Introduction and a bit of context.

"I kept wondering... what makes some human beings enjoy contributing to the well-being of others, and what makes some human beings want to do violence to others?

From all of these sources, I put together a process that was based on my desire of how I would like human beings to behave...

"We want people to change... because they see better ways of meeting their needs at less cost. So, let's look at how that change can occur..." Begin by considering how we 'educate' ourselves.

We have been taught to educate ourselves with moralistic judgments [which we commonly experience as depression, guilt, and shame]... Look behind these judgments [to see]... what need of yours wasn't met by the behavior?

It's important for us to be conscious that we never do anything except for good reason... Everything we do is in the service of [meeting] needs... [That] heightens our ability to learn from our limitations, without losing self-respect."

And in this way, we can make good use of our depression, guilt, and shame; those feelings we can use as an alarm clock to wake us up to the fact that, at this moment, we're... up in our head, playing violent games with ourselves.

Whenever our objective is to get somebody to *stop* doing something, we lose power... If we can sincerely show an empathic connection with what needs [a person] is trying to meet... then they're much more open to hearing other options.

Once people don't have to defend themselves against our single-mindedness of purpose to 'change' them... it is much easier for them to be open to other possibilities.

Now, let's take a look at... how Nonviolent Communication can help us transform 'gangs' that behave in ways that we don't like..." such as institutions which indoctrinate people to conform and place value in 'extrinsic rewards'.

The individuals within the 'gangs' (such as educational institutions) are not the enemies or monsters; it's the 'gangs' themselves - the systems - that need to change.

The importance and value of expressing and receiving 'gratitude'. There's nothing more wonderful than exercising our power in the service of life; that is our greatest joy.

"We want to really stop and give gratitude to whatever people are doing that is really supporting what we are working toward..." and why compliments or praise are still moralistic judgments, rather than expressions of gratitude.

"In Nonviolent Communication, we want to increase power, but power 'with' people, not 'over' them." So, we express and receive gratitude by expressing and celebrating how our life has been enriched by what the other person did; the 'intent' is all-important.

An example of gratitude; and the detriment of judging that we need to be 'deserving' before we can receive gratitude.

It's our light, not our darkness, that scares us the most." Be courageous and, "stay connected to the beauty of what we are."; Song:"See Me Beautiful

Special closing and tribute.

Emotions

Talk about how you felt

Practice the Peace Process with a friend

Question: How many of you are always awesome in your communication?

Ask a special request

Mindful Listening Exercise

Consider your needs

Closing thoughts

Benefits of guided practice

Conclusion