The Training and Development sector of the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Federation (FIHF) is offering a course on Non-violent Communication to its core missionaries. The first workshop occurred in October, virtually, with seventeen participants. The next meetings are scheduled to take place in the following weeks.
The Content
Based on the book “Non-violent Communication: A Language of Life”, by Marshall Rosenberg, the course is being conducted by Angélica Baglivo, missionary and coordinator of the Transit Shelter (ATM) in Manaus, together with Maraiti, missionary of the Fraternity (FIHF).
The resources used offer a methodology for awareness enhancement, to analyze and transform the way of speaking and listening, According to Angélica, the aim is “to approach the theoretical and practical elements of nonviolent communication, in order to reassess our communication skills.”
She explains that Non-violent Communication is a communication tool, “this tool gives us the technical knowledge to refine our observation skill, our feelings, needs and requests, regarding ourselves as well as others.”
In the matter of observation, Angélica quotes Christiane Coffard: “The observation is the main point in conflict resolution, because it can be the difference between what is and what is believed to be, It is the place where dialogue becomes possible.”
Peacemaker Dialogue – Non-judgment
This course will be a very important complement for the improvement of the work offered in the Missions, as peaceful dialogue is already used when conducting the actions in the shelters managed by the Fraternity (FIHF), according to what was mentioned in a recent article published on their website, that paid tribute to the International Day of Non-violence.
The missionary work places its collaborators and missionaries in touch with countless people of different origins and cultures, and, in this sense, non-violent communication is a fundamental contribution for a peaceful coexistence. “We understand that as long as we are able to employ these new communication paradigms, some of our inner and outer aspects will be modified, making it possible for us to approach and deepen ourselves through that compassionate communication, essential in each and every one of the bonds we share,” says Angélica,
And she deepens the explanation, “we often observe facts and make hasty assumptions that puts the other person on the defensive, ending the chances for dialogue. This is why it is essential to articulate our observations in an impartial way, limiting ourselves to describe the facts, without any opinion or interpretation.”
The Practice of thoughtful listening, respect and empathy
It is an act of compassion to make ourselves available to listen to another person, This is what makes it possible to establish a dialogue more easily, the act of listening, as depicted in the book written by Marshall Rosenberg: “non-violent communication promotes the development of attentive listening, respect and empathy, and encourages the mutual wish to give ourselves wholeheartedly.”
Angélica summarizes, “as long as we can communicate through a non-comparative discourse, without judgments, accepting our responsibilities, and expressing our feelings, with empathy, listening to the other person, and to ourselves, we will be able to build a more peaceful and harmonious coexistence.”
This course is another one of the initiatives of the Fraternity (FIHF) that deepens the work in the promotion of peace.
“Peace comes when you love peace”. Trigueirinho
Find out about other initiatives here.
