Conflict resolution workshop scheduled

The nonprofit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center announces its first community workshop for 2013. On Saturday, Jan. 26, Kimberly Dark will present “Conflict Resolution: Reframing Problems in Order to Generate Solutions” from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hawaii Community College Building 388, room 103.

This half-day workshop focuses on understanding and practicing the skill of reframing contentious, position-based statements into neutral language that helps everyone think more clearly and develop possible solutions.

“We’ll begin by examining the causes of conflict and how language can help individuals avoid conflict in a variety of settings,” Dark said. “Then we’ll focus on turning complaints into issues — the skill of reframing and paraphrasing.”

These skills can be used at home as well as in the work place, schools, associations, meetings and more.

“This workshop is perfect for educators and those who work with young people or have children; human service professionals and case workers; managers, business owners and meeting facilitators; volunteer and professional mediators; and community members who want to understand and better handle conflict in everyday settings,” Dark said.

Dark has been consulting in conflict resolution and facilitation for more than 20 years. Her first training in 1987 with the Colorado Institute for Conflict Resolution focused on group and family problem-solving.

She completed mediator certification with the National Conflict Resolution Center in 1996, and served on the San Diego Mediation Center Community Justice Advisory Board from 1997 to 1998. For 11 years, Dark served as principal for Current Change Consulting. Her consulting specialties included community facilitation, training, and group conflict resolution.

Tuition for the “Conflict Resolution” community workshop is $50. To register, contact Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center Executive Director Julie Mitchell at 935-7844, ext. 116, or julie@hawaiimediation.org.