PNDC for Community Organizations
Organizations that support our communities are the lifeblood of the community, whether they offer environments for networking and building businesses, community projects, spiritual communities, mentoring young people, providing resources for those in need, and/or providing entertainment. Unfortunately, community organizations can be torn apart by internal strife. Beyond that, informal groups as well as organized ones with different values and goals can be in varying degrees of conflict. The degree to which community organizations and sub-cultures can not only live in peace together, but build on each other’s strengths will determine the vitality of the community as a whole. Using non-defensive communication is vital to such community building, within and among organizations.
Partial Client List: The Center for Volunteer and Non-Profit Leadership — Rotary International — “I Have a Dream” Foundation — California Planning Roundtable — Youth Enrichment Strategies, Richmond, CA
In a short time Sharon Ellison impacted the lives of hundreds of local human service and business professionals.
—Betty Schnettler, Program Director, Stearns County United Way’s Voluntary Action Center, St. Cloud, MN
Important work is done in community forums across the country, in schools, local government, and grass-roots organizations. PNDC methods works flawlessly. I think almost any group could benefit.
—Derick Miller, President, Berkeley PTA Council
PNDC for Social Change Organizations
While time has often proven the wisdom of the voices of people seeking social change, their efforts have frequently been met with massive resistance and, too often, violence. Using traditional communication methods, we often get discouraged, defensive and in power struggle, which can make us look radical, even immature, rather than wise. Based on scientific research, Powerful Non-Defensive Communication methods, can defuses defensiveness rather than prompting it, building bridges instead of intensifying alienation. These tools can be powerful in transforming political discourse as well. With these skills, you don’t need other people’s cooperation to show strength of character and influence wider circles of people, furthering the momentum toward constructive social evolution — for equality, for environmental conservation, and for peace.
I believe [Powerful Non-Defensive Communication] is the most powerful and effective communication technique I have seen. I wonder what would have happened if you had been at Camp David [for Middle East peace talks].
—Maureen A. Tighe, United States Department of Justice
When used with compassion, thoughtfulness, and respect, language becomes a powerful tool for liberation. We need Sharon Ellison’s work in our homes, in our offices, and most of all, in our hearts.
—Evelyn C. White, editor, The Black Woman’s Health Book
PNDC for Spiritual Communities
Our spiritual growth is deeply impacted by how we communicate. Traditional methods of communication can block our potential for “walking our talk” —i.e., living out our ethics in our intimate and professional relationships, as well as in community. You can learn how to have internal dialogues that balance self-acceptance with self-examination. You can gain skills for expressing your beliefs passionately, without judgment, honoring each person’s humanity.
Partial Client List: Organizations from various spiritual traditions and denominations: Baptist —Buddhist — Catholic — Episcopal — Jewish — Methodist — Muslim — Presbyterian — Salvation Army — Unitarian — Unity
As a Presbyterian pastor, I find that Taking the War Out of Our Words is a method that liberates us from the infection of hierarchy so prevalent in our language, including our words for worship. It [sets] us free to speak in freedom rather than constriction, in love rather than resentment, in peace rather than war. Sharon Ellison is a master teacher and communicator. She knows, intellectually and intuitively, the process by which words give shape and form to our reality. The intricacies of power dynamics are disarmed by her ability to engage any group of learners in a process that leads to healing and wholeness. She is a gift of grace.
—Rev. Tiare L. Mathison-Bowie, Newton OH
I think [the Powerful Non-Defensive Communication process] is nothing short of revolutionary . . . This model is built on a peace paradigm for communication that stresses respect, clarity and honesty. The surprise is that the peace model is much more powerful and effective than the war model. Energy is spent on developing openness and clarity rather than defending, attacking, and persuading.
—Dr. Kostas Bagakis, Berkeley Buddhist Sangha for Teachers; Philosophy and Peace Studies Faculty, San Francisco State University