Communicating in Conflict
Presented by Catherine Bargen

Thursday, May 29, 2008
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.(doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

Kwantlen University College,
20910 Langley Bypass,
in the Auditorium
(parking available for $3.50/day)

Admission is FREE! (donations accepted)

~ Light refreshments provided ~

Presentation overview

Do you feel stuck when you face conflict at home, at work or in your relationships?

Get unstuck! Learn practical skills to navigate through conflict to more meaningful interactions with others, even when things feel tough.

When things go wrong in communities, schools, workplaces and in our relationships, we want things worked out in a way that satisfies everybody’s needs and brings meaningful closure. However, often when we’re involved in conflict, we don’t take the time to listen. We are intent on making our point, or are feeling too hurt to hear what the other person has to say.  Our relationships suffer and so does our enjoyment of life!

A healthier approach to conflict brings understanding and a sense of justice—Restorative Justice—into our interactions with others. Restorative Justice is a philosophy about repairing harm, listening to one another and speaking from the heart. Listening to others, as well as expressing your own needs, allows people in conflict to share and come to mutually agreed-upon resolutions.

In this workshop, learn a basic understanding of:

• what happens in conflict
• why we often feel “stuck” in conflict situations
• how Restorative Justice relates to conflict
• how to resolve difficult situations respectfully
• how to work to preserve relationships and meet the needs of all involved

A Restorative approach to conflict resolution encourages us to shift from judgement to curiosity, and helps us effectively explore the root causes of our conflicts.

About the Presenter:
Catherine Bargen, MA

Catherine is the former coordinator of the Educating for Peacebuilding Program in Langley schools—a program which works with students, educators and parents to create a culture of respect that encourages the application of Restorative Justice principles and values. She also has extensive experience in case development and mediation in Victim Offender Reconciliation. Her practical experience and dynamic style make her an extremely effective and engaging presenter, and she has delivered training to a wide variety of groups, both locally and across North America.

Catherine has worked as a case manager and coordinator at the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre in Edmonton. As a volunteer, she has taken part in international peace projects in South America and the Middle East. She recently completed a Masters degree in Conflict Transformation.

Presented by Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives with support from Envision Financial.

Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association (CJI) is a community-based, non-profit society located in Langley, BC. The organization has more than 20 years experience in providing programs based on a Restorative Justice framework. Current programs include the Victim Offender Mediation Program (VOMP), Educating for Peacebuilding in the Langley School District, and Restorative Youth Services in Langley and Surrey. For more information about CJI and its programs, we invite you to visit our website at www.cjibc.org or call (604) 534-5515.

The Inviting Dialogue Public Presentation Series is coordinated by CJI’s Restorative Youth Services program which is supported by Family and Youth Services Society (Langley) and Pacific Community Resources Society (Surrey) through the BC Ministry for Children and Family Development.

For more information, please contact the Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association.

Telephone:  604-534-5515
Fax:   604-534-6989
E-mail:  mail@cjibc.org
Website: www.cjibc.org