Creating a Community of Belonging

From a Mindful Approach

Three weekend sessions to choose from:

  • SPRING: Saturday/Sunday March 14-15, 2026 (8 am – 12 noon both days)
  • SUMMER: Saturday/Sunday August 1-2, 2026 (8 am – 12 noon both days)
  • FALL: Saturday/Sunday November 7-8, 2026 (8 am – 12 noon both days)

One of the great challenges for many agencies is dealing with differences and discrimination as it relates to age, gender, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Many folks from underrepresented groups often feel like they don’t belong, aren’t valued, not heard or understood, believed or accepted. The results are increased conflicts and confrontations, misunderstandings and an escalation of tension and polarization.

So, how does one create a sense of belonging and connection, trust and deeper relationships in the midst of all these differences and confrontations?

In this unique training, we will explore the roots of our disconnections and discover ways to heal, increase understanding and acceptance of each other, and how to use mindful techniques to de-escalate conflicts between individuals and in group settings when approached from a place of curiosity and empathy. As Virginia Woolf once wrote: We are all different. What divides or brings us together is the value we place on those differences. 

Participants will learn:

  • How to listen and respond
  • What escalates and what de-escalates
  • 22 Ways to Stop a Diversity Conversation
  • Noticing Intent and Impact
  • How to de-escalate a conflict in less than 30 seconds
  • The importance of curiosity and empathy
  • What creates transformation and change
  • Learning how to notice what is missing 
  • What opens one up/closes one down when difficult issues occur

During the workshops You will be using these required materials:

Register