Welcome to this AI-assisted effort to (re)define, (re)organize, and present the basics of person-to-person (P2P) conflict resolution: PeaceDNA. I believe there is a significant lack of knowledge that we pass on to our children about how to deal with others in conflict. Without an easy knowledge or a directed, objective way to navigate it, conflict becomes an abyss in human interaction and, worse, a spark for disagreement, escalation, & too often, violence. Now is the time for a clear vocabulary and a new way to look at an age-old problem. The cost? Nothing. Just pay it forward. Please.
-Introduction & Definitions
Many theories and methods are built on assumptions about the meanings of basic words and terms. Such assumptions can easily create resistance and arguments. PeaceDNA begins by putting us all on the same page with Definitions.
-PeaceDNA: An Elegant Model
PeaceDNA shows only the critical elements required, and in what order, and how to evoke them using a natural-language script of Guiding Questions (Gq). It is a re-casting of functional P2P Conflict Resolution with a simple set of skills valuable in many situations, even outside of conflict.
-FOUL Buster
A FOUL is any act, word, or effort intended to hurt, harm, or intimidate someone. Name-calling, put-downs, threats, and physical violence are all FOULs, regardless of their form. It is the intention that defines a FOUL, not the act. FOUL Buster is a peaceful ‘trick’ (technique) to effectively address non-physical/dangerous FOULs with respect.
-Kanji Listening
A powerful and comprehensive way to listen with not just the ears that hear tone and spoken words, but the eyes, mind, attention, and heart. Together, this grouping of symbols, called Kanji (in Japanese), enables a listener to understand and respond appropriately.
-Rephrase for ‘Yes’
Asking a respectful question starting with the words “Are you saying…?” or “Do you mean…?” compels listening, thinking, and ultimately, agreement with the answer “yes”. A cornerstone of peacemaking, agreement can be easily created despite opposing positions.
-Examples for Self & Others
Follow along as PeaceDNA is applied to example P2P-Conflicts between you and another (self-mediation) and between two others (street mediation). While the PeaceDNA map is the same for both, the routes are a little different.
-Join the Conversation
Have thoughts or questions? Share your perspective and help others learn from your experience. Together we can build the peace education understanding that we so desperately need.
-Contact & About
My name is Dan Stratton, and I based PeaceDNA design on my 45 years of peacemaking & mediation experience, including 10 years as Director of the Peace Education program at the Peace Learning Center in Indianapolis, IN. Here, mandated to the Indianapolis Public School district, we facilitated a day-long active peace education program for approximately. 3,500 students a year.
PeaceDNA is the foundation of Safe Defense and, along with its optional add-on companion Peace Moves, provides a system of True self-defense’ with just out of reach’ movement adapted from Kosho-Shorie Kenpo (under Juchnik & Mitose). Together, these two separate but effective skills (PeaceDNA & Peace Moves) make a Safe Defense by which you protect yourself without injuring your attacker. A True self-defense.
If you need help resolving a P2P-Conflict or want to collaborate? Reach out to Daniel@TalkingItOut.org and I’ll respond as soon as possible. Let’s make this an exciting time for Conflict Resolution in the USA.