Intro to Non-Violent Communication for Activists

Going home for the holidays? Dreading those dinner table conversations with your ultra conservative uncle? The Solano Napa Branch (SoNar) is grateful to host a workshop in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for activists. The techniques of NVC have been around since the ‘70’s, and have been practiced, and evolved, by countless individuals and organizations.

NVC is not free from critique. Like all tools, it can be used to further silence and suppress others, even by those who are well-meaning (which can often be the most gaslighting/irritating). For this reason, we will hold space for NVC trauma, and refer to Meenadchi’s Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication. With Meenadchi’s revisions in mind-heart, we will learn and practice through role-plays scenarios with family, activist-opponents, outreach with community members, and with our fellow organizing comrades.

While NVC is often reduced to a conflict-resolution practice, NVC also enhances relationships in general. Not only are these skills useful in everyday…