Sometimes our social change efforts seem futile. The enormity of the problems can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless. “What difference can I make?”

In reality, we can make a difference. The ways in which we touch even one person have ripple effects like a pebble tossed into a pond.

In this workshop we will study Empathy, a way of listening that connects us with the speaker’s heart. We need empathy to be able to maintain equilibrium when doing social change work; to listen to each other when conflict arises in order to restore trust and resume collaboration; and to hear the people on the opposite side of the table so that we aim to find solutions that can meet the needs of all involved.

Caring for the needs of everyone who is impacted by an issue breaks stalemates; it bypasses obstacles; it leads to satisfying and lasting strategic solutions; and it is a way of touching the world with love.

In this experiential workshop we will:

• Review the elements of empathic listening
• Differentiate between the form and the essence of empathy
• Receive empathy and listen to another empathically

The format will include a lecture, demonstration, Q&A, experiential exercises in dyads, and harvesting the takeaways.

This workshop is for people who are well versed in the four building blocks of Nonviolent Communication: observations, feelings, needs and requests.

About the Facilitator

Myra holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She has practiced psychotherapy since 1991 and has offered workshops since 1997. Myra is a certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication and she has trained internationally. She co- founded the Institute for Empowering Communication and wrote the book Needs-Based Therapy. She lives in West Chicago, Illinois where she enjoys people and nature.

"I am excited for collaborate with Living Bridges because contributing to a more equitable world is very meaningful to me. When I was in my 20s, I became painfully aware of the lack of equality and equity in my country, Mexico. In 1883, I immigrated to the United States through marriage. I do empowerment work immigrants who came to the U.S. in search of a better life. I look forward to spending time with you to connect and learn together.