--- title: "Introduction to NVC - Center for Nonviolent Communication" description: "" url: "https://www.cnvc.org/learn/what-is-nvc" date: "2026-09-18T06:23:26+00:00" language: "en-US" --- # Introduction to NVC "Nonviolent Communication is based on the principle of Ahimsa — the natural state of compassion when no violence is present in the heart." ~ Marshall Rosenberg, founder of NVC The purpose of Nonviolent Communication is to fully value everyone's well being, and to create a certain quality of connection where everyone’s needs can be met through natural giving. Learn more about the [principles and the process of NVC](https://www.cnvc.org/about/purpose-of-nvc). ### Empathy in action! [ ![Portrait of Marshall B Rosenberg](https://www.cnvc.org/media/yootheme/cache/3c/Marshall-B-Rosenberg-400x600-3c53462e.jpg) ](https://www.cnvc.org/index.php?Itemid=1358)[Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD](https://www.cnvc.org/index.php?Itemid=1358) Founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication "Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. Instead of offering empathy, we often have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to explain our own position or feeling. Empathy, however, calls upon us to empty our mind and listen to others with our whole being." [Get to know Marshall](https://www.cnvc.org/index.php?Itemid=1358) [ ![Portrait of Marshall B Rosenberg](https://www.cnvc.org/media/yootheme/cache/3c/Marshall-B-Rosenberg-400x600-3c53462e.jpg) ](https://www.cnvc.org/about/marshall)[Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD](https://www.cnvc.org/about/marshall) Founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication "While we may not consider the way we talk to be ‘violent,’ words often lead to hurt and pain, whether for others or ourselves." [Get to know Marshall](https://www.cnvc.org/about/marshall) ### How do you respond to the question, “How are you?” **In just 14 minutes, Yoram Mosenzon offers a fun, personal, taste of Nonviolent Communication.** **A TEDxAmsterdamED Talk by CNVC Certified Trainer, [Yoram Mosenzon](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/yoram-mosenzon "Learn more about Yoram Mosenzon")** ### VIDEOS Throughout this site and on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@cnvc "New window will open up our YouTube channel, leaving cnvc.org website"), you will find many videos on NVC that are thought provoking, heart warming, and offer a glimpse into the transformative power of Nonviolent Communication. Here are some videos from our certified trainers. To find more videos, perhaps in your language, please explore our [trainer page](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers). [ Get to know our trainers ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers "Get to know our trainers and their work") ### Giraffes Around the World Over 200 videos available on our [YouTube playlist](https://www.youtube.com/@cnvc/playlists "New window will open up to YouTube, leaving cnvc.org website") affectionately called "Giraffes Around the World." Many from [Marshall Rosenberg](https://www.cnvc.org/about/marshall "Learn more about Marshall Rosenberg") and a handful in languages other than english. We hope you find more NVC information and inspiration! --- #### **What is with giraffes and Nonviolent Communication?** Giraffes have one of the biggest hearts of any animal, measuring up to 60 cm and weighing as much as 10 kg. In Nonviolent Communication, the giraffe symbolizes the intention to receive and speak with compassion and empathy — a big heart! In addition, giraffes eat leaves from trees that contain sharp thorns (such as acacia trees) because they have tough lips and prehensile tongues, which allow them to maneuver around the thorns -- therefore, symbolically, giraffes have the dexterity to navigate thorny conversations! # Do you know about CNVC's supporting membership? One of the benefits of CNVC's Supporting Membership is access to our video library. Many exclusive to CNVC. #### Here are two full-length videos from members affectionately called “[First Generation NVC'ers](https://www.cnvc.org/about/cnvc/first-generation-nvcers).” Enjoy! OPEN TO ALL! SUPPORTING MEMBER BENEFITS: # ### IMMEDIATELY UPON JOINING: 🔑 Access the 'Global Home' **online community platform** – connect with NVC enthusiasts from 40+ countries, in your own language 🗓️ Invitation to a **free online annual membership event** 💡 Opportunities to **shape the future of CNVC** 📹 **Exclusive video library** – full-length, live recordings from Certified Trainers 🏅 **Official recognition** on our website (if desired!) # ### AFTER SIX MONTHS OF MEMBERSHIP: 💰 **10% discount** **on tuition** at CNVC’s [intensive trainings](https://www.cnvc.org/learn/intensive-trainings)\* 🎯 **Priority consideration** **for financial assistance** for [intensive trainings](https://www.cnvc.org/learn/intensive-trainings)\* [ BECOME A CNVC SUPPORTING MEMBER TODAY! ](https://www.cnvc.org/membership "New browser or tab will open to our cart system.") # Our gift to you Thank you for your interest in nonviolent communication and spending some time with us today. We hope you feel inspired, attend a training, and will share the gift of nonviolent communication in whatever capacity you are able. ![](https://www.cnvc.org/templates/yootheme/cache/dd/Feelings_needs_inventory_image-ddd025f3.webp) [ Feelings and Needs Inventory Page ](https://www.cnvc.org/store/feelings-and-needs-inventory)