Conflict Resolution

Overview

Conflict Resolution is a fundamental component of regenerative village development. This guide synthesizes knowledge from re:build gatherings to provide practical insights for implementing conflict resolution in community projects.

Methods and Approaches

Fast and fair resolution: Effective conflict resolution involves fast and fair processes, sometimes called "attention revelation"—taking a positive and proactive approach to resolving conflict rather than waiting for it to escalate.

Return to community: In transformational and regenerative cultural approaches, conflict resolution means returning to community. When someone can come back to the community and reconnect with the whole, the conflict is resolved. This approach sees resolution as restoration of relationship.

Multiple approaches: Different communities use different conflict resolution approaches, and it's important to understand which approach fits your context.

Pre-established processes: Two of the most important elements are having a complete mediation process outlined before conflict arises. Since conflict is inevitable among human beings, communities need clear processes that everyone knows and understands.

Benefits

So the piece about the four, five and six really do kind of work together, because depending on the nature of, you know, sort of helpful and help for behaviors, you end up with potentially the need for resolving the conflict between one or two people within the group

Key Insights

Integrated approaches: Different elements of conflict resolution (often numbered systems like four, five, and six) work together. Depending on the nature of behaviors and the situation, you may need to resolve conflict between one or two people within the group.

Fast and fair resolution: Effective conflict resolution involves fast and fair processes, taking a positive and proactive approach rather than waiting for escalation.

Non-punitive approach: Regenerative conflict resolution doesn't rely on punitive measures, punishment, or shaming. Instead, it uses supportive, inclusive approaches that help people realign with community values.

Return to community: In transformational and regenerative approaches, conflict resolution means returning to community. When someone can come back to the community and reconnect with the whole, the conflict is resolved.

Goal of fast resolution: The ability to address conflict quickly and therapeutically is the goal—resolving issues before they escalate and cause lasting damage.

No one-size-fits-all: There isn't necessarily a gold standard or single best version of conflict resolution. Different approaches work for different communities and situations.

Cultural context matters: Cultural elements are very important for addressing conflict effectively. What works in one cultural context may not work in another.

Examples and Case Studies

And we're really trying to get a community-funded project, and then we're going to need a lot more funding, or we're really bringing this to what we want to bring it to, which is to develop tools of conflict resolution

Because on the other side, I've seen this happen so many times in projects where the larger investor feels like, oh, I'm only here for my money, you know, I'm not equal partner, and they get to reinforce a trauma, where they're not really connected with that community, which is also the root cause a lot of conflict that comes from investors

Best Practices

• Find the gift: There's often some gift or learning in conflict—it can reveal important issues that need addressing
• Situational understanding: If the goal is to understand conflicts, recognize that effective approaches depend heavily on the specific situation
• Own your part: The essence of effective conflict resolution is positivity and willingness to own your part in the conflict
• Recognize the spectrum: Conflict arises across a whole spectrum—from minor disagreements to major disputes—and different approaches are needed for different levels

Implementation Guide

To implement conflict resolution in your regenerative village project, consider the following approach:

Implementation details to be added.