NICEVILLE — Okaloosa and Walton counties' Rotary clubs' free conflict resolution workshop is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1407 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville. Lunch will be provided.
Advance registration is required by e-mailing rotarypeaceproject@gmail.com or by signing up at www.midbayrotaryclub.org.
"Internationally renowned facilitator Kathy Suerken will share a simple methodology that can teach us how to resolve conflicts without finger pointing and in a way that enables us to eliminate the conflict without compromising important needs," a Rotary spokesperson said.
Suerken, a Rotarian, said she hopes to help residents face regular conflict.
"How much stress in our daily lives exists because of drama that is a result of conflicts that have not been effectively resolved — in the home, the classroom, in the workplace — and in our communities," she said. "If we try to avoid the problem, the conflict escalates and deepens. Attempts to settle disputes through compromise frequently leave everyone dissatisfied because what were compromised were important needs.
"Frustration, finger-pointing and bad feelings remain. (These) can lead to walls of distrust, broken relationships and, in some cases, impulsive behaviors that 'disturb the peace.'"
Suerken will explain conflict resolution tools that can be effective regardless of age, education and culture — "as evidenced by powerful testimonials and results in over 30 countries on five continents," a spokesperson said.
Contact Kathy Suerken, 897-2616, to register.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Rotary club sponsors Feb. 23 conflict resolution workshop