Friday, December 9, 2022

Nonviolent Communication at Racine Correctional Institution



Beginning in the Fall of 2021, students in the Certificate Program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution have been participating in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange course on Nonviolent Communication (an approach to compassionate communication originally developed by Marshall Rosenberg). In this course offered at Racine Correctional Institution, a medium security prison for men in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, "outside students" sit alongside "inside students" (incarcerated students). Together, they participate in a full semester course. Here are some comments from the students who participated in the first offering of this course: 

We often think of college students a being very educated, often forgetting that they are on a path to self-discovery as well. There was a bit of intimidation in the beginning. I wondered, if only for a moment, if I would perform well enough academically. I did remind myself that we are all seeking the same thing: to enhance our lives through education. For most Black men of my background college is out of reach. This deepens even further if you go to prison. To have a college experience where students are interacting with incarcerated men was rewarding. ~Karshara, Inside Student 

While talking about the benefits of restorative justice, the justice system as a whole, and how it has impacted them, one of the Inside Students said, “How can we be reintegrated into a community we were never integrated in to begin with?” This statement really stuck with me because it was something that I have always thought about but was never able to put into words. And most importantly, I was able to hear it through the voice of someone who matters most when it comes to the justice system. Not a politician, but someone who has experienced firsthand how the system operates. ~Camryn, Outside Student 

My thanks go out to the Parkside students who displayed phenomenal courage by walking through the doors of a prison. I admire their willingness to participate in classes with incarcerated men. They have looked beyond the stereotypes associated with incarcerated individuals... Thank you all for a journey grounded in the principles of love and respect for all human beings. Thank you for extraordinary human connections that inspire me to always be the best version of myself. ~William, Inside Student 

This class has been a total game changer for me. I appreciate being able to take this class because it helped me learn how effective communication is imperative in everyday life. I not only have a better relationship with my kids but I was able to recognize my real feelings which carried over into my relationships with my friends and family. The experience at RCI made it even more interesting. The inside students were very kind and considerate. I learned that everyone is human, and everyone deserves to be treated as such. ~Jennifer, Outside Student After participating in the Parkside Nonviolent Communication course, I can honestly say that I appreciate everyone who was involved, both Inside and Outside students. While participating in this course we engaged in many group discussions, which forced me to come out of my shell and speak with confidence while expressing my needs. Learning to express my own needs has helped me develop a better understanding of empathy and how to recognize the needs of others... I am now hopeful that I’ll be able to communicate more efficiently in all aspects of life, especially with my kids. ~ David, Inside Student This class has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I appreciate the time and effort that went into making this class possible, as well as the participation by my fellow classmates, which made the class the unique and special experience that it was. ~Sarah, Outside Student 

What am I appreciative about? Realizing that I have disconnected from my compassionate nature (Rosenberg, p. 1) and I understand why I am so easily distracted, become frustrated, and want to shut down rather than deal with adversity and conflict. I learned that I never fully developed a working vocabulary or the intelligence behind it in order to guide me through tough situations... The NVC process has also explained the importance of establishing a human connection during conflict. ~Foist, Inside Student 

Overall, the NVC course has enhanced my ability to communicate effectively. Specifically, I appreciate knowing how to accurately and effectively label my emotions so I can better deal with them. I also appreciate the knowledge of expressing empathy because that is a skill I need to use frequently in my life since I work with kids. I have felt a range of feelings about the course. At times, I have felt frustrated when I try to apply NVC to my own life, but overall I feel happy and thankful for this course because it has made me a better communicator. I also feel happy and thankful for this course because I have been able to see things from my classmates’ viewpoints, which is an uncommon aspect to have in a traditional classroom setting. Since the NVC course was set up to allow everyone to participate and contribute, rather than just a professor lecturing, I was able to challenge the course concepts and see my classmates challenge the concepts. This made me see how applicable NVC can be and how NVC is not a “black and white scale” that is either right or wrong. Rather, NVC is a process that is many shades of gray. ~Emily, Outside Student 

I would like to also say how much respect I have for those who shared their creative expression essays with the group on November 10th. It took a lot to let us all in your lives on a personal and intimate level like that. I also want to show my respect for those who did not. I know how something so personal and intimate can make you feel. I appreciate the debates we all have had in class and how it never turned into an argument. I would like to close this out by simply saying “Thank You” to everybody in this class, and to Dr. Shailor, for being a part of this learning process and change in my life. ~Jelani, Inside Student 

This has been a truly unique experience. I think being outside of the basic lecture hall of college made everyone less tense and share their experiences. I really enjoyed how everyone was able to build on another’s thought and was respectful to each other. ~Lillian, Outside Student 

The discussions held in class were very informative and thought-provoking... I appreciated taking part in the conversations, and voicing my opinions, both pros and cons... I didn’t expect the conversations to be as deep as they were and I was surprised by the range of opinions and emotions that were put forth by us students. ~Thomas, Inside Student 

How does one describe the feeling of expressing feelings in an environment that was friendly, warm, and encouraging? How does one say that in words? I am thankful and appreciative for this course... that allowed me to exhale from a breath I took in over 3 years ago. ~John, Inside Student

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Confronting RACE

Invited Guests: Please Read, View, and Comment 
by December 15, 2021

Thank you!

INTRODUCTION

This semester, students in COMM 385 conducted an exploration of race and systemic racism in the United States. Part of their work focused on an investigation of the current debate over "Critical Race Theory."

This exploration eventually led to an examination of students' personal stories, through the lens of Conflict Transformation. Through research, storytelling, dialogue, and performance, students reflected on personal, relational, structural, and cultural dimensions of their experiences with race.

Students' final project involved the development of several theatre pieces based on their own experiences. 

These scenes are intended to provoke reflection and conversation. We invite you to watch, read, and join the conversation. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

What moments in these scenes were most engaging and thought-provoking for you? 

What feelings did they bring up for you? Why? 

How did certain scenes, characters, or interactive moments resonate with your own experience? 

What questions did these scenes raise for you? 

Please let us know what you're thinking, and feel free to respond to others' comments, in a spirit of respectful dialogue. The goal of this conversation is not "agreement" or "political correctness." The goals are engagement, connection, mutual learning, and community building. Thank you!


PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, the performers are masked. Lines may not always be clearly audible. We recommend that you watch the videos, and read the scripts. Performances may differ from scripts in some respects. This is not a problem. It's all "grist for the mill" and fuel for conversation!


SCENE 1: THE TRANSFER






SCENE 2: BUT WHAT ABOUT ME?






SCENE 3: HISTORY MATTERS


Friday, February 16, 2018

Conflict Students Are Serving More People Than Ever Before

This year, the Certificate Program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution has expanded its outreach, adding four new clients to its spring schedule.



29 Students in COMM 485 (Practicum in Conflict Analysis and Resolution) and COMM 385 (Conflict Mediation) will be facilitating conflict resolution events and trainings to several groups over the next several months, serving an estimated 200 people in their surrounding communities:

1.  The University of Wisconsin System Conference on Teaching and Learning

2.  The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Residence Staff

3.  HALO (The Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization), a homeless shelter in Racine, WI

4.  FOCUS on Community, a substance abuse prevention program in Racine, WI

5.  Waukegan to College, a student support group and leadership program for college-bound
        students in Waukegan, IL