Workshops & Restorative Dialogue
Workshops & Restorative Dialogues
Workshops and restorative dialogues can be customized to your group. Please contact the Ombuds office for details.
Restorative Dialogue: Restorative dialogues provide an inclusive and supportive space to constructively discuss differences, build and restore relationships, and gain a new level of understanding into various issues.
Cultivating Inner Peace in the Face of Disruption and Conflict
"What does it mean to find peace in chaos? It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of these things, and still be calm in your heart.”
Course Description: Participants in this workshop will reflect on what it means to maintain their inner peace during challenging times, and how to become fierce protectors of their peace. We will learn strategies that have been known to enhance resiliency, self-compassion, connection and well-being.
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Navigating Difficult Conversations
“It is not what you say; it is how you say it.”
Course Description: The wrong approach to tough conversations can cause significant damage in both personal and professional relationships and can ultimately escalate conflict. This workshop utilizes proven techniques to teach you how to develop communication competence and navigate difficult situations confidently and purposefully. Learning the tactics to manage your own emotions during high-heat moments will help you to de-escalate tense situations, leading to constructive outcomes.
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Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Classroom: Faculty
Course Description: This workshop is specifically designed for faculty facing the unique challenges of navigating difficult conversations within the classroom environment. Participants will learn strategies to:
- Address difficult topics in a way that honors the dignity of all students
- Manage classroom discussions on controversial subjects
- Handle conflicts between students effectively
Through role-playing exercises and case studies, faculty will gain practical skills to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where open dialogue is encouraged, and conflicts are resolved constructively. This workshop aims to empower faculty with the tools they need to turn potentially difficult conversations into valuable learning opportunities for their students.
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Leading with Trust
Course Description: Trust is the foundation of effective leadership and successful organizations. This workshop explores the critical role of trust in leadership and provides practical strategies for building and maintaining trust within teams and organizations. Participants will learn:
- The importance of trust in leadership and its impact on organizational performance
- Key behaviors and practices that foster trust
- Techniques for repairing trust when it has been damaged
- How to create a culture of trust within their teams and organization
Through interactive exercises, case studies, and discussions, attendees will develop the skills necessary to lead with trust and integrity, ultimately enhancing their leadership effectiveness and organizational success.
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Engaging with Conflict Constructively
Course Description: Conflict is everywhere, and it can leave people feeling overwhelmed and stuck in situations and relationships. Conflict has been likened to an iceberg, where only the behaviors are what come to the surface. This workshop uses a multidisciplinary lens to explore the complex variables that make up and drive conflict. Participants will have the opportunity to look at what is hiding below the surface and learn how to channel constructive approaches and see conflict as an opportunity for transformation and positive change.
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Nonviolent Communication
Course Description: Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a powerful approach to communication developed by Marshall Rosenberg. This workshop introduces participants to the core principles and practices of NVC, which emphasize empathy, compassion, and honest self-expression. Through interactive exercises and discussions, attendees will learn how to:
- Observe situations without judgment
- Identify and express feelings and needs clearly
- Make requests that increase the likelihood of getting needs met
- Listen empathetically to others, even in challenging situations
By mastering these skills, participants will be better equipped to handle conflicts, build stronger relationships, and create more harmonious environments in both personal and professional settings. This workshop is suitable for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and foster more meaningful connections with others.
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Navigating Identity Based Conflict
Course Description: Identity-based conflicts are some of the most challenging and complex issues in our increasingly diverse society. This workshop explores the intricate dynamics of conflicts rooted in aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and culture. Participants will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of identity formation and its impact on conflict
- Learn to recognize and address unconscious biases and stereotypes
- Develop skills for engaging in difficult conversations about identity
- Explore strategies for building bridges
Through interactive exercises, case studies, and guided discussions, attendees will develop practical tools for navigating and resolving identity-based conflicts in various settings. This workshop is valuable for anyone interested in fostering inclusive and harmonious environments in our diverse world.