A variety of approaches and methods are needed to be able to work with conflict well. Specific interventions and tools to use will depend on the situation, phase of the conflict, organising culture, available resources, quality of relationships, social positioning of people involved. Therefore, there isn’t a one-size-fit all solution. This course will combine different approaches and aim at enabling participants to experience a range of different methods that can be further developed within the specific organising context they are brought to, focusing also in the basic skills to stay in and manage conflicts in a way the can evolve.

The approach that the training team will take, will be:

• Centred around the experiences participants bring into the room
• Based in working with real situation and cases of conflict from the past
• Supporting the creation of enabling environments and using the framework of courageous & caring spaces
• Focused on developing self-awareness and emotional literacy, alongside acquiring specific tools

Some of the topics that the course will cover are: 

• Roles in conflict and understanding group conflict and group processes
• Communication tools and listening skills
• Basic understanding of conflict shapes, phases and mapping tools
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Emotional literacy
• Group processes and feedback loops
• Systemic lenses and power dynamics in conflict situations
• Setting up accessible and caring group cultures

Who is it aimed at?

Anyone with experience in socially engaged action addressing ecological, political and social justice issues. We embrace a broad definition of activism and/or social action, including: Resistance – action preventing further damage to ecosystems and social justice; Renewal – action focused on developing and creating alternatives for healthier societies and communities; and Building Resilience – action supporting increased resilience in communities to weather the uncertain times ahead.