PeaceWorks.us
Barbara Thorngren, M. Ed
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Peacebuilding & Communication
I invite you to join me in creating Peacebuilding communities around the world.
You and I are the leaders we have been waiting for . . . it is now our turn to stand up and create the world in which we want to live, a more peaceful world that honors and respects all life.
"Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being." Mahatma Gandhi
Through my years as a nurse, teacher and volunteer in the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) in the NH State Prison for Men, I have learned that good healthy communication skills are key to happy successful relationships.
The Alternatives to Violence Project is a program that empowers people to lead nonviolent lives through affirmation, respect for all, community building, cooperation and trust. I have personally witnessed amazing transformations of my self and others who risk changing their assumptions, attitudes and prejudices while participating in these programs.
In addition, as the NH State Coordinator for the campaign to establish a US Department of Peace and Nonviolence, I have found a national and international group of people who value a shared leadership, shared responsibility model that invites all participants to be respected and heard through healthy communication.
And finally, as a mother whose youngest son is in the service and has served one year overseas in the Iraq war, I understand the personal cost that comes from conflict both domestically and internationally. As a society, we now have the skills and knowledge to training our children and communities in nonviolent communication. We can give them the skills that will decrease conflicts and build healthy communities.
* Peacebuilding Communication Workshops
It is my pleasure and honor to offer individuals and groups, healthy, fun Peacebuilding Communication Workshops.
These workshops can be tailored to accommodate small and large groups and range in length from one hour to three days. Each program can include a large or small art project, either completed as individuals or collectively, as a group.
The arts are uniquely effective in engaging youth and adults in conflict resolution education. The arts provide a non-threatening, creative and emotional outlet that offers another view on the world. The arts foster creativity; problem-solving skills teach life skills, offer effective communication through images and color and encourage total group participation.
I have worked with groups on Peacebuilding in Greece, Ecuador, China and here at home in the USA. I have witnessed children from diverse communities in conflict experience each other as God's children and learn to play, create and laugh together. It is always a wonderful experience that leaves the group, and myself, much richer, wiser and inspired to go out into the world in a more peaceful, confident manner.
* Fee schedules
Fee schedule varies greatly depending on the number in the group, length and location of workshop. The ideal number for a group is 16 participants. All fees are negotiable, especially for non profits and those experiencing financial challenges.
Individual Consulting Fees : The initial half hour consultation is free. Individual consulting fee is $60.00 per hour.
Workshop Fees:
Half Day Workshop: 9:00 am to 12:00 (3 hours) $350.00
Whole Day Workshop: 9:00 am to 12:00 lunch 1:00 to 4:00 pm
(6 hours) $500.00
Travel expenses and accommodation are an additional cost. Travel expense, including economy airfare are paid by the host organization. A contribution of $25.00 per hour may also be requested for travel time.
PeaceWorks is able to work with your staff in designing programs for large and small groups.
"A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior, and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations."
(United Nations, 1999)