Quaker Approaches to Conflict Transformation

This workshop will explore the values involved in conflict transformation work and how they are translated into concrete action in conflict intervention
settings. In particular this workshop will explore the framework used in
transformative mediation and its relation to Quaker faith, values and
testimonies. Through worship sharing, discussion, interactive exercises and
skills practice participants will become aware of how action in conflict
reflects values, the nature of social and political conflict, and will learn
non-directive conflict intervention skills.The transformative approach to conflict transformation has been used successfully in community mediation in the United States and Canada and focuses not on reaching agreement between parties, but rather on supporting the parties in gaining clarity and strength to make their own decisions about what they want to do with their conflict. Recently, this approach to conflict has also been applied to post-conflict peacebuilding settings.
The Quaker Peace Testimony is one thing that seems to unite most Friends. Often however, Friends do not question whether specific actions meant to build peace are in line with Quaker values or not. Also, Friends do not often question what the Peace Testimony means for today's political conflicts which are less and less characterized by interstate war and more by structures that resemble organized crime where civilian populations are the main victims of violence. In this workshop Friends will be challenged to think more deeply about the relationship between Quaker values, the Peace Testimony, and our action in peacebuilding and conflict work.
No previous experience is necessary to participate in this workshop. The only thing needed is an interest in the Quaker Peace Testimony, or a desire to gain a greater understanding of peace and conflict work, and exploring how we can deal with conflict in ways that reflect our Quaker values. Participants who want to prepare in advance are recommended to read The Promise of Mediation (2nd ed., 2004) by Robert A. Baruch Bush and Joseph P. Folger.