Workshop delves into how to have hard conversations while maintaining aloha spirit

Community members are invited to talk story about “The Aloha Spirit and How to Have Difficult Conversations” during a free public workshop in honor of International Conflict Resolution Day next week.

Registration is open now for the in-person event from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 in Room 301 of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo Campus Center, located at 200 W. Kāwili St., in Hilo.

A reception with refreshments begins at 4:30 p.m. Parking is free after 4 p.m. on campus.

The evening begins with a discussion about “The Four-Way Test” — a 24-word nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide Rotarians use in their personal and professional relationships — with Rotarian Alan Okinaka.

Mediator and retired professor Jo Hittner will then explore with participants during this interactive workshop how to converse with others of differing viewpoints while embodying the aloha spirit to retain relationships and still speak your truth.

These techniques are useful for personal and professional conversations.

“Nowadays, there is so much in the news and on social media concerning polarization and the lack of civil conversations,” said Hittner in an announcement about the upcoming workshop, “but that doesn’t mean we are powerless against this divisive trend.”

Hittner worked in the counseling/psychology field for more than 40 years. She has a doctorate in counseling from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

She was a professor in counseling education at Winona State University in Minnesota prior to retiring. Hittner is now a professionally-trained volunteer mediator at Ku’ikahi Mediation Center.

Communication that enhances relationships is critical to how she thinks the world can become a more peaceful place.

This free workshop is the 10th in the “Kākou: Let’s Work It Out!” workshop series, co-hosted by Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, Rotary Club of South Hilo, Rotary Club of Hilo, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay and University of Hawai‘i at Hilo International Student Services.

Be sure to save your space today.

Visit Eventbrite to register or RSVP with Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center by calling 808-935-7844, ext. 8, or emailing to carol@hawaiimediation.org.