March 2, 2005 – The V.I. Resource Conservation & Development Council, invites resource management, extension, and education professionals to participate in a two-day workshop on "Public Issues and Conflict Management," to be held March 14 and 15 at Villa Morales on St. Croix and March 17 and 18 at the UVI Sports & Fitness Center Training Room on St. Thomas. Registration deadline is March 9.
In today's world, it's impossible to be part of a resource management, protection, or education organization and not attend meetings that address controversial issues. We've all been in poorly-run meetings and know that they certainly are not a wise use of time, a release said. The ability to manage a meeting in a way that reduces conflict, enhances cooperation, and achieves its objectives all in a timely manner isn't rocket science – it's harder!
Meeting management and facilitation skills are becoming increasingly important for natural resource managers and educators. This workshop also provides knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of conflict, and the skills and processes needed to deal with it. While not intended to create negotiators or mediators out of resource managers, extension agents and educators, this knowledge will help enable participants to avoid or diffuse conflict when involved in potentially contentious public meetings.
The short course will be conducted by trainers from the NOAA Coastal Services Center who conduct similar trainings across the country. To register for the training workshops or for details, call the V.I. RC&D office at 692-9632, Ext. 5.