Nonviolent communication, a model developed by Marshall Rosenberg, is an approach to communication based on the human needs and feelings that underlie all behavior. Rosenberg’s work began during the 1960s civil rights era, and seeks to teach a means of developing empathy as a basis for communication rather than the models of blame and judgment we have all learned so well.
Nonviolent Communication seeks to teach us how to:
- Change patterns of thinking that lead to depression, arguments, anger and violence
- Resolve conflicts peacefully, whether personal or public, domestic or international
- Speak in ways more likely to be heard and understood by others
- Set healthy boundaries and say “No” with strength and compassion
- Express anger fully, safely and respectfully
- Translate criticism, judgment, blame and other hard-to-hear messages into feelings and needs
Some basic premises:
- All actions are attempts to meet needs
- Human needs are universal - we all have the same needs
- Feelings result from needs being either met or unmet – when needs are met we feel happy, pleased, etc. – when needs are unmet we feel sad, hurt, anxious, scared, angry, etc.
We are offering two Practice Groups. One group is meeting the second and fourth Wednesdays, 10:30am to 12:30pm. If you have not attended a training or been involved with NVC, this Introduction to Nonviolent Communication is planned for you, although it is open to anyone..
The NVC Practice Group that meets on the first and third Fridays, 10:15am-12:15 is for those who have taken at least Level I training and/or been in a practice group. We encourage people who wish to join the Practice Group to take a training as soon as possible.
Get Involved
We encourage you to read Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, Marshall B. Rosenberg, Puddle Dancer, and other related communications.
You are invited to participate in trainings and other programs for NVC.
Contact Information
To join a group, contact Helen Wing.