This two-part workshop series explores how communication can foster connection, agency, and shared power in times of conflict. The first session examines whether civil discourse is still possible, drawing on Dr. Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication framework to help participants navigate disagreement with greater empathy, agency, and human connection. The second session builds on these ideas through deep listening and presence, using interactive role plays to strengthen communication skills that support shared power, authentic connection, and more equitable relationships in professional and community spaces. Both Part 1 and Part 2 will take place virtually – registration options can be found below.
Part 1: These People are Upsetting Me
Is civil discourse even possible anymore? In a world full of conflict, Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, the author of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), often stated meaningful social change requires human connection. How do we speak with agency without creating further disconnection and division? Using NVC as a foundational framework, this workshop will help participants navigate conflict with increased human connection and agency in their lives and communities. Part 1 will take place virtually on April 24th from 12:00-2:00pm.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize core misconceptions which influence their experience with conflict.
- Identify a full range of emotions and human needs during conflict.
- Speak with agency during conflict.
- Listen with empathy and equanimity to others during conflict.
Part 2: How Deep Listening Eases Conflict
Civil discourse asks us to listen not to what people say about us, but for the needs they’re trying to meet. Why do we get tangled up in their words? How do our own unmet needs interfere with our ability to hear others? Through deep listening, we can cease to react and instead offer presence which leads shared power for all. Using Nonviolent Communication as a foundational framework, this workshop uses role plays to help participants improve how they communicate for increased human connection and agency. Part 2 will take place virtually on May 8 from 12:00-2:00pm.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize why they may get tangled up in the hostile words of others.
- Identify how unmet needs impede deep listening.
- Speak with agency during conflict.
- Listen with empathy and equanimity to others during conflict.
ALL REGISTRATION OPTIONS:
Please view all of the registration options below and select the links that match your registration preferences.
PART 1 – VIRTUAL – APRIL 24:
If you do NOT need CEUs and are planning to attend virtually, register via the link below:
If you DO need CEUs and are planning to attend virtually, register via the link below:
PART 2 – VIRTUAL – MAY 8:
If you do NOT need CEUs and are planning to attend virtually, register via the link below:
If you DO need CEUs and are planning to attend virtually, register via the link below:
If you register for this event and need to change your attendance selection, or for any other questions, please contact Amy Frederick at aeweber2@illinois.edu.
Presenter:
Dr. Phillip M. Wilder is an associate professor of literacy at Clemson University where his research explores the intersection of language, identity and nonviolence. His current research investigates how youth in Tanzania, the Philippines and the United States practice nonviolent communication. Dr. Wilder views research as a tool for building consensus across stakeholders and engendering more humanizing policies and practices in communities.
With over two decades guiding and evaluating global community partnerships, Dr. Wilder is the Senior Advisor to Mwangaza Education for Partnership in Tanzania whose current Safe School Initiative works alongside educators, parents and community members to support the emotional and physical safety of over 12,000 Tanzanian youth. Dr. Wilder also serves as an advisor and moderator for the award-winning fellowship, the Student DREAMers Alliance, a youth leadership accelerator modeled after the Aspen Institute approach to values-based leadership development, which in 2018 was one of only six global programs recognized with the prestigious McNulty Catalyst Award. Dr. Wilder consults with a wide array of organizations and leads conscious communication efforts in communities because he believes in the power of human connection to transform our world.