Training & Events

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The Lost Art of Civil Discourse

  • What makes it difficult and frustrating to talk to someone with strong differences of opinion? 
  • Do you ever feel stuck between arguments or avoidance?  
  • Are there important topics to you that are “off-limits” with certain friends or family members?  

Come learn the Lost Art of Civil Discourse! 

Seven different sessions that explore how we think and talk about differences and practice dialogue rather than debate. In the first half of each session, small groups will talk about the potential benefits and difficulties inherent in listening to other people’s beliefs (with the help of a trained mediator and facilitator). In the second half, the groups will engage in exercises to practice what they’ve discussed in an environment less risky than a holiday dinner. Join us for one or more sessions. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.

Dates and time

  • 1:30-3:30 pm on February 12, March 11, April 8, and May 6, 2020
  • 6:00-8:00 pm on February 24, March 30, and April 27, 2020

Cost: Free
Location:  Beaverton City Library, Room B (Except for the first session on 2/12 in Room A),
12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005

RVSP appreciated but not required.

Conflict Coaching

Trainer: Tricia Jones. Read more about Tricia’s work.

The Basic Three- Day Training introduces participants to the nature of conflict coaching and the CCM conflict coaching model. The CCM model was developed by Tricia Jones and Ross Brinkert, conflict and communication scholars with over thirty years of teaching, research and practice in conflict processes. The CCM model emphasizes the importance of a narrative understanding of conflict, the power of multiple perspectives in conflict analysis, the creativity of appreciative approaches to change, and a deep respect for helping parties develop skills to enact the conflict change they have identifies as their best direction. The CCM model is a four stage process:

  1. Discovering the Story
  2. Exploring Three Perspectives of Identity, Emotion and Power
  3. Crafting the Best Story
  4. Enacting the Best Story

Stages 1 and 2 accomplish a central goal of deep conflict analysis. Stage 3 enables visioning and selection of a desired change direction for the conflict. And Stage 4 consists of a coach helping a party develop skills necessary to transfer the conflict plan into conflict action. The Three-Day Basic training emphasizes Stages 1 through 3 of the CCM model . Given the range of Stage 4 skills topics that CCM instructs, the Stage 4 skills in the Three-Day training focus on key communication skills.

Dates: March 19, 20, and 21, 2020
Time: 9 am – 5 pm

Cost:

  • General public $340
  • OMA member $290
  • Dispute resolution center staff and volunteers $215

Location: Beaverton Council Chambers – Beaverton Building 

Registration is required

Questions about this training, please reach out to mediationmail@beavertonoregon.gov or call 503-526-2523.