Conflict Transformation Academy
The Peace & Conflict Studies Center offers professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to learn and practice conflict transformation skills.
The PACS Center training takes the approach that conflict can be a catalyst for social change and places primary emphasis on the question of social justice. The training includes an exploration of how identity and power imbalances affect the development and resolution of conflict.
Conflict is a natural part of every relationship that can be either a destructive force or a stimulus for creating constructive change. We can learn how to respond in ways that maximize conflict’s potential for positive change.
Peace & Conflict Studies workshops will cover the core skills of conflict transformation. Participants will learn and practice skills related to understanding the roots of conflict, identifying their own and others’ emotions, interests, and positions, and facilitating collaborative problem-solving.
This skills training currently takes the form of a Conflict Transformation Academy that takes place in two parts: Level I and Level II. Those who have completed Level I will be invited to participate in Level II.
Apply for Spring Level One
“I appreciated learning strategies to use in my classes and to teach my students about how to approach conflict, examine underlying interests, and understand power dynamics in any conflict situation. I will remember that conflict is natural and can be an opportunity for transformation rather than a source of stress and hostility.”
“The discussion of all conflicts having components of story and critically assessing whether our narratives come from dominant or counter-narratives as well as how we can analyze and reflect on the power dynamics in any given conflict.”
“I have power and need to be cognizant of how and when I use it.”
“Conflict can be positive, bring about effective change and better understanding. I got to use some of the strategies from the series and found they worked well. The discussion of position vs interest was very helpful.”
Level 1: Spring 2024
This training is open to faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders with a preference for a diversity across departments/divsions, campuses served, and roles at ACC. We will learn and practice skills to constructively deal with conflict in a way that preserves or even strengthens connections. The Conflict Transformation Academy is made possible through funding provided by the Office for Purpose & Belonging and ACC’s Human Resources.
In this workshop we will review core concepts of conflict transformation, practice skills in nonviolent conflict resolution, engage in small group activities and discussions, and share reflections to deepen our knowledge and practice.
Apply for Spring Level One
Level 1: Spring 2024
Level 1 is a two-day training on Friday, May 3, and Friday, May 10. From 9 am – 4 pm/CT with 1hr Lunch Break.
Level One will address these topics:
Topic 1
What is Conflict? Nonviolent Approaches to Conflict Transformation
Topic 2
Why Does Conflict Occur? Human Needs, Emotions, and Interests
Topic 3
How Does Conflict Shape Lives? The Role of Power
Topic 4
How Do We Interpret Conflict? Subjectivity and Perception
Topic 5
How Do We Respond to Conflict? Communication Strategies
Requiremets from Participants:
• Attend both full days of training.
• Complete the occasional self-assessments as requested prior to each session.
• Login to Blackboard/Zoom during workshop hours with audio and video.
• Practice the CT skills between sessions and record your reflections on our Blackboard course.
Faculty and Staff are eligible to receive Professional Development credit for each contact hour of the training they attend. Applicants will be informed of the decision regarding their application no later than Friday, April 5, 2024.
For questions, please get in touch with Matthew Mandell at [email protected]
