BELFAST — Nonviolent communication expert Peggy Smith will lead a series of workshops at the Hutchinson Center in April and May as part of the University of Maine Hutchinson Center’s professional development program. 

Both programs run from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and include a continental breakfast and catered lunch. Fees range from $150–$195 per person, with need-based scholarships available.

For those new to nonviolent communication, Smith will teach a two-day workshop, “Beginning the Journey of Nonviolent Communication and Empathy,” on April 3 and 20. The goal of this training is to explore a way of thinking, acting and speaking that builds connection even during times of stress and conflict. Participants will learn and explore new skills for using conflict as an opportunity to strengthen connections with others. This program is recommended for those wanting to improve their relationships with themselves, their families, co-workers or community.

“Past Trauma and Current Relationships: Integrating Nonviolent Communication and Interpersonal Neurobiology” will be offered May 5–6. The goal of this interactive program is to explore how early-life experiences, including traumas such as adverse childhood experiences affect how we relate to people now. Participants will gain clarity about how the brain responds to challenging situations and will experience new insights into choices leading to authentic honest relationships. This comprehensive program will benefit participants from a wide variety of fields, including for-profit and nonprofit sectors, education, health care, criminology and social services.

“The requests for nonviolent communication training is more pronounced now than ever before,” said Smith, in a news release. “I’ve been teaching these workshops for close to 20 years. There is a strong increase in interest among the public, also among therapeutic and educational professionals, even workplaces. By connecting compassionately with others, we can build stronger sustainable communities.”

Those wanting to further explore nonviolent communication are invited to register for “Advancing Nonviolent Communication,” Smith’s four-part program offered at the Hutchinson Center in the fall (Sept. 18, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 11, from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; $385 with need-based scholarships available). 

Program presenter Peggy Smith holds a master’s degree in literacy and language arts from the University of Pennsylvania, and is a certified trainer with the International Center for Nonviolent Communication with over four decades of teaching experience. A co-founder of the Maine NVC Network, Smith is at the forefront of bringing empathic thinking and communicating to Midcoast Maine.

For more information, to register or request a reasonable accommodation or need-based scholarship application, contact Michelle Patten, 207.338.8002, michelle.patten@maine.edu or go online. 

About the Hutchinson Center:

The Hutchinson Center is an outreach center for the University of Maine in Orono, that serves as an educational and cultural center for the midcoast area. It is named for University of Maine President Emeritus Frederick E. Hutchinson. The mission of the Hutchinson Center is to broaden access to University of Maine academic and non-degree programs and services, lifelong learning opportunities, and professional and career development experiences using innovative approaches that increase synergy among University of Maine System entities, University of Maine departments and divisions, and that engage a wider Maine community.

For more information about UMaine, visit umaine.edu.