Summer 2013 Update

  

center logo with sun

  

Here's the latest news from Our Family Services' Center for Community Dialogue:  

 

Community Forum: 

On June 13, the Center was the primary organizer for the forum: Sex Trafficking in our Homes, Schools and Community. Volunteer facilitators from the Center supported 125 community members in exploring this topic and establishing actions for our community. Council Member Steve Kozachik (Ward 6), The Tucson Women's Commission, Willow Way, and Pima Community College were co-sponsors. Council Member Kozachik shared a summary of the forum in his newsletter. To view it click on the link below and scroll to page 10: http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/ward6/Newsletter_06-25-13.pdf. If you would like a copy of the full four-page report contact Catherine at: ctornbom@ourfamilyservices.org. 
 

Center receives workplace bullying grant:

The Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding awarded the Center with a grant to conduct two Community Forums on workplace bullying. In accepting the award, Center manager, Catherine Tornbom, said, "Workplace bullying has not been addressed in a comprehensive way." She continued, "We will be using our Community Dialogue Circles to engage a wide spectrum of our community both to increase knowledge and to identify potential actions we can take to make the workplace less stressful."

 

Ongoing Circles meet the needs of Tucson Community:

  • Elder Circles continue to address the needs of Elders in our community by focusing on the four components: life review, life repair, mentoring and leaving a legacy. Elder Circles are conducted monthly at two locations open to the public: St. Francis in the Foothills and St. Philips in the Hills. Please contact Del Jones at deljonesaz@cox.net for dates and times. There is no charge to participate.
  • Peace Circles are conducted the first Thursday of each month. The next session is scheduled for August 1 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bellevue Campus of Our Family Services. Peace Circles focus on exploring the causes of conflict and the conditions of peace. There is no charge to participate.
  • Democracy Circles are conducted in a series of 5 monthly meetings starting on September 18 and continuing through January. This series will challenge participants to think more deeply and act more constructively to help sustain a healthy democracy. Each session will spotlight a different skill needed to be an effective citizen. The cost to participate in Democracy Circles is $10 per session or $45 for all five sessions. To register contact Catherine at: ctornbom@ourfamilyservices.org.

Upcoming Trainings:

 

Elder Circle Facilitation Training: August 18. Elder Circles are growing by leaps and bounds and we need facilitators to conduct them. This training will provide you with the methods and tools to successfully facilitate an Elder Circle.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Level 1: August 22 and 23. This is a highly effective communication method that increases clarity and compassion by understanding the underlying needs we all have. Taught by Sylvia Haskvitz.
 
Basic Mediation Training: September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. 
This 42-hour training develops your skill to deal with conflict effectively. For teachers, managers, supervisors, or anyone who find themselves in conflict situations. 

For more information on trainings or to register, click here.