Do you struggle with holding difficult conversations? Avoiding conflict may feel easier in the short term, but it often leads to disconnection, resentment, and missed opportunities for growth. Led by an expert facilitator, this interactive series explores how to approach hard conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion at home, at work, and in your community.
Having tough conversations in small communities can be particularly difficult and the consequences of these conversations not going well can have long lasting effects. Eventually, you’re going to run into that person again at the post office or sit down next to them at a T-ball game.
Knowing how to navigate conflict in tight knit communities can be incredibly beneficial to positive relationships, and in rural places, relationships are at the heart of it all.
Session 1: Understanding Conflict & Taking the First Steps
June 17, 2025 at 2:00pm ET (1:00pm CT) 12:00pm MT (11:00am PT)
Conflict is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. In this session, we’ll explore the common causes of conflict, its hidden benefits, and the real costs of avoidance. You’ll learn three practical steps to help you initiate a difficult conversation with greater ease. Homework will be assigned to help you apply what you’ve learned between sessions.
After attending Session 1, we invite you to go deeper with a follow up workshop –
Session 2: Building Your Conflict Toolkit & Sharing Lessons Learned
June 24, 2025 at 2:00pm ET (1:00pm CT) 12:00pm MT (11:00am PT)
We’ll begin with a brief recap and space to share your reflections from the homework. Then we’ll deepen your skills by developing a personalized toolkit for navigating tough conversations. You’ll break into small groups to exchange insights and strategies, and we’ll close with a full-group discussion to reinforce learning and encourage continued practice.
By registering on Zoom, you will automatically be registered for both sessions. We ask that if you plan to attend Session 2 that you have completed Session 1 as the workshop builds on that foundation.
About the facilitator
Merry Brown is a writer, speaker, mediator, podcast host, and philosopher dedicated to guiding individuals and organizations through difficult conversations and conflicts. As the founder of Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services LLC (3P), Merry is on a mission to train and empower employees and businesses to deal with conflict swiftly and justly, with a win/win restorative mindset that is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend both sessions?
We recommend attending both sessions. If you are only able to attend one session, please attend Session 1: Understanding Conflict & Taking the First Steps. Session 2: Building Your Conflict Toolkit & Sharing Lessons Learned builds on the first session.
How do I get the link for Session 2?
When you sign up in Zoom, you will automatically be registered for both sessions.
Other questions?
You may contact Rural Assembly at [email protected] with questions or for assistance.
