Community Reconcilation emphasises the power of mutual listening to increase understanding, reduce prejudice and build sustainable relationships across differences. Its aim is to transform situations of tension or isolation into opportunities for strengthening community resilience.

What does community reconciliation involve?

• Consultation and conflict mapping
• Single identity meetings / preparation for dialogue
• Dialogue and listening across differences (in five possible stages: listening to each others stories, exploring values and perspectives, addressing differences, reflection, and negotiation)
• Building coalitions and embedding change
• Capacity building, mentoring and sustained support

The model uses a range of dialogue techniques that enhance deep listening, and have the flexibility to hold and contain very different perspectives. Our approach can include mediation techniques that aim to negotiate joint agreements. Or it can focus on ‘disagreement success’ which allows for conflicting perspectives to coexist alongside the possibility of cooperative action. We can also use these method within organisations where there is conflict or difficulty.