Workshop Description
At some point in our lives, we all get hurt by other people. When this happens, we might not know how to respond to the pain that is inflicted on us. Everyone tries to find ways to protect themselves from further harm. While some defense mechanisms might serve us well, others might not; some might cause more harm than good.
Participants - Who can benefit from this workshop?
This workshop can benefit anyone with an interest in being part of an inclusive dialogue regarding trauma, conflict and violence. This includes people working with family abuse and social justice issues, counselors, community health promoters, social workers, educators and related fields. This workshop also benefits people interested in increasing their knowledge of Popular Education approaches to facilitate support groups and workshops.
Part One
The Effects of Violence in Our Lives and Typical Methods of Handling Offenses
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Common reactions to offensive behaviors
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Recognizing the consequences of holding onto resentment in daily interactions
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How unprocessed pain can lead to a circle of violence and aggression that may be passed from generation to generation
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Ways in which we offend others and vice versa
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Differentiating between feeling temporary anger and resentment and maintaining these feelings as standard responses to problems
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Recognizing when we have entered a cycle of anger and resentment or, conversely, a cycle of compassion
Part Two
Redefining Forgiveness
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Influence of culture and family upbringing on the interpretation of offensive behavior
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In-depth exploration of the meaning of forgiveness and its daily practice
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Recognizing our automatic tendency to judge people who make mistakes, and how this helps us assess our level of compassion
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Differences between forgiveness and reconciliation
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Reflecting on the needs of those involved in conflicts
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How using emotional intelligence and productive communication can facilitate the daily practice of compassion
Part Three
Restorative Justice
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The impact of Restorative Justice (RJ) on those affected by a conflict, especially the victims
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Difference between RJ, forgiveness, and reconciliation
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How Restorative Circles can help to prevent and resolve conflicts
Methodology
The workshop uses an interactive and conversational approach. While most of the dialogue happens within the entire group, many activities are conducted within smaller groups. These smaller groups help to form a unique cohesion among the participants throughout the entire workshop. Activities include stories, examples, case studies, socio-dramas, supporting theories, readings and music.
Learning Objective
Upon completion of the workshop, participants are be able to:
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Reflect on the cycles of violence at a personal, interpersonal and societal level
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Adapt the concepts of forgiveness to individual situations
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Articulate the historical and cultural roots of the practice of compassion
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Recognize the destructive role that anger plays in daily interactions
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Recognize when anger can be beneficial
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Set healthy boundaries to toxic relationships
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Explore the concepts of Restorative Practices
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Acquire group facilitation tools
Duration of training and number of participants
The workshop is delivered in 24 hours. While ideally the training is done over three consecutive days, it can be modified to accommodate the needs of each group or organization. For people interested in becoming PHI Workshop facilitators, participation in the PHI methodology training is required. This is a one-day training of 5-6 hours.
The number of participants per training is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20.