Strategies Unlimited: How understanding universal, human needs helps resolve conflict

Our presenter is Elly van Laar, Coach, Mediator and Facilitator. In this interactive, fun workshop we will explore some of the key concepts of Nonviolent Communication, a model developed by Marshall Rosenberg.

Marshall Rosenberg had the brilliant insight that we share the same human needs through space and time. People around the world want respect, autonomy and connection, just like people 2000 years ago.

Strategies are localized in space and time and idiosyncratic to each of us. Personal growth is a need, a training in mediation a strategy. Not everyone wants that training. A toddler for example does want personal growth -- to be able to do more. A mediation training doesn’t mean much to her.

We will talk about the distinction between needs and strategies (and other key concepts) and we will do exercises to experience for ourselves if and how Nonviolent Communication helps in resolving conflict.

Elly van Laar specializes in helping couples in divorce maintain mutual respect.

For 20 years, Elly has helped individuals, couples and organizations deepen compassion and empathy skills, bridge differences, and find solutions that benefit all involved. Elly is a speaker and blogger on Nonviolent Communication, mindfulness, and conflict resolution.

Elly has a Masters in Political Science from Leiden University in the Netherlands. She has seven years of training with Nonviolent Communication teachers, four years of teaching Nonviolent Communication. She belongs to Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Blossom mindfulness community, volunteers at the Dispute Resolution Center and is a member of Amnesty International since 1980.

And if she is not mediating? Then you can find her on her meditation cushion, visiting friends and family in the Netherlands, trying new vegan recipes, juggling, or hanging out with her fan and teacher, her husband David Nayer.

The meeting will begin at 11:30 am for networking and the one-hour presentation will begin at 12:00. One (1.0) hours of CE credit is available to attendees.

This event is free of charge to all interested people, with a light lunch provided. For non-AAM members, a $5 donation for lunch is suggested.

We look forward to seeing you there!