Workshops
Workshop Trainers
Hosting a Workshop
Exploring Nonviolence: Tools for Managing Conflict in Everyday Life
Join us in this introductory workshop to explore the power and potential of nonviolence in ourselves and in the world. Explore with others in community to:
- Learn what Nonviolence means; examine our current beliefs and practices regarding violence and nonviolence;
- Practice exploring aspects of ourselves that can spark reactions in others;
- Study techniques of de-escalation;
- Bolster your resilience and ability to deal with violence.
We offer this workshop to groups of 9-16 people at no cost. This workshop is a volunteer effort to cultivate a wider understanding of nonviolence in our community, led by Buddhist teacher Don Handrick, Chaplain Wendy Rhema, and retired SF Firefighter Ramos Tsosie.
If you are interested in attending a workshop session, email <NonviolentSantaFe@Yahoo.com>.
Our Current Team of Presenters:
Wendy Rhema (She/her) works as an accountant, currently the Director of Finance at The Santa Fe New Mexican. While she loves her job there her heart is really “all in” the volunteer work that she does as a Chaplain in the local community with the unhoused and marginalized, also as a volunteer with the Education Committee with a group called S3 Housing Initiative, and in service to a local community of Christians at Advent Life Church. Having chosen to follow “The Way” of Jesus she recognized at an early age that the best of life is found in service to others; in living and sharing the quiet joy of peace and nonviolence, in unconditional Love for all, in embracing diversity, and in helping others to find the same.
Ramos Tsosie (He/him) is a paramedic with 28 years of experience that was dramatically changed in 2011 after being trained in Nonviolent Communication as outlined by Marshall Rosenberg. Ramos’ approach to healthcare and public safety have been deeply affected by non- violent action. He assisted in the rollout of Santa Fe’s “Alternative Response Unit” which is designed to add another tool to the public safety toolbox that is founded on the principles of Unconditional Positive Regard, Harm Reduction and Case Management. Ramos has found that nonviolent skills are essential to preventing scenes from escalating towards violence as well as de-escalating situations that public safety personnel are asked to address.
Don Handrick (He/him) has been a student and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism since 1993 and is also a teacher for the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) and a former resident teacher at Thubten Norbu Ling Buddhist Center in Santa Fe. One of the first teachings that drew Don to Buddhism was the concept of fostering compassion for all beings which is grounded in the ancient Indian principle of ahimsa, or non-harmfulness. Don frequently teaches on the Buddhist methods to lessen anger and resentment through the cultivation of patience and acceptance in the face of life’s challenges.
Hosting a Workshop
What hosts will need to provide for the workshop:
- An indoor space at least 18’x’18’, 10-20 chairs that can be arranged in a circle, and an open wall space in the room measuring at least 6’x4’
- A minimum of 9 participants;
- A restroom available for use by participants;
- A designated site host responsible for the space;
- Typically at least a month in advance to schedule the date and time; and
- Publicizing the workshop to your community.
What we will provide for the workshop:
- A site visit by the facilitators to review the space in advance of the workshop;
- A PDF and JPG file with a flier for the host to use to publicize the workshop;
- Optional publicity on the NSF website;
- Managing registrations for the workshop and communicating with participants;
- All materials needed for the actual workshop;
- A minimum of two experienced presenters to conduct the workshop; and
- Administering the evaluation process after the event.
If you are interested in hosting this workshop, please contact us at: NonviolentSantaFe@Yahoo.com.