Karin's Topics Include:
RESOLVE TO SOLVE: A conflict/diversity/communication skills program
• What’s Your Style
In this module, you’ll take a conflict styles inventory to help determine primary conflict styles. Although we all have a style we use primarily, different situations call for us to utilize different styles; this program will give you opportunities to practice styles you may not ordinarily employ, and help you figure out the best style for any given situation. You’ll also learn the challenges and opportunities that go with each style, and how to work with people of differing conflict styles. Through role plays and scenarios, you’ll have the opportunity to have hands-on experience with each conflict style, as well as learn a communication tool you can use immediately, no matter what style you are.
• Who’s Hot/Who’s Not
How does the issue of power influence relationships? Perceived power, real power, in group/out group, stereotyping, cliques, gangs…we’ll examine all of these important aspects in detail during this high-impact module. Interactive games and activities will allow participants to experience varying levels of power and how power applies to their lives. Above all, experiencing the many ways power differentials impact them personally during this program will allow participants greater awareness and acceptance of the diversity that exists on campus and in the world.
• Power of Words
The words we say to ourselves and others can have huge impact, some of which can affect us for a lifetime. Through an interactive exercise, you’ll experience the power negative and positive words have not only emotionally and intellectually, but physically as well. You’ll also learn and practice communication skills like active listening, reframing, and the art of criticism. This powerful, skills-based module will leave you with at least three different communication models you can begin using immediately to clean up conflict. Additionally, there will be opportunities for participants to receive coaching “in the moment” to help clean up any existing conflict within the group, using tools taught during the program.
• Respond-ability
Do you control the situation or does the situation control you? In conflict, and in all facets of life, you have the ability to choose your response and make things happen. Learn how to show up in your life in the best possible way in every action. Through experiential games and activities, you'll learn about using your experiences to move toward success rather than being controlled by circumstances. Plus, you’ll get very specific techniques and methods for transforming and diffusing anger and angry feelings.
• Restorative Justice
Although the concept of restorative justice has been very common in New Zealand, Canada, and indigenous peoples around the world for many years, its benefits are just beginning to emerge on college campuses around the country. During this session, we’ll examine the basics of restorative justice and how it can work in a campus community. We’ll look at “community group conferences,” one of the cornerstones of the restorative justice model, and experience a “mock” group conference to give participants an idea of what the experience is like. Finally, if you find that restorative justice is something that could work where you are, you’ll devise a step-by-step process to help establish this alternative dispute resolution model for your campus or organization.
Peacemaking Circles: changing the face of campus conflict resolution
Description: Are you tired of seeing the same kinds of conflict over and over in your residence halls, with the same kind of unhappy or unproductive results? Are you ready for some real change in the way your campus deals with conflict? Then you're ready for peacemaking circles and restorative justice. Applying ancient principles to modern experiences, peacemaking circles and other restorative processes are gaining new value in communities and campuses across the country. Learn a whole n3w campus-wide system for dealing with conflict in a way that creates positive, lasting change for offenders, victims, and the community. Take the first steps in designing a peacemaking circle program for your campus, and begin to realize the benefits of this powerful alternative form of conflict resolution.
Outline: Restorative justice, while a fairly new concept on college campuses in the US, is based on ancient principles of reparation and restoration by the offender. Peacemaking circles are one form of restorative justice which offers the promise of creating lasting change in campus conflict resolution. The session will use a combination of PowerPoint, video, handouts, and brainstorming sessions to introduce participants to the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of using peacemaking circles to deal with non-violent student offenses and conflict resolution.
