What people are saying about the Peer Leadership Programme

From John Dacey:

Shari, here’s my testimonial. I am happy to write it because it fulfils my need for contribution to such an important program, and if I can contribute in some small way to something which has been so beneficial to me, then I am happy. I’m happy to have my name on it and to be contacted for further information.

I have found NVC very effective in bringing about interior change for me personally. It opened up the possibility of fulfilling Gandhi’s invitation to ‘be the change you want to see in the world.’ As a person involved in various nonviolence efforts to bring about change in the world, NVC has helped me make the change within, at the same time as enhancing my skills for making nonviolent change in the world.

NVC has helped me deal with my interior language of judgement and criticism both towards myself and others. It has helped me to change my perception of others, from that of wanting to judge me to that of wanting to love me. It has helped me to develop my capacity to connect with others, to be curious about others and what their truth is, and to drop my own agenda in favour of out comes which mutually meet needs of myself and the other. All this as well as the basics of NVC – recognising and expressing my feelings and needs and those of others. All of this has helped me to become more genuinely happy.

Of course the internal changes are reflected externally in improved communication and relationships with those around me. Empathy has been the key component in NVC for me to make these changes. I have moved from resisting empathy from others and myself to being comfortable with receiving empathy from myself and others. This is opening the way for me to be empathic towards others – to connect, to listen, to be present, to drop my own agendas and hear and receive others’ feelings and needs empathically.

Participating in the Peer Leadership Program has been integral to my experience of growth using NVC. While the foundational workshop in NVC and reading NVC books have been indispensable introductions and exposure to NVC, the PLP has provided a supportive learning community and environment of structure in which to develop my understanding and practise of NVC. I have valued the regular and frequent opportunities, afforded by the structure of the PLP, to practise NVC and reflect on experiences of using (or not using) NVC in my everyday life.

The weekly coaching sessions have a clear agenda and structure which seeks to make the best use of what is always, for me, a too short (at 30 mins) opportunity to learn from experiences and explore growing edges. The invitation to set and do ‘homework’ during the week is really the core of the PLP – it’s where and when we practise and experience using NVC in our everyday lives. The individual coaching and group sessions are invaluable for the learning that comes from reflecting on the practise and experience of using NVC. Alongside this is the regular input or training in various aspects of NVC which build on previous knowledge. The group sessions allow a sharing of experience and learning which has met my needs for growth, contribution and community.

I have enjoyed and sincerely valued the work of Shari as the PLP coach and trainer. Throughout the PLP on countless occasions she has met my needs for empathy, understanding, acceptance and learning/growth as she has engaged with me on my journey of learning NVC. Shari has met my needs for compassion, clarity, fun and creativity as she has presented NVC material in both group and coaching sessions. Shari invites participants to seek clarification and make contributions in her efforts to present clear and practical NVC material. Shari uses NVC processes in the delivery of her training and coaching and pulls herself up when she’s dissatisfied with the language she uses, if it doesn’t meet her need to be in integrity with NVC. I have experienced Shari to be an open and effective communicator and practitioner of NVC.

I highly recommend the PLP as a vehicle for developing an effective knowledge and practise of NVC.

John Dacey
16 July 2006
 

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