UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND JEPSON ALUMNI CENTER

MARCH 2, 2013

SHARON STRAND ELLISON: POWERFUL NON-DEFENSIVE COMMUNICATION

FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION, COLLABORATIVE LAW, HUMAN RESOURCE, LEGAL, AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS

THE VIRGINIA MEDIATION NETWORK & THE JOINT ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE

(A COMMITTEE OF THE VIRGINIA BAR ASSOCIATION AND VIRGINIA STATE BAR) PRESENT:

Conference Schedule

8:30am -9:00am Conference Registration

9:00am-12:00pm Training with Sharon Ellison

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch (Provided)

1:00pm-4:00pm Training with Sharon Ellison

4:15pm-6:15pm Ethical Dilemmas for Mediators—Lawrie Parker

(***Additional Fee is required)

Workshop Overview and Goals: Mediators are dedicated to facilitating conflict resolution outside the realm of adversarial process, which

requires sophisticated communication skills. Because the mediator must be open and direct enough to

invite trust, while neutral enough to avoid “taking sides,” the balance is extremely delicate. The ability to

quickly defuse defensiveness, along with asking questions that get at the deeper issues behind surface

arguments, are also crucial skills.

In this interactive training program, mediators and other conflict resolution practitioners in the field of

law, workplace, family systems work, business, and government, will gain a deeper understanding about

how traditional methods of communication, built on the “rules of war,” can still impact a mediation proc-

ess despite best efforts to remain neutral. The physiology and dynamics of defensiveness will be exam-

ined as related to the mediation process. In addition, participants will learn to identify pitfalls in currently

accepted communication practices, such as active listening, and “I messages.” These issues are vital as

modeling non-defensive skills is key to a mediator’s success. If clients pick up on even subtle covert

messages, it can damage their faith in the process. The Powerful Non-Defensive Model of Communication

is used in family, workplace, and community settings.

Objectives:

Participants will learn Powerful Non-Defensive Communication skills, which alter four aspects of commu-

nication, (a) intention, (b) voice tone, (c) body language, and (d) actual formatting for questions, state-

ments, and predictions. These changes enhance a mediator’s ability to be genuinely open and inspire

trust while maintaining neutrality toward the outcome of the process.

Participants will learn four skills sets. The training will focus on how to:

1. Ask questions that can, in many cases, prompt clients to instantly move out of defensive posture and

respond with a willingness to simultaneously (a) show vulnerability and (b) be honest.

2. Give direct feedback about patterns that are disrupting the process of resolution, and to do so in a se-

ries of steps that increase the likelihood that clients will feel respected and want to listen.

3. State opinions, when appropriate, in ways that enhance understanding rather than alienating one or

more parties.

4. Make predictions that clarify boundaries needed for the process to be workable, and that give clients

the ability to foresee the consequences of certain choices they might make.

Beyond learning certain "techniques,” participants will walk away with skills they can use immediately to

enhance their ability to facilitate genuine, heartfelt conversations. Using these skills, mediators can en-

hance their ability to create the kind of transformational resolution that goes beyond compromise, with

the power to foster healing.

6 CMEs have been approved in General & Family - 6 CLEs are pending MCLE approval.

2 hours Ethics are CME approved and 2 CLEs are pending MCLE approval.

First Name: Last Name:

Name for Badge: ____________________________

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Email:

Registration fee includes Continental breakfast, Educational materials, and Lunch.

*Ethics by Lawrie Parker - Advanced registration is required. Session is 4:15 pm - 6:15 pm.

Conference Registration:

VMN Member $155.00 $

Member of Joint ADR Committee or VaCP or VACCR $155.00 $

Not a Member of any of the above listed Associations $175.00 $

Student Rate (Full Time) $75.00 $

Ethics Presentation (Additional Fee)* $40.00 $

Late Registration Fee: $25.00 $

(Required After February 18th)

TOTAL $ Payment: □ Check (payable to VMN)

Credit Card: □ VISA □ MASTER CARD

NAME ON CARD: _______________________

ACCOUNT# EXPIRATION DATE: _

SIGNATURE: 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE:___ _______

Mail or Fax to:

VMN Fax: 804-754-0801

3720 Parchment Circle Phone: 804-254-2666

Richmond, VA 23233 office@vamediation.org

If you are not a VMN member, consider joining at www.vamediation.org and SAVE!

Registration Form 2013 Spring Training Conference

Cancellations and Refunds:

All requests for refunds must be made in writing and must be received before Friday February 18,2013 for a full refund less a $50 administrative fee. Because financial arrangements will be completed by this time, no refunds will be made for can-

cellations received after February 18th, however, substitutions may be accepted upon written request, subject to availability.

ONLINE Registration is now available - please go to www.vamediation.org

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804-217-7075

3720 Parchment Circle Richmond, VA 23233

Biographical Information

Sharon Strand Ellison, Sharon Strand

Ellison, M.S., Director of the Institute for

Powerful Non-Defensive Communication,

is an internationally recognized communi-

cation consultant, an award-winning

speaker, and the author of Taking the

War Out of Our Words. Her Parenting

CDs, Taking Power Struggle Out of Par-

enting, won a 2006 Benjamin Franklin

Award. Sharon is a pioneer in developing

methods for eliminating defensiveness so

people can communicate with construc-

tive power. She was a nominee for the

Leadership for a Changing World Award, sponsored by the Ford

Foundation and the Advocacy Institute. Sharon has been doing

training for mediators, social workers, lawyers, educators, busi-

ness, and governments for over 30 years. For more information

about Ms. Ellison, visit her website at www.pndc.com.

“Ethical Dilemmas for Mediators”

This training will review The Standards of Ethics in the context of what constitutes an ethical dilemma for mediators.

What structured steps can a mediator use to assist in the resolution of a dilemma? Analysis of ethical dilemmas will be presented using a quadrant model. About Lawrie Parker: Lawrie Parker has been actively involved in mediation and restorative justice at the national, state, and community levels for 23 years. She a founder of the Piedmont Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC) in War-renton and has been its Executive Director since 1990.