Basics of Non Violent Communication (NVC)

NVC is a focused art of communication that enhances our ability to remain connected with other human beings. NVC encourages us to naturally give and receive in a way that contributes to our mutual well-being.

It starts as a method, becomes a new consciousness, and results in enhanced self connection and empathy.

HOW DOES NVC BENEFIT YOU?

• Enhance awareness of your feelings. Connect with deeper values and needs.
  
• Speak in accordance with your values.
  
• Enhance your ability to be present with others, in compassion and acceptance
  
• Transform anger, shame, or guilt, into positive outcomes by altering self-perception
  
• Say "No" without guilt and regret.
  
• Say "Yes" coming from your heart, not from obligation
  
• Give in a way that benefits the giver and the receiver
  
• Increase and expand your awareness of choices
  

HOW WILL IT BENEFIT YOUR ORGANIZATION?

• Have meetings that are more effective, encouraging full participation and satisfaction of everyone’s needs.  
  
• Make decisions that stick.
  
• Create an atmosphere of support and celebration.
  
• For organizations doing social work:
  
• Promote the beauty of your vision in a way that naturally invites participation, volunteering and contributions
  
• Transform enemy images and leverage wider collaboration
  
• Embrace solutions that meet all parties’ needs
  

For more detail on how NVC operates read quick reference guide.

NVC LINKS
For information about NVC, trainings, events, books in the U.S. and worldwide see www.cnvc.org
For a complete listing of NVC books see Puddle Dancer Press at www.NonviolentCommunication.com

Mediation

Mediation can involve two or more parties. This can be done directly or begin more slowly as an “accreted mediation.” Accreted Mediation is an approach that follows a gradual immersion into the process of mediation, respecting individual pace and readiness.

In two-party mediation, and especially in multiple-party mediation, initial contacts can be used to familiarize parties to the process of mediation.  

In the example of 2 couples illustrated in the article below, the first contact with the husband is followed by a joint coaching/mediation, with the first couple coming as a party to the mediation. The process is repeated with the second couple, before the four individuals meet in formal mediation. This is one of many possible scenarios.

The advantages of this mediation are:

• Needs and priorities are clarified before entering mediation.
  
• Stronger understanding is promoted between parties on the same side of the issue (e.g.: spouses or business partners).
  
• Participants are fully acquainted with the process of mediation,
  
• Likelihood of successful mediation is increased.
  
• Follow-through processes are established to support decisions.
  

For a case story of Accreted Mediation see: Accreted Mediation: Building Clarity and Connection by Ike Lasiter, Julie Stiles at: www.mediate.com/people/personprofile.cfm?auid=625