromised: Board Secretary ([email protected]) |
Possible outcomes, depending on what a concern involves, may include:
- Feedback shared with the person or role in question
- A facilitated conversation or mediation between those involved
- A restorative circle process
- A formal meeting resulting in accountability commitments or policy changes
- In serious cases, suspension or revocation of certification or role
The specific path depends on the nature of the concern — our aim is always to match the response to what's actually needed, favoring resolution and reconnection over punishment wherever possible.
Who Can Raise Concerns?
We listen to Concerns raised by:
- Participants in workshops, coaching, counseling, mediation, or other events led by Certified Trainers
- Participants in CNVC programs (IITs and other)
- Certified Trainers
- Staff members
- Governing Body members, including the Board of Directors, Assessors Coordinating Circle, and Programs Resource Circle
- Supporting Members
Led With Integrity
When a concern reaches the most formal stage of our process, it's held by a Dispute Transformation Team of two people, chosen for the balance they bring:
- External Dispute Transformation Role — an outside professional with substantial experience in mediation, ombudsperson work, or equivalent practice, with no ties to CNVC. This brings independence and objectivity to the process.
- NVC Liaison — a Certified Trainer of at least five years' standing, with experience in conflict resolution and organizational systems. This brings internal insight and continuity with CNVC's practice.
The Executive Director provides administrative support to the team, and the Coordinating Circle oversees its work. Throughout, we aim to live the values of Nonviolent Communication — not only in what we say, but in how we care for one another, especially when harm has occurred.