CONFLICT GOT YOU DOWN?
Get a lift : ONF Mediation and Communication Workshop

Conflict seems everywhere in human affairs, but it’s been especially present within our Co-op. Issues swirl around that have divided our community for quite some time now. If this conflict is a downer for you, we at ONF want to offer more constructive ways than talking in circles. We want to reach across the gulf of disagreement, and start moving toward more constructive ways to work together.

We are offering our ONF community the opportunity to work with an internationally known mediator, Newt Bailey of San Francisco. He is skilled in mediating business conflicts using an alternative method of communication that derives from Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication. Newt will be assisted at the mediation by owner and NVC student Anita Schnee.

Mediation Retreat
ONF owners, management, board members, and staff are invited. The mediation is free to all in the ONF community. It will occur on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20-21, at the Bailey Center at Mt. Sequoyah. Sessions will be as follows:

Sat. 1:30 – 5:00
Sun. 9:00 – noon and 2:00 – 5:00.
Snacks courtesy ONF

The alternative methods we’ll explore may not solve all our problems in one weekend –  lasting solutions tend to take some time and effort. But we are counting on the retreat to get the process of reconciliation started, and move it along in more constructive and productive directions.

Please lend your spirit, energy, and humanity to this effort.

If you are willing and able to participate, we suggest you come prepared to speak to the
following questions:

* What in our Co-op is of fundamental importance to you?

* What’s at stake if matters continue as they are?

* What needs to happen next?

* What purpose does your idea serve?

* Who benefits from it?

Skills Workshop

In addition to the mediation over the weekend, we’re hoping you’ll also attend a  communication-skills workshop that Newt will offer on the Monday evening following the retreat. Please see the fliers posted around the store advertising this event. Here is an excerpt of what Newt has to say:

“I’m frequently asked whether I believe people can really improve their communication skills, and whether it’s really possible to resolve conflicts peacefully. The question always surprises me, as I see real change and resolution happening for so many people on a weekly basis.

“We can absolutely become better communicators, and it’s a great idea for us to do so. It takes some effort and attention, just like improving ability in any other field, but the rewards are huge. Improved communication skills are likely to transform your personal and professional relationships, and your enjoyment of life. You can continually reduce the time you spend on ‘clean-up’ after unsuccessful interactions, and the time spent revisiting unsatisfying conversations in your mind.”

Newt’s skills workshop will take place as follows:

Monday October 22
6:30 – 9:30
Omni Center, 3274 Lee Ave.
Fayetteville 72703
$45.00 (scholarship opportunities available)
To register or for more details please contact Scot Linton: dscot60@gmail.com

We sincerely hope to see you at as much of this exciting weekend and evening workshop as your time will allow. As Newt says, communication skills are real. They can make a tremendous difference in our own lives and the lives of the people around us.