A new evening course for local people who want to improve their inter-personal skills in responding to situations of conflict. Over six two-hour sessions spread over two months, the course examines what individuals can do to create constructive conversations and action about divisive issues. Each class will be a combination of some theory with practical group and individual exercises.
The course covers the following topics.
• Listening: the different ways in which we listen and how to improve our skills in giving others the gift of being heard.
• Inquiry: how to arouse curiosity and craft questions that enable people to speak about difficult things.
• Facilitation: an overview of the role of the facilitator in group conversations including skills such as modelling, suspending judgement and reframing.
• Dialogue: how to set up transformative conversations about difficult issues.
• Disagreement: how to find creative possibilities in situations where consensus isn’t possible
• Strong Emotion: what to do when feelings such as anger, grief, fear and offence threaten to overwhelm relations and conversations.
The sessions are designed to build on each other, so it is important to attend all sessions. Participants will receive a handbook with all the presented material and exercises, further background resources and suggestions for further study and reading. A modest amount of reading and homework between sessions will be suggested.
The course will be helpful for anyone who may find themselves involved with a conflict situation, such as a divided community group, a neighbourhood dispute or a more serious situation.
The course is led by Simon Keyes, Professor of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding at the University of Winchester, drawing on material created for the University’s MA in Reconciliation and Peacebuilding. Simon has been involved with Ammerdown for a number of years.
This course is being supported and subsidised by The Ammerdown Centre.
Led by: Simon Keyes
Please arrive for 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Ending at 9pm. Including tea/coffee
A new course for local people who want to improve their inter-personal skills in responding to situations of conflict. Over six two-hour sessions spread over two months, the course examines what individuals can do to create constructive conversations and action about divisive issues. Each class will be a combination of some theory with practical group and individual exercises.
The course covers the following topics.
• Listening: the different ways in which we listen and how to improve our skills in giving others the gift of being heard.
• Inquiry: how to arouse curiosity and craft questions that enable people to speak about difficult things.
• Facilitation: an overview of the role of the facilitator in group conversations including skills such as modelling, suspending judgement and reframing.
• Dialogue: how to set up transformative conversations about difficult issues.
• Disagreement: how to find creative possibilities in situations where consensus isn’t possible
• Strong Emotion: what to do when feelings such as anger, grief, fear and offence threaten to overwhelm relations and conversations.
The sessions are designed to build on each other, so it is important to attend all sessions. Participants will receive a handbook with all the presented material and exercises, further background resources and suggestions for further study and reading. A modest amount of reading and homework between sessions will be suggested.
The course will be helpful for anyone who may find themselves involved with a conflict situation, such as a divided community group, a neighbourhood dispute or a more serious situation.
The course is led by Simon Keyes, Professor of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding at the University of Winchester, drawing on material created for the University’s MA in Reconciliation and Peacebuilding. Simon has been involved with Ammerdown for a number of years.
N.B. This course is being supported and subsidised by Ammerdown.
View our terms and conditions online or download a copy