In our diverse society there are many opportunities for conflict. Differences in opinions, feelings, values, and communication styles can cause conflict. When people argue, they stop communicating and often lose sight of common interests and goals. Tension and anxiety stemming from unresolved conflict can adversely affect individuals, families, and the community as a whole. Conflicts can, however, be reduced, managed, and even avoided or resolved, with better information, skills, and processes. As individuals and groups learn to work through and resolve their conflicts they build a sense of community. The Communications Center provides programs, workshops and facilitation services to assist individuals and organizations to build better relationships and accomplish common goals.

Workshops for Nonprofit Boards and Organizations

Our programs and workshops are customized to meet the specific needs of your organization. We provide a wide range of programs such as the following: 

• Working to Prevent & Solve Conflict

This two hour, interactive program focuses on gaining cooperation without resorting to criticism or argument. Participants will learn how conflicts arise, specific steps for resolving conflict, alternatives to criticism and argument, and other tips for building understanding and cooperation.

• Building Bridges: Communication Patterns That Work 

Part I: This interactive program looks at the differences between dialogue and the other traditional forms of communication such as debate, discussion, and deliberation. Participants will learn specific techniques for engaging in dialogue, which is a form of communication that promotes mutual understanding. Use of dialogue skills can result in more effective communication in both professional and personal relationships.

Part II: This interactive program looks at thinking style preferences, primarily in reference to the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI™). These thinking style preferences affect the ways in which individuals receive and process information, and thus how they communicate. In its simplest form, the HBDI™ is a research- based assessment tool that measures thinking style preferences. The underlying research and model for the HBDI™ also provides a framework that has been used by many corporations—including Starbucks, General Electric, and IBM—to enhance teamwork, planning, and communications. Participants will learn to identify different types of thinking style preferences, understand how those thinking styles affect both what people hear and what they say, work more effectively with others, and create meetings, events, and activities that accommodate different kinds of learners.

• Leading Effective Meetings

Every good meeting has certain qualities: a purpose, an agenda, participants that understand their roles, and an effective facilitator. Our programs teach tools and techniques to help conduct good meetings. Participants will learn how to plan for an effective meeting by setting goals and determining an agenda. Participants will also learn skills that will help them facilitate meetings. The program will also cover other tips for making presentations or trainings more effective.

• Diversity Programs

These programs focus on promoting tolerance or confronting hate within an organization or community group or in a community group’s interaction with others. We have a range of programs—from video based programs to study circles to book groups—that can be tailored to your organization. Our programs can include segments on why people hate, how to discuss and address stereotypes, and how to confront intimidating behaviors. Participants take away practical activities that can be put to use to promote tolerance of our differences, and appreciation of our diversity.

Workshops for Schools

We offer a series of in-service workshops that can be supported by ongoing consulting services called Bridges To Learning™. Click on the picture below for more information.

Workshops for Family and Youth

If you work with families or teens, we can work closely with your organization to offer programs for parents and youth. Many of our programs allow participants to talk and share their thoughts and questions with others who have similar interests and concerns. The goals of our programs are to help reduce stress and build a more peaceful home.

Youth Programs 

• Youth Leadership

This introductory program defines leadership and teaches leadership skills. Participants will learn what makes a good leader, how to set goals, and approaches for resolving conflict. Other youth leadership segments and programs are available.

• How to Talk So Kids Will Learn-At Home & At School

This workshop reviews how to motivate children of all ages to learn and succeed in school and on their own. Participants will learn to help children cooperate and solve problems with each other and form partnerships with teachers and other adults.

Family Programs

• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

This multi-session workshop reviews practical, effective means of communication that can help make your relationship with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding. You will learn and practice skills that help you:

•   Discipline without hurting
•   Engage a child’s cooperation
•   Foster an atmosphere of mutual love and respect

• Siblings Without Rivalry

Bickering, whining, telling tales and fights between siblings can make family life less than pleasant! Learn and practice skills that can help siblings build friendships and make family time more peaceful.

• Raising Your Spirited Child

Raising any child can be a challenge. It is more so when you have a spirited child. This workshop is designed to assist you in understanding your child’s temperamental traits and developing strategies for working through those difficult moments when they do arise.

• Teaching Your Children Conflict Resolution Skills

This two hour, interactive program focuses on gaining the cooperation of children without resorting to criticism or argument. Participants will learn how conflicts arise, specific steps for resolving conflict, alternatives to criticism and argument, and other tips for building understanding and cooperation.

• The Five Love Languages — For Spouses and Other Partners

Are there times you or your partner feel unloved, unable to communicate what you are feeling, or unable to understand what your significant other is feeling and why? The Five Love Languages framework can help couples improve their ability to understand each other, communicate effectively and still meet individual needs.

• The Five Love Languages — For Parents of Teens

How do you build a loving relationship with your teen while he or she struggles for independence? The Five Love Languages framework can help you maintain a relationship of mutual love and respect as your teen moves from childhood to adulthood.

• Other programs using The Five Love Languages framework:

•   The Five Love Languages-For Parents of Young Children
•   The Five Love Languages-Reaching Out & Staying in Touch with Your Adult Child