Steps Towards Connection

The current situation shows us the need for developing Peace Education and Human Rights Education even stronger than before. Due to the COVID-19 crisis many individuals are struggling with frustration, depression and anxiety. There is a need for developing awareness of empathy based tools which can help to build meaningful relations supporting youth, as well as to support resolving conflicts between people and at the same time, to deal with internal frustration and foster self-care within those who work with youth to maintain their psychological resources.

The research by sociologists S. Maclennan, K. Muir and S. Thoms (in ‘Sociology for Social Work’) who reviewed important elements of working with youth, shows that “Empathy is vital in understanding the needs and issues facing young people, and it is important to recognise the potential they have.” According to M. B. Rosenberg, the ability to hear the feelings and needs behind different thoughts and opinions and to show the other person that we hear them, which is called EMPATHY, creates space for peaceful relations between people and even the whole community, these skills carry from face-to-face interaction onto digital communication as well.

With these ideas in mind we have developed a 5-day-long Training Course titled "Steps towards connection”.

OBJECTIVES:

The TC “Steps towards connection” aims to have an impact in the personal development of the participants, practicing the steps of Nonviolent Communication to be able to connect with myself and the other person in a difficult conversation.

Specific objectives of this Training Course are:

- introducing communication model and approach developed by Marshall Rosenberg, called the Nonviolent Communication, exploring its application in youth work and HRE

- raising awareness about participants’ own needs and feelings, the ability to be in contact with them, to express them in verbal communication, and awareness about the meaning they bring to the communication process

- equipping participants with an attitude ready to listen to others’ needs and feelings, practicing active empathy

- equipping participants with open and proactive attitudes towards conflict situations and resistance in communication

- practising setting boundaries in conversations and holding them for building a constructive and supportive relation with people

- practicing the role of a mediator – a third party in a conflict, following the empathic communication model

- creating space for networking and peer support
 

ABOUT THE TRAINER

Marta Skorczyńska – non-formal education trainer, certified in applied drama methodology, actor in Forum Theatre performances. Graduate of Psychology and Social Animation studies at Gdansk University. Since 2009 supporting international volunteers as a mentor, coordinator and coach. Since 2017 supporting youth workers as a trainer and coordinator of projects, developing their tool box, as well as supporting their professional and personal satisfaction. She has been active as a trainer and facilitator in projects related to Peace Eduction and Nonviolent Communicaton, conflict and crisis resolution, mental and physical well-being,  self-care of youth workers, teachers and educators. In her work finding inspiration from voice and body training methods, educational games, and coaching approach. Working with the Nonviolent Communication model and promoting empathic communication since 2018. She is also trained in NVC based mediations.