Could our differences become generative, instead of divisive or violent?

Can we coexist harmoniously with those that hold opposing opinions, no matter how polarising?

Join Turning Ground and Initiatives of Change Australia as we learn the art of having genuinely constructive conversations, even in the presence of difference or conflict.

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where ……

something was said that you disagreed with, and you stayed quiet and wished you hadn’t?
you became defensive and reacted in ways you wish you hadn’t?
you moved away from someone who seemed difficult or different rather than engaged in a conversation?

This program will be utilising the Engaging Constructively in Challenging Conversations (ECCC) framework, designed to give you insights, skills and confidence to have constructive conversations in the midst of differences and conflicts. It is experiential and practical, and combines looking inward to develop self-awareness and practical tools for having the conversations.

The ECCC framework was developed by Shoshana Faire. She is passionate about peace and what it takes to create peace. She began her journey on the path of peace building as one of the Co-founders of the Conflict Resolution Network, which was established in Australia in 1986 to develop and spread skills for handling conflict. She is co-author of the best-selling book Everyone Can Win – Resolving Conflict Constructively, published in six languages. Shoshana has delivered over 1,250 workshops in corporate, government and community contexts on a range of skills that contribute to better relationships, teams and meetings. She is a guest lecturer at the University of Sydney’s Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, where she runs workshops on practical skills for conflict conversations and collaborative approaches to advocacy. Shoshana has been actively involved in Initiatives of Change (IofC) since 2010 and is currently an International Coordinator for Creators of Peace. She develops and mentors women internationally in becoming peace creators and Creators of Peace Circle facilitators.

The following links will offer more information about Communication in Times of Conflict:

Click here to watch an introductory video where you can meet your facilitators Mike and Vadim.
Click here to read pdf summary of the ECCC framework.

This event, on Wednesday September 11th, is an Introductory Evening & Community Gathering for Communication in Times of Conflict, it is open to all who wish to join. We will be introducing and contextualising Communication in Times of Conflict. We will share in a few practices and some group sharing.

What follows will be a 5-Week program starting on Wednesday September 18th, which you can apply for by clicking the link below. It is a separate offering and requires an application. You do not need to attend the Introductory Evening to apply for and attend the program:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE 5-WEEK PROGRAM

Applications to the program will close on September 16th.

MORE ABOUT THE 5-WEEK PROGRAM:

The 5-week program will be with a small closed group and commence on Wednesday September 18th and finish on Wednesday October 16th. It will consist of 5 in-person sessions, each 2.5 hours long. The Engaging Constructively in Challenging Conversations framework has 8 core skills which we will explore in a very experiential and practical way.

You will have the opportunity to bring your own real challenges from life into the room and work on them during the sessions with us. We will do this by applying the framework in role-play scenarios where your partners will embody views/people/perspectives that challenge you. We will offer various practices, insights and processes to deepen your understanding of yourself in order to evolve your capacity to skillfully navigate and communicate in spaces of conflict and difference.

September 18th, Wednesday 6:30-9:00pm
September 25th, Wednesday 6:30-9:00pm
October 2nd, Wednesday 6:30-9:00pm
October 9th, Wednesday 6:30-9:00pm
October 16th, Wednesday 6:30-9:00pm

TESTIMONIALS FROM PARTICIPANTS:

"I decided to participate in the 'Communication in times of Conflict' with an intention to build confidence within myself and learn about better ways to communicate with compassion and care during a conflict or argument. The program was fantastic, and I felt I was able to truly absorb the learnings, practice them using real-life scenarios and understand more about myself and my patterns along the way. Everyone was welcomed and fully supported to speak from the heart and it was a really wonderful group of people who came together to help one another whilst sharing some vulnerable moments. The program exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend this course to anybody who wants to improve their communication style and practice having difficult conversations in a safe and caring space". - Christine

"I signed up for Communication in Times of Conflict because in my personal and work life, I often find myself in a conversation where I don’t agree with what is being said, but the topic is fraught, I fear getting into hot water, and so stay silent. The course offered an easy to apply model for approaching these situations in a way that de-escalates me and the other person and makes space for some kind of curious and respectful engagement. Also, it was just a lovely space to come along to and hang out with two skilled facilitators and a bunch of people trying to find good ways to show up in the world. Thanks Vadim and Mike." - Ian

"I recently participated in 'Communication in Times of Conflict' with Turning Ground and Initiatives of Change. I really loved the framework, and found the discussions very insightful. It really illuminated the inner processes that can make conflict so tricky. I definitely left feeling more resourced to communicate in a collaborative way. The facilitation was amazing, I really felt like the space was collaborative, which led to such a richness during the sessions. The guys are great at inviting all participants to share and develop. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to improve their capacity for dialogue!!" - Drew

PRICE:

The 5-week program is priced between at $395. However, we do not wish price to be a barrier for you. In the application form, you will have an opportunity to request a different price if you are not in a financial position to afford the full price.
Group Discount for three or more people: If there are a number of people from your workplace or community that might also benefit from this program, bulk discounts are available. Simply email programs@turningground.com.au.

YOUR FACILITATORS:

Mike Lowe from IofC has over 25 years of international experience with IofC leading transformational workshops in the areas of trustbuilding and reconciliation. He has worked with politicians and young leaders in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism, and has worked on programmes of reconciliation with police and former militia leaders in the Solomon Islands. His particular gift is in creating safe spaces in which transformation can occur, and he has a particular interest in earth-based spirituality, indigenous wisdom, process-oriented psychology, trauma healing, men's work and supporting the rise of healthy and authentic Masculine and Feminine energies as we transition from patriarchal and colonial ways of being. He co-facilitates healing workshops Innate Wisdom Connection and blogs at www.mikelowe.com.au

Vadim Ragozin is one of the directors of Turning Ground, and Lead of Community and Programs. He is an educational designer, group facilitator, and artist. He is continually striving to integrate our inner and outer worlds, reweaving what often gets lost in the cracks; a sense of meaning, wisdom, connection, and belonging in our lives.

TURNING GROUND:

In addressing the entangled crises of our times, Turning Ground’s offerings are guided by the question: ‘What kinds of humans do we need to become in this moment of history?’
They offer psychotherapy, events and programs; all motivated to reweave a fragmented world.

INITIATIVES OF CHANGE:

Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world-wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with our own.

ALL ARE WELCOME:

All ages, cultures, orientations.

This event and this series seek to create spaces for all, as we seek to build bridges, and weave trust. We hope to co-create open, connective, and generative dialogues; even in all of our differences.

🌏 HONOURING THE LANDS AND WATERS WE GATHER WITH:

We acknowledge that this event takes place on and with unceded Aboriginal land. We pay our utmost respect to the Wurrundjeri people from the Kulin nation and invite all who join us to remember history, pain, and privilege as we seek to include history, live, love, and lead in ways that allow a more inclusive and regenerative future to emerge.

For questions, please email: programs@turningground.com.au

We look forward to seeing you.