Dialogue for Peaceful Change

Dialogue for Peaceful Change is an ecumenical project, dealing with a systematic approach of conflicts.  DPC is a methodology that creates a setting and provides a pathway for overcoming division. DPC is not the goal but the instrument in a process which seeks to build the creative and the practical skills of peaceful change. It’s about analysing the conflict situation and facilitating the road to solutions, found and agreed by the people who are in conflict or experience opposite interests.

Basic Principles   -  In seeking Peaceful Change

	Understand that conflict is natural
	Respect that others are different
	Be aware of the prejudices you carry
	Suspend judgement
	Know your own needs
	Avoid scapegoating
	Listen actively
	Investigate what is important for the other
	Seek small steps
	Honor the spiritual as part of the path
	Look up: You are not alone

Conflict is a normal part of life - From early childhood we face the challenge of living and working with each other: in the playground, at home, at school, in the community and at the office. Conflicts are opportunities to help us grow and learn. However, conflicts can also seriously hamper relations or development if it becomes a trap where we stay with our opposing positions and there seems to be no way out.

DPC - a pathway for overcoming division - Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC) is a methodology that creates a setting and provides a pathway for overcoming division. DPC is not the goal but the instrument in a process which seeks to build the creative and the practical skills of peaceful change. It’s about analysing the conflict situation and facilitating the road to solutions, found and agreed by the people who are in conflict or experience opposite interests.

The methodology of DPC - DPC offers a framework for analysing conflict and applying skills in a strategic and structured way. Within the trainings of DPC the basic skill is understanding conflict. This skill enables us to identify the mechanism of conflict and different ways of dealing with conflicts. To deepen this understanding DPC provides three models. With the FEARS model the drivers of conflict can be identified. The TIDES model enables us to identify the ways out of conflict into a situation of dynamic peace. The Iceberg model includes the FEARS and TIDES model and identifies the stages of conflict, and the (in)direct involved parties and the different strategies for each stage. This model also explains why conflicts can heat up again and again when the wrong (or non) strategy is chosen.

In combination with communication skills the aspirant facilitators learn a five step model of mediation. They can use this model in mediation settings but these skills are also the fundaments of the meditative behaviour that can be used in any setting.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three components - unique approach - While DPC has a lot in common with other mediative methods, it is unique in its approach. Some mediative methods are only focused on conflict content. Others also include cultural elements. Spirituality is a third dimension that is quite often overlooked. It’s important to recognize the importance of spirituality as a source and driver for peace and I the mean time prevent it to becoming a driver of conflict. Spirituality may be represented by a particular religion or denomination, or by other spiritual practices. All are recognized and welcomed. This is how DPC includes content, culture and spirituality in a three dimension method.

Dialogue for Peaceful Change

Mission and vision/concept
DPC is a global coalition, dedicated to creating safe spaces to overcome division through a structured and skilled process of mutual empowerment. DPC is developed and implemented by member centres of OIKOSNET and DPC is available in locations around the world.

Facilitators in DPC
Regularly new facilitators are trained in Dialogue for Peaceful Change. In a 5 day training the participants learn the (im)possibilities of the DPC method including a theoretical and personal reflection.

Members of DPC live and work around the world. They apply DPC within their jobs at a.o. OIKOSNET centers, communities, schools, churches, offices, and families. DPC facilitators exchange on their experiences in a world wide learning environment. This enables DPC to include different cultural elements in the methodology in order to make it applicable in all corners of the world.

Organisation (structure)
Around the world over 200 DPC facilitators apply DPC. They learned their DPC skills in trainings organised by several organisations, mostly OIKOSNET members. The trainings and the DPC project are coordinated by an international team existing of DPC trainers, coaches and managers.

Founders and funders
DPC was initiated by OIKOSNET, Vesper Sociaty, Oikos an TIDES Training. DPC is funded by Vesper Society, ICCO, Global Ministries Netherlands, Unites Methodist Church _ General Board of Global Ministries and Women’s Division, OIKOSNET, Bread for All and Turku Christian Institute. Regularly new funders join DPC.

Next training in Arizona:  November 2-8, 2008, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree,  AZ.  Watch for more details to come on their website:  www.spiritinthedesert.org