From Difference into Harmony: Engaging Constructively in Challenging Conversations

With debates sparked around The Voice referendum, political polarisation, and ideological differences, we seem to find it far too easy to drift further apart in our disagreements, causing rifts in our cultural and social fabric. 

Cornerstone Melbourne and Initiatives of Change Australia are coming together to walk an alternative path: We are offering a workshop to cultivate 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 workshop 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• An educational and practical workshop to build your skills in ECCC
• A balance of theory and practice
• Warm cups of tea

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.

YOUR FACILITATORS:

Accompanying our team at Cornerstone is Mike Lowe from Initiatives of Change Australia:

Mike 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

Find out more about the team at Initiatives of Change Australia here.

Find out more about the team at Cornerstone Melbourne here.

TESTIMONIALS:

'The trainers are outgoing, flexible and will always provide you with a listening ear to ask and clarify concepts. Both Shoshana and Mike are incredibly knowledgeable and will make sure you walk away with something that will impact your ability to communicate and create a space for tough and challenging conversations. '  - Amiel Nubaha   

'I highly recommend it for the skills you learn and the self discovery that will be made along the way.'  Suzanne Privot

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.

We look forward to seeing you!