Session materials from "The Elephant in the Room: Creating a Healthier, Happier Co-op Through Proactive and Inclusive Dispute Resolution," presented by Dave Mitchell at NASCO Institute 2015.
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This workshop will focus on conflict resolution not just as a way to deal with a persistent problem, but as a tool of social justice. People encouraged to attend include everyone who has 1) wanted to address conflict in their co-op but has wondered “where do I even start?” 2) come to a realization that the current conflict resolution systems and tools in their co-op have not worked and or 3) felt uncomfortable voicing their concerns within their co-op. Together, we will: Work through an interactive set of questions to diagnose areas of oversight (e.g., why might someone choose to bring up or not bring up conflict in the ways your co-op structure has provided for?) and discuss how to address them Discuss the benefits and criticisms of various ways of bringing up one’s concerns (e.g., interest-based bargaining, non-violent communication, etc.) Review the concept of “emotional labor,” discuss how it is created, and who ends up performing it Walk away with resources to take back to your co-op community, including a conflict resolution process template that you can customize and a fun way to share with fellow co-op members how to tell what emotion you’re feeling and what you want from others without having to tell or be asked every time
