Annual NZ ERN Conference
Preamble: A Gentle Revolution as a conference has been designed to serve the professional and personal development needs of those seeking to work and educate towards a just society.
It is the product of several years journeying amongst Edmund Rice Network schools and groups to identify and grow the skills necessary to engage effectively with the needs we see around us.
Themes:
Restorative Justice – This is a concept that has been used and abused as well as an incredible force for positive change. At its true core it is a fundamental shift in how we perceive misbehavior at every level and enables us to engage effectively with unwanted behavior, generating healing and true shifts in character.
At this conference you will hear powerful stories of personal and systemic change through the life story of Jackie Katounas and the work of schools in New Zealand that have implemented the principles of Restorative Justice.
Crime in New Zealand – the issue that effects all of us in some way. Whether simply as a tax-payer that needs to understand government priorities, as a victim of crime, or as a person with social connections to an offender.
To effectively have your say or ‘loose the chains’ of what is usually a frustrating and grievous cycle, we need to understand what is actually going on and what the valid issues are.
At this conference we are seeking to give each attendee an empowering overview of our current status as a nation: Insights into real issues and what are some of the practical ways that we can begin to attend to these as individuals and groups.
Compassionate Communication (NVC) – To bring about change and growth in any area, from political advocacy and business, to parenting, marriage, and friendship, this is a skill worth developing! NVC (Non-violent communication) is a powerful set of tools and perspectives that enable us to empathise with others and thus effectively build bridges in relationship.
Networking – For any work in social change and education, you are by definition at the cutting-edge in your field. This is an opportunity to meet others in your field of work or simply those that care about the same things as you do. Build community links and make friends.
Spirituality – As a sponsoring Network of schools and groups that have sprung from life and spirituality of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, the ERN is committed to the development of the whole person and the interior skills that sustain us in our relationships with God and each other. This spirituality is not so much a separate subject line or workshop, but rather a quality of being we seek to support and infuse.
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