Exploring the Essence of Nonviolent Communication

Together, we will foster a culture of nonviolence and interdependence, one skill at a time.

This is a weekly, online practice group aimed at fostering a culture of nonviolence and personal growth.

Are you:

• Confused about how to apply Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in real-life?
• Wanting to go deeper in your Nonviolent Communication practice? 
• Just starting out and wanting to find out what Nonviolent Communication is all about?
• Running your own group and wanting ideas for things to share, and how to share them?
• Wanting to connect with people who get that there is a different way to do things than conventional life has taught us?
• Wanting a way to keep your NVC momentum going, while you navigate day-to-day life?

	There’s a place for everybody here.
	Regardless of how much you do or don’t know about Nonviolent Communication, from complete newbies to Certified Trainers You are welcome.

Here’s what you could experience through discovering Nonviolent Communication with Jim and Jori:

• Enhance your understanding of yourself so you understand why you react the way you do, what you are feeling, and what all of this is telling you about what really matters to you. 
• Improve your communication skills so you can learn to express yourself with clarity, using language that fosters mutual respect and understanding.
• Deepen your capacity for empathy through small group practices.
• Increase your awareness of how another person’s actions impact you and how to express heart-felt gratitude. 
• Strengthen your ability to resolve conflict, by learning how to apply Nonviolent Communication to find mutually satisfying solutions, and transform conflict into opportunities for connection.
• Improve your emotional regulation through regular practice to help you respond to life’s challenges with greater awareness of what’s really going on for you (and others).
• Explore new (or hidden) aspects of yourself as you discover the essence of Nonviolent Communication, skill by skill.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Each week the group will take a deep dive into one Nonviolent Communication skill
• Each session stands alone, yet all of the topics are interconnected
• Topics focus on the basic processes of Nonviolent Communication
• Skills support a wide variety of applications and interests
• Sessions include little “teaching” and lots of opportunities to practice 
• Lots of opportunities to interact with other group members

Each week, you’ll get the opportunity to take part in:

• A self connection exercise designed to awaken the skill
• A lesson to clarify an important NVC concept
• Small breakout groups to practice your skills and connect with others on a journey with NVC

These are “drop in sessions”

You can come to as many or as few sessions as you choose. Meeting weekly, there are lots of opportunities to join in, but with no obligations. So feel free to come along as it suits your personal schedule.

A message for those that run their own NVC practice groups

If you offer your own practice groups, feel free to use what we do each week. 

A note from Jim and Jori about the session recordings

Part of our mission is to make NVC available to everyone who wants it without charge. All session recordings will be uploaded onto the NVC Academy’s YouTube channel: @nvcacademy, so the weekly classes will be available on the public internet to give free access to those interested in learning NVC. They will also be uploaded to the classroom. 

We encourage participants to care for their own needs in terms of cameras on/off, the name they use, if and when to speak up etc. 

What some of Jim and Jori’s students say about learning with them

“It has been a transformative experience…Thank you for sharing both your expertise and yourselves.”
-Clem Wings, Educator, Albuquerque

“I am changed by this workshop. I have a new way of being, relating, communicating. Thank you.”
-Lisa Collins, College Student, New Orleans

“Thank you. You have changed my perspective forever.”
-Jason, Inmate, Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center

Common questions

Is a practice group the right fit for me? Or would it be better for me to take a structured course?
That is entirely up to you! It just depends on your learning preference. A practice group is great if you're looking for active participation in a more free-flowing and changing environment. Each week there are different groups of people, a new topic to explore, and sometimes even a different trainer. If you're looking for a more structured, in-depth learning opportunity with the same group each week, a clearly defined learning path, and the same trainer throughout, you might want to consider taking a live course.

Is it really free? 
Jim and Jori freely offer their classes in the spirit of compassionate giving & receiving. You will be given opportunities to donate to the NVC Academy, who hosts this program, and Jim and Jori if you would like to. Making a donation is not required for registration.

Do Jim and Jori host every session?
Jim and Jori are usually there, but when life calls them to other things they find other Certified Trainers of NVC to cover the session. 

How is this group different from Taste of Compassionate Leadership?
These are "drop-in" based sessions with little "teaching" and lots of opportunities for interaction among group members. They are similar to Jim and Jori’s previous offering, A Taste of Compassionate Leadership. 

How is this group different from Discovering the Essence of Nonviolent Communication in 2024?
In 2024 the group focused on one skill at a time on the Matrix. This year Jim and Jori will move toward practical applications including relationships, workplace, and organizations. They will point out and review the Matrix skills as each mini-series unfolds.

Do I need to commit to every session?
Not at all. These are “drop in” sessions, so just come along when it works for you.