I met a teacher friend for lunch today and, as always, it got me to thinking a lot. We are both in a transition phase. My friend is retiring from a successful career as a teacher, coach, and principal while I find myself in between careers, homes, and more. Given these big shifts, we spent … Continue reading How much structure do we actually need?
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Pope Francis, John Boehner, and Bill Ury Walk into a Bar…
As I listen to the news, I'm often quick to connect events, as well as the way we talk about them with whatever I'm reading. I'm currently re-reading William Ury's book The Third Side. I will leave the artful discussion of this idea to Ury himself (definitely check out the book!) but this idea of … Continue reading Pope Francis, John Boehner, and Bill Ury Walk into a Bar…
Microagressions: “Don’t be an ignorant Jerk.”
Do you ever have those moments when someone says an off handed comment that just doesn't sit right? Your first response may be to laugh along with the joke or smile, nod, and move on, but the comment sticks with you and makes you uncomfortable. These moments are also examples of microagressions, everyday comments and … Continue reading Microagressions: “Don’t be an ignorant Jerk.”
Dec 2- Slumdog Millionaire Mediator
Today was such a whirl-wind!! I had a morning meeting scheduled already but last night I learned the GTFF is on strike which opened up a whole slew of openings in my afternoon. I was telling my second coffee date (Tina, from previous post) about how sometimes I feel like my life is a little … Continue reading Dec 2- Slumdog Millionaire Mediator
Nov 24- Community
Tonight we had a pot-luck with other N2N volunteers. I got to see some familiar faces and enjoyed meeting several new people as well. It was nice to feel like a part of the community, even though my involvement only started 6 months ago. I think we sometimes underestimate the value of community connections, particularly … Continue reading Nov 24- Community
Nov 20- Progress Made!
Last night we hosted the second of our "Communicating Through Conflict" workshops and it was SO fun. We had a BUNCH of people there which helped. Even more importantly, Kevin and I had worked together for much longer by this point and had taught this class together before. This was HUGE for making us feel … Continue reading Nov 20- Progress Made!
Nov 12- Climate Change
This week I got to jump again to help Kevin with meeting facilitation for the efforts of local community groups. This was the second of two meetings around the Corvallis Climate Change plan (I might have the wrong name there but it's close to that). Today felt REALLY fast in the way we moved through … Continue reading Nov 12- Climate Change
Nov 8- Conflict Among Mediators
This week I didn't complete any hours for my internship as I was completely wrapped up in plans for the OMA conference and the silent auction that went along with it. On the whole, it was a big success. That said, I am continually amazed the degree to which conflict exists even amongst conflict professionals. … Continue reading Nov 8- Conflict Among Mediators
Oct 30- Climate Change In the News
This week I helped record community feedback on a Corvallis Climate Action Plan. It was exciting to see SO many interested people in the room, mainly calling for loftier, more stringent goals. It was interesting to watch myself suspend judgement and simply record the conversation at the same time as my critical thinking brain engaged … Continue reading Oct 30- Climate Change In the News
October 24- Small Victories
Today was full of surprises and of small victories. I got to mediate with Kevin, my supervisor at N2N, for the first time this week. It was good to see his style of mediation and how the tools/tricks he uses differ from other N2N volunteers I have worked with previously. I was pretty sure our … Continue reading October 24- Small Victories
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