SKILL BUILDING WORKSHOP

with David Steele, PhD

Facilitation of Inter-Ethnic/Sectarian Dialogues in Conflict Zones

Registration Deadline May 27, 2014

This workshop focuses on building skill sets in facilitation and dialogue processes which can be used effectively in violence-prone societies.  Examples will be drawn from the instructor’s 20+ years of experience designing and leading such trainings in numerous conflict zones around the world.

Day 1 – Understanding Ethno/Sectarian Conflict: Nature of contemporary conflict, Relationship of Identity-based and substantive conflict drivers, Identity formation and reframing, Role of values differences, Linkage between extremist groups and wider society, and typical conflict cycle.

Day 2 - Approaches to transformation: of perceptions, mentalities, attitudes, positions, and behavior; Bridging ideological divides, addressing relational dynamics – clarifying/changing perceptions, recognizing intention and impact, and enhancing communication skills (listening, handling emotions, and dealing with difficult behavior),

Day 3 - Reconciliation processes (religious and tribal; modern Western and traditional indigenous): Dealing with grief, grievances, fears, needs; evaluating practices involving apology, justice and forgiveness; and use of such processes in countering violent extremism

Day 4 – Overall Facilitation process and practice: Overview – Distinguishing dialogue and debate, facilitation functions and challenges, types of facilitation (Relational, Dispute resolution, and Meeting basic needs), and methods of influence/persuasion and joint problem solving; Plus concluding role play on post-war facilitation of ethnic and sectarian conflict.

 During each session, approaches related to the day’s topic will be presented, followed by participatory exercises which will give students firsthand experience in dealing with at least some aspect(s) of the subject. 

Cost:  $200  

Location:  UMass Boston, Wheatley Hall, 4^th Floor Room 141Registration deadline is May 27, 2014.

More information and also register [HERE].