Submitted by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) invites the community to join us in recognition of October 2024 as Community Conflict Resolution Month. Governor Jay Inslee has signed a proclamation citing the impact of community mediation in Washington State, and urging the people of our state to join in observance. Additionally, within Whatcom County and across the entire world, the third Thursday in October (October 17, 2024) will be celebrated as Conflict Resolution Day.
Everyone experiences conflict. Yet, despite being a nearly universal experience, conflict can be incredibly destabilizing for individuals, organizations, and communities alike. Luckily, our community members do not need to face these conflicts alone. The WDRC is here to help the people of Whatcom County to navigate through conflict, to find productive and mutually beneficial solutions, and to preserve relationships and prevent negative outcomes.
One very common experience (that most of us can relate to) is conflict with a neighbor. That is the subject of the recent NPR Life Kit podcast episode Dealing with Neighbor Drama, which explores neighbor disputes, why they can create such upheaval in our lives, and how we can use those times of tension to grow in positive relationship with the people who live closest to us.
Our Executive Director Moonwater sat down with the team at Life Kit to talk about these conflicts, provide some tips for how to avoid or lessen conflict, and share how dispute resolution centers can help to bridge the divide when neighbors are unable to come to agreement on their own.
“When we approach conflict as an opportunity, it transforms the way we show up in that conversation. It has a tendency to lead towards more patience and curiosity and grace for one another, towards more compassion. We even tend to change the modulation of our voice. When we think about a difficult conversation with curiosity, we change the kinds of questions we ask and how long we’re willing to stay present in that conversation.” –Moonwater, WDRC Executive Director
The WDRC encourages our community members to honor October as Conflict Resolution Month by learning more about the roots of conflict, and committing to exploring constructive and collaborative ways to find resolution. To participate in Conflict Resolution Month you can:
- Attend the The Art of Community: Conversing Through Controversy on Tuesday, October 8th at the Bellingham Public Library
- Join us for the 21st Annual Peace Builder Awards on Friday, October 25th
- Sign up for the WDRC email list to receive important updates on our work, including training opportunities and tips for dealing with conflict
- Follow us on Instagram and Facebook — we will be sharing tips for dealing with conflict every day in October!
- Reach out to WDRC if you find yourself caught in conflict by calling 360-676-0122 or emailing wdrc@whatcomdrc.org
About WDRC
The WDRC is a nonprofit dedicated to providing and promoting constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict. More information can be found at www.whatcomdrc.org or by calling 360.676.0122.
