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Problem-Solving Workshop Program Introductory Training Weekend
November 7th &8th
9:00am - 5:00pm
Metropolitan Building Room 5183
Arlington, VA
Fill out the application form here
(Deadline - Monday, October 19th)
The International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program (American University) in partnership with the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (George Mason University) is pleased to offer an introductory skill training weekend on the facilitative method of the problem-solving workshop, pioneered by John Burton, Herbert Kelman and other scholar-practitioners in the field of conflict resolution. This training session is offered to graduate students, alumni and others associated with S-CAR and IPCR who have interest in developing or extending their practice skills in the design, facilitation and evaluation of problem-solving workshops (PSWs). This event is intended to be a prerequisite to an advanced training workshop to be held later in the academic year.
PSWs are the prototype method of interactive conflict resolution, which can also include dialogue, conflict resolution training, and reconciliation between members of conflicting groups. PSWs are specifically designed to engage unofficial representatives or members of such groups in jointly analyzing their conflict with the assistance of third party facilitators and in creating mutually acceptable options for de-escalation, peacebuilding and resolution.
The design of the training weekend will include:
• The general theory of practice of PSWs
• The selection and invitation of participants
• The process of running a PSW from invitations to re-entry
• Skill practice with feedback in the facilitator role
• Common issues that arise in PSWs and how to deal with them
• Common agenda items for PSWs
• Common forms of facilitator intervention
The weekend workshop is free of charge to invited participants and will be held in the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, Arlington Campus. The workshop is non-residential and the sessions will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, November 7th and Sunday, November 8th . Morning coffee/tea will be provided, and participants are responsible for their own lunches and afternoon refreshments. A pre-workshop reading packet will be provided and all other materials and supplies will be available at the training.
If you are interested in taking part in this workshop, please complete the attached application form and email it to Nicole Smith at [email protected] by Monday, October 19th. Please only apply if you are able to commit to being present for the entire weekend training. Notification of selection will be made by Friday, October 23rd.
Please note that not all applications may be accepted, but that a similar introductory training weekend is planned for Spring, 2016. Please indicate your interest in advanced trainings, focusing on challenges in PSW facilitation, on the application form.
This training is part of an ongoing collaboration between S-CAR and the IPCR Program. This training will be conducted by Ron Fisher and Susan Allen.