Back to All Events

Nonviolent Communication for Violent Times: Practicing Care, Connection, and Empathy in Struggles for Justice

Those who have a heart for justice are consistently aware that our world is far, far too often a violent and unjust place.

This reality can spark many painful emotions and complicated relationships, especially as we begin to witness or experience these injustices more closely. We may struggle silently with feelings of fear, rage, doubt, and exhaustion; we may find it difficult to hold true to our core values; we may see conflict erupt with those we saw as allies; or we may worry about the hatred and judgement we feel toward our opponents. So, how do we continue working together for justice when our emotional lives and relationships always feel on edge?

In this 3-hour interactive, participatory workshop, we will:

  1. Introduce Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as a liberating framework for empathy, connection, and consent

  2. Practice a wholistic check-in to be used in high-stress situations

  3. Experiment with approaches to understand and align with the needs and values of our collaborators

  4. Explore ways to repair harm and restore relationships

  5. Discuss how NVC can help us honor the dignity of those doing harm while still resisting their actions and the violent systems they serve

This workshop is designed to provide you with a framework and toolbox for tending to your emotions and relationships with compassion in the midst of social movements and high-intensity moments. As we draw on the wisdom of Nonviolent Communication, conflict transformation, and transformative justice, our hope is that you will be equipped to sustain yourself and your community as you work for justice and navigate conflict together.

In order to protect the safety of participants and organizers, this workshop will not be recorded. The slides and resources will be shared with all who register. 

This training is part of a series of workshops preparing people to organize for justice, resist authoritarianism, and build a better tomorrow. Check out other workshops here.

Interested in inviting Peace Catalyst to host a workshop or training in your own community? Learn more here.

Previous
Previous
April 26

Laying the Foundation for Social Change: How to Connect and Organize Your Community Before Crisis Strikes

Next
Next
May 11

Peacebuilder's Pilgrimage to the Holy Land