Homelessness Doesn't Have to Create Conflict!!

I watched the 'Off the Streets' segment of CBC’s The National with great interest. Homelessness, like many other challenges we face as a society is a complex and multi-faceted problem that can seem overwhelming to solve. While there are no simple solutions to these types of problems, it was refreshing to see the comprehensive and collaborative approach that has been taken by the Portland team of organizations and individuals who are making this work – and making a difference in the lives of those who are often marginalized on many levels. As a mediator, I often find that people shy away from tackling the tough problems they face as they can't figure out where to start and they don't want to make the situation worse. Part of our job is to help people find ways to work together to solve tough problems. There are no conflicts or problems that we as a society cannot solve when we are willing and able to work together. I see this all the time with the organizations, communities and workplaces with whom we work - when frustration and anger are replaced by a willingness to explore the multitude of factors that are contributing to a problem, confront the issues constructively and put their collective knowledge, wisdom and experience to work to find ‘solutions that WORK!!!’ I hope that other communities will find both the grass roots drive and the political will to create similar success stories for the challenging problems confronting us – crime, the environment, hunger, bullying, conflict and more… My grandmother used to remind us constantly that ‘None of us is as smart as all of us’. Thank you for showcasing a prime example of collaboration and constructive problem solving at work!

Conflict Resolution Workout!!
Take a few minutes and think about:
1. What problems in your world are too big for you to handle alone?
2. Who else has a stake in this problem?
3. What conversations do you need to have with these individuals or groups to start working together on the problem(s)?
4. What obstacles might get in your way, in terms of starting a productive discussion?
5. What steps can you take to overcome these challenges?
My grandmother used to say that 'Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal..." - wise words!!
Create an awesome week!

Ruth Sirman, CanMediate International, is a professional mediator and trainer who teaches the same skills she has used since 1996 to help groups resolve conflicts in government, corporations, communities, churches and schools. For more information, check out her website at http://www.canmediate.com/.