Fostering a Culture of Empathy

This is a 3-part learning series where we will unpack:

Session 1: What is empathy and what are empathy blockers?

In this session, we will unpack what empathy means and why it is important. We will also cover the different empathy blockers that instantly promote disconnection. 

Session 2: The importance of recognizing our feelings and needs

In this session, we will tackle the importance of having the language to define our feelings and needs and how this can help us connect with others. 

Session 3: Hearing the beauty behind the "No"

In this session, we will explore the 4 chairs and how using empathy and compassion for ourselves and for the other can help navigate tension and conflict at home. 

In this learning series, we will focus on how nonviolent communication (from the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg) can support parents in fostering a culture of empathy at home.  Nonviolent Communication or Compassionate Communication is a form of interpersonal communication inspired by compassion and solidarity. It helps to improve relations and to act with practical and effective means to promote peace. Founded by the psychologist Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, it is used by a world network of mediators, facilitators and volunteers.

“NVC is a specific approach to communicating (speaking and listening) that leads us to give from the heart, connecting us with ourselves and with each other in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish.”

- Marshall Rosenberg

NVC guides us in reframing how we express ourselves and on how we hear others. It is based on the intention of creating the quality of connection with other people and oneself that allows compassionate giving to take place. It trains us to:

• observe carefully our thoughts and be able to specify behaviours and conditions that are affecting us
• clearly articulate our feelings and longings in the given situation
• uncover the hidden needs behind our feelings 
• express our requests in a language of compassion. 

Crucial to NVC is the practice of “empathy” which is very important when designing spaces for inclusion. 

This DONATE WHAT YOU CAN workshop is a 3 part learning journey. Please do sign up only when you can commit to all sessions. 

Dates:

September  2  & 9, and 30 from 9:30-11:00AM CET

We are able to provide this workshop through voluntary work. For individuals with expendable income, donations are welcome and can support us in providing this work for more parents and educators from marginalized sectors. If you are interested in bringing this to your schools please do contact us directly. 

About the facilitator:

Lana Jelenjev is a healing-centered practitoner, facilitator and community alchemist who designs spaces for "kapwa" (shared inner selves) to flourish. She is a learning experience strategist, advisor and consultant to changemakers, socio-civic organizations, non-profit organizations, communities who are re-imagining, designing, and facilitating spaces for belonging, healing and liberation. 

She is the chairperson for Neurodiversity Foundation and co-founders of Community Rituals and Neurodiversity Education Academy.