The need for civility has never been more critical than it is now. The climate of contempt, animosity, hate, and retribution is depressing our collective spirit, degrading our mental and spiritual well-being, pushing us apart, and impacting our families, workplaces and communities.
This book provides an antidote. It tells the story of eight people who came together out of frustration, and committed to making a "restorative difference" in their respective social environments.
Through this conversation, over three months, the group embraced a restorative worldview, and developed restorative communication principles, skills, and practices to help implement that worldview. The result was a reclamation of civility, and a restoration of hope about the future.
Building on over two decades of experience in restorative communication practices and programming, in this book Dr. Will Bledsoe gives us a timeless heart-centric methodology to restore accountability, empathy, and dignity.
About the Author :
Dr. Will Bledsoe has been called a "restorative provocateur and pioneer" for his advancement of Restorative Communication principles and practices. He is an adjunct professor of communication and a consultant who advises thought leaders, institutions, corporations, school districts, the justice system, and families to help us turn our contempt into consideration and mutual respect by utilizing Restorative Communication.
Review :
"Dr. Bledsoe's approach to conflict resolution is unique in that it not only heals broken relationships (both interpersonal and institutional) but creates an enduring framework to prevent the recurrence of ongoing destructive cycles. In short, Dr. Bledsoe offers those he works with the chance to see conflicts as neither intractable nor inevitable, but rather as opportunities in which we can all see our shared humanity, find workable solutions, and grow."
- Matt Walton, CEO
"Dr. Bledsoe is the consummate professional. His insight into the human condition is deep, broad, and profoundly informed by his empathy for all. Will's love for his fellowman is palpable."
- David Bork, one of world's leading pioneers in family business consulting since 1968.
"My work in the field of conflict management was greatly influenced by his on-the-ground insights. He is a no-nonsense practitioner and scholar who provides an immediate compass for the rest of us."
- Jeannette Holtham, Founding President of Youth Transformation Center.
"Dr. Bledsoe's development and delivery of Restorative Communication programming has changed individual lives, and strengthened schools, organizations, and communities."
- Bryan C. Taylor, Ph.D., Director, Peace and Conflict Studies Program, University of Colorado at Boulder.
"Dr. Bledsoe researched our culture and our community. He identified what he called our 'unrealized relationship assets.' He took what was best about us as a community and accentuated it."
- Anne J. White, Founder & Principal, Pure Goodness Consulting
"I am so grateful for how you are bringing the Restorative Way forth in these times of uncertainty. I honestly don't know where I'd be had it not been for Dr. Bledsoe's sharing his experience, wisdom and guidance! I find that I am being transformed by this process. The perspective Dr. Bledsoe offered reminded me of who I am and what I am made of. He helped me shift my consciousness from 'taking the hit' to 'making a stand!'"
--Carolyn L., Parent.
"I was overwhelmed with the depth and variety of Dr. Bledsoe's contributions. Will truly embodies the values and actions of an engaged citizen, whose work contributes to the vitality of the communities we serve."
-Dr. Stanley Deetz, Director, Center for the Study of Conflict, Collaboration and Creative Governance at C.U. Boulder
"We hired Dr. Bledsoe to work with us on restorative communication in one of our schools where trust among adults had broken down, leading to less effective teamwork and lower levels of collaboration in the school. Will coached the entire staff through a series of exercises and conversations, the result of which was restored trust, increased effectiveness, and an entirely new collaborative decision-making process in the school."
-Dr. Rob Stein, Retired School Superintendent
