Nonviolent Communication: An Effective Tool in the Work to End Racism

Because Nonviolent Communication steps out of the right/wrong paradigm and helps people connect across differences rather than get caught in blame, host Marlena Willis has found it to be one of the most effective tools in raising awareness around racism in all of her years of working on this issue. Marlena interviews Edmundo Norte and Alicia Garcia on how they use Nonviolent Communication in their work to empower others to end racism.

Edmundo Norte is the Dean of Intercultural and International Studies Division at De Anza College, and also conducts experiential training in Nonviolent Communication within a frame of transformative social justice work focused on race, class, and gender oppression. Edmundo identifies as Chicano, was born and raised in East Los Angeles, is accustomed to the pronouns he/him/his, and has taught at every level of formal education, from kindergarten in Southeast L.A. to graduate school at Harvard University. He is part of the leadership team at the annual summer residential intensive training retreat on Nonviolent Leadership for Social Justice in Northern California.

Alicia Garcia has taught bilingual education in East Los Angeles and currently works for the Alameda County Office of Education, providing professional development workshops and coaching to teachers and staff. In 2010 she was awarded the Educator of the Year for English Learners for Alameda County and Teacher of the Year in 2014. She works with Bay Area Nonviolent Communication and Maestro/as to create models for social change based on human connection, and is part of the leadership team at the annual summer residential intensive training retreat on Nonviolent Leadership for Social Justice in Northern California.

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