Listening for a Change

At a glance

Date: May 29-30, 2008
Location: Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St
Time: 8:15 am (registration), 8:30 am-4:30 pm (workshop both days)
Fee: $285, includes instruction, materials, refreshment breaks, CEUs and a non-refundable administration fee of $20. Lunch is on your own.
Instructors: Kathy Germann and Denise Jess
Brochure: Download the 2008 brochure
Contact: Kristi Obmascher 608-262-8971 or 800-442-4617; e-mail kobmascher@dcs.wisc.edu
Tell a friend: Tell a friend or colleague about this program. ptp
To register: See registration options. (Program #2015)

Description

Only through true listening and understanding can we hope to create communities that sustain each of us—communities that treat every individual with respect and dignity, welcome multiple perspectives, use conflict creatively and elicit our best actions based on integrity.

Unfortunately, most of us listen only to strengthen the arguments that support our point of view—we fail to take into consideration the differing perspectives of others. Yet, to work through intensely emotional and/or controversial issues, we need to relate to others with curiosity and compassion. Only when we seek to understand one another can we transform the old model of competition to a new one of collaborative, positive change resulting in mutually acceptable and innovative solutions.

Whether you are facilitating a discussion among colleagues at work, members of a faith community, family members or fellow citizens, this workshop will support you in learning the skills and tools to be able to listen deeply and to have the courage to speak your truth.

Note: Because the activities in this workshop are experientially based it is limited to 25 participants.

Participants will learn how to:

• Create a safe forum for dialogue
• Use centering to be present in the moment
• Listen without judgment
• Check out assumptions
• Distinguish between positions and needs
• Use inquiry to understand multiple perspectives
• Apply these skills in group contexts

 

What past participants have said

"Great balance of modeling, info-giving, humor and activities. Thank you for sharing your spirit in your work." - Valerie Walker

"Fantastic! A must do for anyone in a supervisory or team leader role!" - Michelle Arrowood

"The facilitators' knowledge and respect for different learning styles made the lessons lifelong for me." - Jennifer Every

"Excellent steps, examples, sharing and method of processing."- Joanne Boyd

 

About the instructors

Kathy Germann has conducted trainings on a broad range of human relations issues since 1982. She has taught on three college campuses and is a former YWCA director and manager of a training unit in a human services agency. Her training and consulting business specializes in diversity issues, conflict transformation, team development and training design. She has offered workshops through the UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies for a decade. Kathy brings a deep sense of passion and a healthy sense of humor to her work.

Denise Jess has facilitated trainings on a wide range of human relations issues, curriculum and program design since the mid-1980’s. She taught in a learner-centered elementary classroom for eleven years and has authored published curricula focused on culturally accurate portrayals of history. In addition to her consulting practice, Denise actively volunteers in various community organizations. Denise is deeply committed to supporting learners in creating inclusive environments where the voices of all members are respected and nurtured.

 

General information

Schedule: Registration is 8:15-8:30 am. Workshop runs from 8:30 am-4:30 pm on both days.

Location: The workshop will be held at the Lowell Center, 610 Langdon St. Parking information will be sent with your enrollment confirmation. The building is wheelchair accessible.

Fee: $285 includes instruction, materials, refreshment breaks, CEUs and a non-refundable administration fee of $20. Lunch is on your own. '

Registration deadlines: We ask that you register no later than one week before the program.

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not attend, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692.

Accommodations: Please make your own travel/lodging arrangements. Information on accommodations will be sent with your registration confirmation. Information about overnight accommodations can also be found on our information page.

Approved hours: Credits will be awarded upon full day participation in the workshop. The program falls within the subject matter identified by the following organizations for continuing education credits.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Professional Development and Applied Studies, (Provider #1042) is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (800-225-6880) through the Approved Continuing Education program. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, PDAS, maintains responsibility for the program.

• 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Illinois Department of Professional Regulation/Social Workers (#159-000243)
• Iowa Department of Public Health/Social Workers (provider #35)
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Professional Development Plan
• National Board of certified Counselors (NBCC)

For more information: Call Kristi Obmascher, 800-442-4617 or 608-262-8971, or e-mail kobmascher@dcs.wisc.edu.

 

Registration options

By phone: Call 608-262-7942 or toll-free 800-725-9692.

By mail: Print, complete and mail the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

By fax: Print, complete and fax the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

Online: Secure online registration is available for this program.