This document provides training materials for alternative spring break (ASB) leaders on conflict resolution. It covers key skills like communication, negotiation, and resolution. Leaders are trained to have uncomfortable conversations, resolve conflicts, and de-escalate tensions through role playing and discussions. Cultural differences that could lead to conflicts abroad are also addressed, emphasizing the importance of embracing differences, team building, and proper listening skills. Leaders learn conflict resolution methods and how to communicate effectively across cultures to facilitate peaceful endings to disagreements while volunteering overseas.

1. Presented by Mirlesna Azor, Marilyn McCallman
and Wendy Knight
Helping Skills 2
Salem State University
Fall 2012
“Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.”- Max Lucade

2.  ASB leaders are a group of leaders that will be
heading out on an alternative spring break trip
to represent the college/university and to also
donate their time to a good cause such as
rebuilding houses in devastated areas caused
by flood, hurricane or earthquakes.

3.  Train Leaders on Best Practices
 3 skills – communication, negotiation, and resolution
(Voyles, Dr. Rick, conflictresolutionacademy.com)
 How to have ‘uncomfortable’ conversation
 Conflict resolution – what, why, and the leaders role
 Role playing and discussion (standards)
 Teamwork and dynamics
 Culture – working in area of devastation, complete
loss
 Resources
 Conclusion
 Evaluation of training

4.  Develop personal understanding
 Manage conflict
 De-escalation
 Instill self-confidence to mediate
conflict between peers

5.  A video about conflict- The three beakers of
conflict
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kICBx41
7Rc&feature=related

6. CONFLICT
RESOLUTION: WHAT
IS IT?
 Any ideas? What do YOU
think of when you hear
conflict resolution?
 Why is conflict resolution
important as an ASB leader?
Why is this a necessary skill
for your time abroad?
 What is your role in being a
facilitator of conflict
resolution; how have you
dealt with conflict in the past?
 Based on your input, it is
agreed that conflict
resolutions is ______.
You can’t shake hands with a
clenched fist. – Indira Gandhi

7.  conceptualized as the methods and processes
involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of
disagreement/ opposition/ contradiction.

8.  Role play: students participate in a scripted
conflict.
 Group will analyze, discuss, and give feedback
based on sequence of events.
 Conclude discussion.

9.  Getting to know yourself through Self-
Assessment method - which animal are
you?

10.  Difference in conflicts : soluble, ones that are always
there, inherent conflicts.
 Embrace and face differences
 Practice team building (Ex. Bonding, getting to know
one another)
 Highlight importance of proper and good listening or
communication skills (Ex. Paraphrasing, nodding)
 Always remember that there is no “I” in team
Communication skills
 Understand where cultures or personalities could
potentially conflict and try to work with what you
have
 Always set example
 Helpful thing is the golden rule- “Do unto others as
you would have them do unto you”

11. INTERNATIONAL
REGION U.S.A.
 Main form of light:
Kerosene lamps
 Highest level of
education: 23% complete
Junior High/ Middle
School or higher
 Form of Government:
Constitutional
Democracy
 Current conditions of
their community are…
 Main form of light:
Electricity
 Highest level of
education: 85.2%
complete High School
or higher
 Form of Government:
Constitutional
Democracy
 Current conditions of
our community…

12.  In what ways are we similar to the native
culture; in what ways are we different?
 What assumptions do you make about their
culture based on the information provided?
 Why might this be important to consider?
 One must not only have the appropriate
methods of conflict resolution, but must be able
to effectively communicate across cultural
differences.

13. Helpful conflict resolution web sources:
 www.axzopress.com
 Conflictresolutionacademy.com
 mindtools.com

14.  Learn to watch body language
 Breathe in, breathe out
 Ask questions
 Watch the tone
 Build skills to communicate appropriately and
effectively
 Use I statements rather than accusatory tones

15.  Harry Webne-Behrman 8 steps for conflict
resolution
 Thomas and Killmann’s Conflict Styles
 Review how theories and styles apply to
content of training.

16.  The kindness school video: 3.57 minutes
http://www.goodcharacter.com/TeacherReso
urces.html

17.  PLEASE TAKE OUT YOUR CELLPHONE TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE TEXT SURVEY
 CROSSWORD PUZZLE