As awareness of the need for social transformation increases, many individuals and organisations are willing to contribute but don’t know how to or where to start. Deciding on a contribution which is in harmony with the policies or principles of the donor can also prove difficult.

This conference will provide important links between people who are working on social transformation in communities around the world to share practices and build a support network.

It will also demonstrate the richness of the process of non-violent communication and invite individuals and organisations to interact and participate directly with social transformation projects which will benefit local and global communities.

Who should attend?

• Representatives of social transformational projects which are in harmony with the values of non-violent communication

• Individuals with demonstrable experience of non-violent communication with plans for a social transformation project and evidence based research into its feasibility.

• Individuals, corporations and organisations wishing to contribute to social transformation through donation of skills, material giving or publicity.

• Government policy makers interested in community participation, conflict resolution, education, healthcare and democratic processes who can influence social transformation through their area

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Content

• Social transformation using the process of non-violent communication

• Presentations on social transformation projects

• Networking opportunities to offer and receive help

• 3 days training with Dr Marshall Rosenberg

Vision

My hope is to begin the creation a global network between social transformation projects and corporations wishing to contribute towards a common aim of harmony by removing blame and judgement from our communication and inviting compassionate understanding between people with different needs.

More details

As awareness of the need for social transformation increases many individuals and organisations are keen to contribute. Implementing and working through such change, and any resulting conflict, can be a progressive or painful process within which words can be windows or walls.

Paradoxically, the processes that are currently used, and indeed the very structure of the language spoken, can actively hinder the process of working through differences.

To create a better understanding of the issues involved and explore practical solutions Maria Arpa, founder of the Centre for Peaceful Solutions, invites you to join the discussion and see Marshall Rosenberg in action at a conference on the theme of

"Living in Harmony with our Values in a Profit-Driven World"

This conference will showcase workable ways to cross cultural and economic divides without having to give anything up, and crucially, without eitherside ending in compromise or resentment. This process promises to provide the business world with new, faster and more effective strategies to meet their identified needs, whilst at the same time enabling them to make a positive contribution to the lives of those people involved.

With ethical consumption moving up the world's agenda, the time has arrived to move beyond ‘enemy images’ and instead work collaboratively. Boycotts, protests and petitions can be transformed into understanding, agreements and partnership, whilst maintaining full integrity and connection with values.

Explore the many issues involved in integrating heartfelt values with profitability

Learn the real value Nonviolent Communication brings to resolving conflicts

Support the process of real social, economic and global change

Find important links, networking and mutual support

18th to 20th September 2007

Grand Hotel, Mgarr, Gozo, Malta.
A peaceful location overlooking the picturesque harbour

Attendance cost on sliding scale-see below
A deposit secures your place

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The Organisations behind the conference

Centre for Peaceful Solutions
The Centre aims to promote peace and social change through conflict resolution.Originally set up as a for profit business, the founder Maria Arpa found it unethical to profit from conflict and decided to transform the business into a not-for-profit organisation. This conference marks her transformation from businesswoman to social entrepreneur.

The Centre for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC)
A global organization helping people connect compassionately with themselves and one another through Nonviolent Communication (NVC) created by Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D. Over one million people in over 30 countries have benefited from NVC training.

About Gozo

Set in the Mediterranean next to Malta, Gozo is just 10 miles long with only 30,000 inhabitants. There is evidence of continuous human habitation since approximately 4000 BC and the prehistoric building at Xaghra is documented as the world’s oldest free-standing man-made structure. In its long history there have been several influxes of people, which has resulted in a fantastic blend of culture, religion and architecture and has also made Gozo a truly multicultural society where the faith is Catholic and God is called Allah.

Visitors often describe Gozo as ‘the land that time forgot’ as it is so peaceful and the people of this island take pride in the complete absence of muggings and the almost non-existence of crime. Yet the island is not isolated, the papers arrive on time, mobile phones are popular and broadband is widely available.

Gozo is a destination for divers, climbers and walkers.

Add to all this a superb climate, excellent restaurants, empty beaches, friendly and hospitable Gozitans, and we have a perfect conference location, to explore, relax in and enjoy.

“Perfect for a Conference for Peace.”

Flights and Accommodation

Flights to Malta International Airport are frequent from major European cities and a short ferry ride takes you to the Island. Your accommodation provider can arrange transfers. From the UK, Ryanair, Air Malta, Britishjet and British Airways are available as well as charter flight options.

Gozo is 9 miles long at its widest points so anywhere on the island is accessible by car or by bike. We expect to arrange lifts and have drivers available.
Accommodation options include:

• the Grand Hotel have a special delegate rate for those who want to stay onsite - www.grandhotelmalta.com

• rent a farmhouse with a pool or a seaview apartment from Joseph  www.farmhousegozo.com - ideal for groups of 2 to 8 people - let him know you're with the conference. Joseph can also arrange car hire and airport transfers.

• the Manresa Centre - a spiritual retreat centre - http://www.maltajesuitretreats.com/manresa.htm 

Costs

The price of the conference is on a sliding scale as follows and includes 3 days training with Marshall Rosenberg and 3 evening events including lunch and tea/coffee/water

Price Band A) Low income under £12000 per annum - £225 per delegate

Price Band B) Income above £12000 per annum and not for profit organisations - £350 per delegate

Price Band C) Income above £25000 per annum and business rate - £500 per delegate

Group rates for 10 people from one booking source = one place free

Places are limited and demand is high so deposit of £50 is required to secure your place with the balance payable before 23rd July 2007

TO BOOK
Send an email to maria@mariaarpa.co.uk stating
name, number of places, price band.

A deposit request will be sent out with payment details. 
Your place is not secure until the deposit is received.

An online booking mechanism is being developed and a link will be sent to you

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