Mediation Center Offers ‘Tools to Transform Conflict’ Series

Elizabeth Kent. Courtesy photo.

Elizabeth Kent, J.D., will teach three workshops in the “Tools to Transform Conflict” Training Series for Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center on Feb. 9 and 10.

The first workshop, “Negotiation Skills for Women,” takes place on Feb. 9 from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

“We negotiate constantly—with our spouses, partners, bosses, children, peers and others,” said Kent. “Do you want to develop the skills you need to negotiate successfully and narrow the gender gap? Join us to participate in simulated negotiations, plus learn the stages and components of negotiation, including offers, counter-offers and modes of communication.”

On Feb. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Kent will teach the second workshop, “Challenging Conversations: How to Share Your Concerns so People will Hear You.”

This workshop focuses on learning a four-part process to discuss difficult issues in a way that maximizes the possibility of success. Part one is to center and ready yourself to have a productive conversation. Part two is to explore the other person’s readiness and willingness to listen. Part three is to plan your logistics and approach. Part four is to have the conversation using powerful and effective “I” statements.

Also on Feb. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., Kent will teach a third workshop, “Addressing Annoying Behaviors: Tools Mediators Use… and You Can Too.”

“Do you work with people who are aggressive or passive-aggressive? Who talk too much? Or who don’t listen?” asked Kent. “Learn to deal confidently with annoying conduct and strategize tactics when faced with problem behaviors.”

In this interactive workshop, explore how to break down the behaviors and why they are difficult, and understand the different ways people communicate and respond to conflict.

Kent has helped people and institutions find solutions to sticky problems for over 25 years. She has clerked at two federal courts of appeals, practiced commercial law, served as the deputy director at the Hawai‘i State Department of Human Services, taught at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and directed the Hawai‘i State Judiciary’s Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution.

A trained facilitator and mediator, Kent teaches graduate classes in conflict system design and negotiation at UH-Mānoa and a variety of conflict resolution skills classes around the state. She has received the Hawaii Women Lawyers’ Distinguished Service Award and the Church of the Crossroads’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award.

Tuition for one workshop is $50; two workshops, $95; all three workshops, $120 (group discounts and partial scholarships available).

All three workshops are held at The Hawaii Innovations Center at Hilo.

To register, contact Jenifer Aveiro at (808) 935-7844 x 1 or jenifer@hawaiimediation.org.

Kuʻikahi Mediation Center’s “Tools to Transform Conflict” Training Series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the Atherton Family foundation, County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development and Hawai’i Island United Way.