The Ashland Center for Nonviolence is concluding its 20th anniversary celebration theme The Season of Nonviolence by holding a conflict mediation activity session on March 26 at 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.  

Dr. Deleasa Randall-Griffiths, chair and director of the online undergraduate communication program will be teaching the different conflict management styles.  

She says, “Everyone handles conflict differently. We [will] look at who we are dealing with and what outcomes are desired, and we [will] choose from a range of strategies.” 

Randall-Griffiths notes the main thing she wants students to walk away with is awareness.  

“The more you think about difference, the more you see it in your own interactions. Knowing we have choices is empowering. Understanding the overall impact, we want to have in any particular situation helps us be strategic in our reactions,” she said. 

Randall-Griffiths encourages students who like to fill out quizzes to measure a part of their personality to come.  

“If you are the kind of person who fills out the little quizzes and tests to measure some part of our personality, this is right up your alley.  It’s a simple exploration of conflict in a non-blaming, non-threatening environment,” Randall-Griffiths said. “I think we all have a desire to handle tensions better.  Awareness of management styles is one step toward that goal.” 

Assistant director of the ACN, Elizabeth Buttil, notes that conflict mediation is important.  

“The skill of conflict mediation is a valuable asset for anyone to have whether navigating difficult roommate conversations, addressing family conflicts, or just learning how to navigate polarized climates,” Buttli explained.