“Jackals & Giraffes: A Nonviolent Communication Workshop”: May 2-3, 2009, The Gray Conference Center, Canton, MS. This Nonviolent Communication workshop will dramatically improve your relationships by helping you focus attention on developing an empathic understanding of others without compromising your own values, as well as learning to express your real feelings and needs openly and honestly without blame or criticism. Our guest presenter will be Lucy Perry, graduate of Brown University in Providence, RI and member of the Bay Area Nonviolent Communication organization. Lucy is a songwriter, singer, and native of Jackson, MS, and currently lives in Berkley, California. Lucy will describe the four components of communication that delineate nonviolent communication:1)Observations free of evaluations; 2) Feelings straight from the heart; 3) Needs, values and longings; and 4) Requests expressed clearly in positive action language. Lucy will enlighten participants as to the use of these tools to help create dialogue that fosters compassion, mutual understanding, and creative solutions to conflicts. Even in situations of longstanding conflict or hostility, the nonviolent communication process can open new doors to compassionate connection and action.

This workshop will he held May 2nd and 3rd at The Duncan M. Gray Camp & Conference Center, Canton, MS, just north of Jackson, MS. Cost is $165, which includes room and meals. For registration information go to www.dioms.org, News & Events, EVENTS, and click on “Jackals & Giraffes: A Nonviolent Communication Workshop”. Or, contact The Rev. Debo Dykes at 601-948-5954, debo@dioms.org