“The world-wide campaigns to establish Departments of Peace in governments
everywhere is gathering momentum, This is not surprising as there is a growing
realisation that - at the highest level of decision making - the voice of the
peacemakers must be heard, must be professionalised and institutionalised, and
given equal attention to every other concern.
Our style of campaigning must match our objectives. Let us, to quote Johan
Galtung, make "Peace by Peaceful Means"
“On the path of peace, we will meet opposition; we will trip over obstacles,
including those within ourselves. To expect less, to assume that our good intent is
enough is unrealistic. As we travel the globe we will meet an enormous desire for
peace. Good intent is a marvellous starting point and as well as goodwill, we
need good skill. Conflict resolution skills are the tools to move the rocks from our
path.
The peace process starts from where you stand. You have made a contribution to
all peace initiatives when you resolve any conflict non-violently and creatively. It
can be personal, within family, community, governmental or international, each
arena helps us build the Culture of Peace.
We cannot expect our leaders, be they political, community, religious or the
media to give us policy and programme which we, the people, cannot ourselves
understand and practice. We cannot depend on others, as helpful as they may be,
to take responsibility for us. To take action, learn the conflict resolution skills
yourself and then go on to teach them to others.”
You may be fortunate enough to have access to conflict resolution training
integrated into primary, secondary, tertiary or community education with trained
educators who can teach and inspire, and library facilities to widen your
awareness. If this is so, pause and count your blessings.
Even if this is financially and geographically available you may well belong to the
“time-poor”, thereby reducing your options considerably.
This is where the Conflict Resolution Network is ready, willing and able to help
online. The CRN presents a 12 skill approach – so that you can run your problem
– the conflict that you are addressing – past this list of skills. You then take the
tools you need to out of the tool-kit.
This 12 skill method of learning has been widely acclaimed. It is available free of
cost to anyone who has access to the internet, or can persuade a friendly
neighbourhood computer-owner to give you access. The course can be
downloaded and shared freely with others. The website is
http://www.crnhq.org/cr_trainers_manual.htm
The Conflict Resolution Network has named their 12 skills:
1) “The Win-Win Approach”: By addressing the need and concerns of all the
parties, the aim is to turn opponents into peace partners.
2) “Creative Response”: Transform problems into creative opportunities for
peace.
3) “Empathy”: Develop communication skills to build rapport and use listening
to clarify understanding of the peace process.
4) “Appropriate Assertiveness”: Apply strategies to attack the problem, not the
persons, standing in the way of peace.
5) “Co-operative Power”: Eliminate “power over” to build “power with” others in
the peace objectives.
6) “Managing Emotions”: Express fear, anger, hurt and frustration wisely so
that the peace path is not blocked.
7) “ Willingness to Resolve”: Address the personal issues that obstruct peace.
8) “Mapping the Conflict”: Chart needs and concerns to reveal the common
peace objectives.
9) “Development of Options”: Design creative peace solutions together.
10) “Introduction to Negotiation”: Plan and apply effective policies to reach
peaceful agreements.
11) “Introduction to Mediation”: Third party help in moving towards peaceful
solutions.
12) “Broadening Perspectives”: Evaluate the problems in the wider concept of
peace.
It is concerns and needs like yours that has encouraged us to put so much study
and training material onto our website with easy and COST FREE access. Of
course it takes time and patience to work from written material by yourself or with
a harmonious group, but it is so thoroughly worth while. Our material has been
tried, tested, and widely praised. We believe it is practical, intellectually rigorous,
and emotionally satisfying. If you find otherwise please tell us, we are always open
to change.
If you embark on this course, don't try too much at one time - or you will get mental
indigestion. If you need specific help with any identified section, don't hesitate to
stay in contact.
We promise you a great journey.
On our homepage go to the lower half of the left-hand-side list and visit every one
of the items under [FREE TRAINING MATERIAL].
Go slowly; just download a few pages at a time and I feel sure you will find it a
very useful study resource to help you in your aspirations to further your work for
Departments of Peace, for peace and social justice, for conflict resolution and
human rights. You can study yourself and offer workshops to others.
Start with the shorter pieces, first [12 SKILL SUMMARY]
http://www.crnhq.org/twelveskills.html
second [FIGHTING FAIR POSTER] http://www.crnhq.org/windposter.html
third [ FIGHTING FAIR GUIDE] http://www.crnhq.org/fightingfair.html
spending a few days thinking about - and, if possible - talking about each.
Then go to [DIALOGUE AND DEBATE] http://www.crnhq.org/govt2.html
this is great for exploring with others.
You will then be ready for some serious study and go to [CR KIT]
http://www.crnhq.org/freecrkit.html
about 20 pages, and spend at least the next twelve days getting deeply into this
material, one skill at a time.
You are ready then for the [12 SKILLS MANUAL]
http://www.crnhq.org/cr_trainers_manual.html nearly 500 pages of rigorous
preparation for helping yourself and others to a new way of life, of working
strategies and social contact.
Whenever you need a break from this depth study, read from the [20 PAGE
SUMMARY OF "THE GENTLE REVOLUTION"]
http://www.crnhq.org/gentle_revolution.html
It will help you wherever a clash of values is present.
[CR GAME] http://www.crnhq.org/crgame.html is great to test your skills. However
is it best if you can involve a few players.
Keep on going back to the material and notice how your concepts are being
nourished, and how your resolve to work for Departments of Peace has gathered
more strengths and strategies.“
Please stay in touch.
With best wishes,
Stella
Dr Stella Cornelius
Director
Conflict Resolution Network
PO Box 1016
Chatswood NSW 2057
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9419 8500
Fax: 61 2 9413 1148
Website: www.crnhq.org
Email: crn@crnhq.org
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