Visionary Leader Sees Hope for World Peace
Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., author of the internationally acclaimed Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, and Speak Peace in a World of Conflict, has taken up where Gandhi, King and other past visionary leaders for peace left off. An internationally renowned peacemaker, Rosenberg 's credentials rank him as one of the foremost new leaders for world peace. His visionary communication process, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), is the cornerstone of what global leaders, educators and beyond are identifying as the missing link to the solution we all seek. Viewed through NVC eyes, all anger and violence—both in the world at large and in our own personal lives—is a counter-productive attempt by people to meet their needs.
Developing a Visionary Philosophy
Growing up in a turbulent Detroit neighborhood, Marshall Rosenberg developed a keen interest in conflict resolution and how new forms of communication could provide peaceful alternatives to the violence he encountered. His interest led to a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1961 from the University of Wisconsin. But he was dissatisfied with the focus on pathology he saw there, which did not help him understand the very compassionate people he had known growing up. His subsequent study of comparative religion, and his own varied life experience, convinced him that human beings are not inherently violent. This insight motivated him to develop the visionary process he calls Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
The NVC process is a powerful method for inspiring compassionate connection and action that helps prevent and resolve conflicts at personal, professional and political levels. The NVC process assists us to fully and honestly express ourselves without any blame or criticism, and to empathically connect with others without hearing blame or criticism. With the NVC process integrated into our consciousness, we’re able to stay connected to our inherent compassionate nature, even when others express themselves in anger or fear.
NVC in Action
At the beginning of Marshall Rosenberg's presentation in a Palestinian refugee camp, an angry Palestinian father stood up and screamed, " You murderer! " Using his NVC skills, Marshall Rosenberg sensed that this man was venting his anger toward America at him personally. Instead of reacting defensively, Rosenberg connected with the man's deep feelings of frustration and his need to be heard. Almost instantly, the tension in the room was defused and a productive conversation about difficult issues facing those in the camp continued, with both sides sharing and listening respectfully.
At the end of the evening, the same man who had yelled "Murderer" invited Marshall home to a Ramadan dinner. Focused on shared human needs and heartfelt connection with others, the NVC process helps guide us to a more peaceful world. (Read the entire "Murderer" story here.)
His Work as a Visionary Leader
Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg is Founder and Director of Educational Services for the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC). He has provided training and initiated peace programs in a number of war-torn areas including Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, the Middle East, Colombia, Serbia, Croatia and Northern Ireland.
In the former Yugoslavia, a CNVC team has trained hundreds of teachers who have reached tens of thousands of students from kindergarten through high school. NVC has been officially recognized by the government of Israel and is offered in many schools in that country.
World Peace is Within Our Reach
With visionary philosophies, a visionary communication process, and some very hard work, Marshall Rosenberg has kept the door open to the prospect of world peace. While he's a new leader for peace on the global stage, his time-tested formula for change is spreading as a grassroots movement from person-to-person and region to region, "Creating a life-enriching quality of connection that allows all our needs to be met in ways that are satisfying for everyone involved." Working together with Marshall Rosenberg and NVC, world peace is within our reach.
Media Inquiries:
To schedule an interview with Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, or to request publicity materials not listed on this site, please contact our publicist.
Back to the top
|
