Higher Ground

Developing this “Higher Ground” approach has come from my work at Eastern Mennonite University’s Conflict Transformation master’s degree program; from the Austrian Centre for Peace Studies (UNESCO, Schlaining, Austria), and studies in psychology and Psychosynthesis. Though the theory portion is fairly complete, the application(s) of higher ground as a method of building peace and understanding (and potential reconciliation) is where I need some collaborative work with colleagues in developing it into a useful peacebuilding method between individuals or groups.

Now is a moment in history that needs methods that can help us all build bridges with those across the divides between groups that have widened in our nation, and between groups of differing cultural/ethnic backgrounds.  In this session I will lay out a theoretical chart that differentiates various levels that we can operate from, depending on our level of conscious awareness and the breadth of inclusiveness we choose. We will then brainstorm ways of listening, showing respect to even those who appear not to wish others well, ways to dialogue with those “across the divide,” — and ways to operate, as facilitators, from higher ground as we approach reconciliation work. [Scheduling further work is possible].

This event is limited to six participants plus the facilitator.  A 4-page chart and summary will be sent out to participants by May 31. Also a Zoom link will be sent at that time and just before the session on 6/18.

Joyce Bonafield-PIerce is an ICA colleague since the 1970s, She is currently an educational consultant focusing on social-emotional-ethical (SEE) learning in schools, and helping teachers use circle processes and other peacebuilding methods in their classrooms.If you are interested in participating in this event, email Joyce at  Bonafieldcohort26@gmail.com  and she  will email you a Zoom link.