HEALING DIVIDES: Practices of Civilized Assertiveness

Can practices of civilized assertiveness (based on deep listening and negotiation), navigating triggers and upset via self-awareness and self-responsibility, emotional intelligence, radical goodwill and tolerance, nonviolent communication, use of rules of the game and codes of conduct, and dispute resolution heal the deep divides interpersonally between people and be a path of healing collectively? Can we step into the shoes of the other and ask “What is it like to be you?” Come find inspiring processes, frameworks, and cases where we see and relate from a bigger picture – We Are One.  How can these be applied to deep societal divisions along political party lines and racial lines, and even on topics of informed consent for medical products and freedoms from medical mandates. More than ever, we as a nation and as humanity need to stand strong together in the face of threats eroding our basic human rights and democratic norms and to build resilience in the face of challenges.

Presenter: Laurie Timmermann

LAURIE’S BIO: Early on I travelled to Parana state in Brazil with a high school exchange program, completed two degrees in international studies and global economic & political development, studied French language and culture in Grenoble France, backpacked in Europe, interned in Sao Paulo, and learned two languages by age 26.

My career focused on addressing global poverty, hunger, and food security. I’ve served as a manager with US food aid and rural livelihood programs in four African countries for three-years total. As a program manager with Africare in Washington DC, I assisted in coordinating rural, health, and water projects in Africa. With iDE in Denver, I served as a coordinator supporting rural livelihood programs in Asia and Africa. I’ve also worked as a research or task assistant with several multi-lateral finance institutions for over 6.5 years.

I’ve engaged in lifelong research and learning about the diverse societal issues of sustainable development, agriculture, food systems, energy, environment, climate change, women’s empowerment, community bill of rights, World Beyond War advocacy for de-militarization and global peace and, most recently, health freedom.

At the core, I am a lifelong spiritual seeker and experiencer of deeper meaning. After a meditation path for five years, I was guided by visionary spiritual teacher Bill Bauman, PhD as a mentor for over 25 years, exploring themes of oneness, servant leadership, and self-mastery. In the 1990’s, I was active in the Center for Visionary Leadership, World Serve and Network of Light communities in D.C. Recent spiritual influences include Law of One, Joseph Communications and Flo Aveia’s Soul Support System teachings.