Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking
Become Household Terms

Imagine a day when peacemaking and non-violent conflict resolution are household terms! Then every couple, every family, every organization will know it can turn to a compassionate, skilled facilitator to resolve conflicts that get out of hand. But they rarely do this, because everyone, both young and old, has been educated in the basics of conflict resolution, anger management and peacemaking.

Imagine the impact this would have on our world! How can we make this a reality?

A step in this direction is the celebration of International Conflict Resolution Day, coming up this year on October 18. The Association for Conflict Resolution designated the third Thursday in October as International Conflict Resolution Day three years ago with the intention of raising awareness about alternatives to violence in resolving conflict.

“It’s modeled on Earth Day,” said Maureen Wade-Coghlan, co-chair of the Colorado International Conflict Resolution Day Planning Committee. “Remember how successful that was at educating the public on the importance of taking care of the environment? And it was participatory – so many of us, young and old, engaged by planting trees. And it was effective – recycling programs were implemented around the country. We want to do the same thing with peacemaking and conflict resolution.”

The planning committee is offering expert presentations to groups that might be interested in hosting an educational event or workshop. Speakers and workshop leaders will be available to all those who request them, state-wide. Consider bringing this valuable educational tool to schools, businesses, organizations, clubs, agencies, congregations and other civic institutions. To request a speaker, go to www.cocrday.org or contact Daniel Horsey at 303-503-1645.

“International Conflict Resolution Day is a chance for all of us who are passionate about nonviolent conflict resolution and peacemaking to get the word out,” said Mary Zinn, co-chair of the Colorado International Conflict Resolution Day Planning Committee. “This is an opportunity for each person to play a part in educating the broader public. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

A number of free events have already been scheduled for the general public at the Auraria Campus in Denver. Prince Cedza Dlamini, the grandson of South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, will deliver his keynote, “Ubuntu: Interconnectedness and Conflict Resolution”, October 18 from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Tivoli Student Union. Ubuntu is a value system based on compassion, respect, integrity, and tolerance of others. Our speaker is an impassioned humanitarian, social entrepreneur and visionary. He will share stories of how South African leaders such as his grandfather and Desmond Tutu drew upon these values to end Apartheid. Also, he will outline a pragmatic means of resolving conflict on a local, national and global scale.

From 3:00-4:30, Dr. Mary Ann Watson will provide a workshop on resolving conflict, entitled "You Never Listen to Me!!!": Strategies for Healthy Problem-solving in Relationships.

A reception for the community hosted by the Colorado Council of Mediators will take place from 5:00-5:30 PM. Everyone is welcome. Following the reception, Prince Cedza Dlamini will recap and deepen his discussion of Ubuntu and South African Conflict Resolution. To conclude, there will be a Q & A session until 7 PM.

These events are free and open to the public.

In observance of International Conflict Resolution Day radio programs about processing conflicts will be aired on KGNU -- 88.5 FM and 1390 AM -- are scheduled for noon to 1 PM October 15 and as a portion of the Morning Magazine at 8:30 to 9:30 AM on October 18. Please tune in and call about your ideas and concerns.

For more information visit www.cocrday.org or call either Mary Zinn (303-526-2202) or Ronnie Rosenbaum (303-278-3030).