transitionnorthfield Mailing List: NVC and compassionate communication resources

[eimalou (eimalou]

Hey northfield transitioners,

I was doing some groundwork for my church's soc. justice topic for
09/10 (ethical eating) and came across this stuff (pasted below) that
was recommended for starting up an ethical eating committee.  Anyhow,
it looked like it had some pretty good nvc links for people to peruse.

-Mera.

P.S. I'm starting to look for speakers on the topic of ethical eating
for the upcoming year, send me any recommendations you may have.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Unitarian Universalists in hundreds of congregations are about to
examine what “ethical eating” means on a personal level and in our
relationships with others.

Our journeys will differ: we begin in different places, proceed along
different paths at different rates, and may arrive at different ends.
Such journeys are inherently difficult because the factors that
influence our relationship with food – culture, family, values,
religion, resources, health – are personal and complicated. And such
journeys are more difficult because in community, sharing diverse
perspectives on personal matters can lead to defensiveness.

Change brings conflict. Our principles call upon us to support one
another as we seek answers. Compassionate Communication, based on
Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication method, is a tool for
resolving differences. As each person has his or her needs met ,
issues are resolved. The Core Team for this Study/Action issue
recommends that your congregation’s Ethical Eating Task Force review
some of the following “Compassionate Communication” resources before
expanding its programming to the entire congregation. Consider
offering a workshop on Compassionate Communication to other
congregational leaders and interested members as well.



Rosenberg, Marshall B. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life.
Chicago: PuddleDancer Press, 2001. www.cnvc.org  This method of
teaching effective, peaceful communication offers practical tools and
experiential learning about how to talk to others with compassion and
success. It focuses on empathetic listening and f feelings. Used in
conjunction with Leu, Lucy: Communication Companion Workbook: A
Practical Guide for Individual, Group or Classroom Study (Nonviolent
Communication Guides.) A simple method with powerful results, easily
used by congregations negotiating challenging conversations about food
and ethics.

d’Ansembourg, Thomas. Being Genuine: Stop Being Nice, Start Being
Real. Chicago: PuddleDancer Press, 2007. This guide for teaches
communication skills based on respect, expression of true feelings,
and identification of wants. Its goal is to help readers learn how to
manage difficult discussions and issues with ease. Topics include
identifying feelings and needs without blame, honest and respectful
self-expression, facing conflict with ease, and finding balance.

Rosenberg, Marshall B. The Basics of NonViolent Communication: An
Introductory Training in NonViolent Communication. Albuquerque, 2001.
2 DVD set approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, about 50 minutes per
session. DVD set from a one day workshop with Marshall Rosenberg.
Using the basics of non-violent communication, Mr. Rosenberg
demonstrates how to discuss challenging issues in a way that meet
everybody’s needs.

The Center for Nonviolent Communication www.cnvc.org. A global
organization helping people connect compassionately with themselves
and one another through Nonviolent Communication language. Site offers
many resources, training opportunities, and newsletter.

UU Speak Peace  http://uuspeakpeace.org/web. Compassionate
Communication Consciousness for Congregations: Growing in our First
Principle as Social Change Agents. Supporting UUs learning and
practicing Compassionate (Nonviolent) Communication and other
interpersonal peacemaking skills and approaches. Monthly
Teleconference Call 11/7/08, 12/5/08, 1/2/09 open to all. Call-In
Number: 269-320-8200, Access code: 355148.




-- 
Mera Colling

A book must be the ax for the frozen sea within us. -Franz Kafka.