How do we share what we care about most in ways that others can easily hear, winning hearts and minds? Working for equality requires building trusting community – but to actually interact in ways that apply to community-building, transformative social change and the work for equality is no small feat. Most of us have been educated from birth to compete, judge, demand, and diagnose — to think and communicate in terms of what is “right“ and “wrong“ with others and ourselves. Many LGBTQ folks have experienced that kind of knee-jerk judgment. Compassionate Communication is a way of interacting that’s based in curiosity and connection instead of judgment and domination.

As an LGBTQ activist and collaboration expert, Dian Killian, often shares strategies to make conversations about equality and social change easier, with the goal of creating collaboration and support in movements and organizations.

This spring, Dian is presenting two events outside of NYC, designed to support equality workers in applying the practices of compassionate, Nonviolent Communication when discussing what matters most:

In March in Durham, North Carolina is workshop for those who want to build coalitions, speak effectively with those who may fear or disagree with LGBTQ equality, and who desire to deepen their own resources and internal navigation. It’ll include exercises you can try as well as role play, demonstrating how NVC can be practiced in the most challenging conversations.

In April at the social-justice retreat and camp Rowe Center, is a retreat for those in the LGBTQ community who wish to practice transforming their relationships in and out of queer community. “Here,” Dian Killian says, “Empowered by the skills of NVC, we’ll have the opportunity to get clear about what matters to us, to explore our differences as well as our connections, and discover ways to live fully in the world.”

WHAT: Sharing our Passion, Holding our Ground! Workshop

WHERE: Durham, NC

WHEN: Wednesday, March 20th, 7-9:30pm

$20-$40 sliding scale (all contributions benefit the non-profit Center for Collaborative Communication. We appreciate your support!)

RSVP via info@collaborative-communication.org

WHAT: Queer Talk, Caring Talk Retreat

WHERE: Rowe, MA

WHEN: April 25-28, weekend retreat. Register and details here

FREE talk about Queer Talk, Caring Talk: Free conference call: Hear from the trainers and get information about the upcoming Queer Talk, Caring Talk retreat April 25-28, 2013.

VIDEO IN at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/172587365

PHONE IN Dial +1 (213) 493-0006 and use Access Code / Meeting ID: 172-587-365