Last updated on Jul 14, 2024

You're facing conflicts among volunteers in your community organizing. How do you effectively resolve them?

Conflicts among volunteers can be challenging, but with the right approach, they can be resolved effectively. As a community organizer, you're often the glue that holds your group together, so when disagreements arise, it's crucial to address them promptly and constructively. By fostering open communication, promoting empathy, and implementing conflict resolution strategies, you can turn discord into an opportunity for growth and collaboration. The key is to remain calm, be impartial, and guide your volunteers toward a common goal. Remember, conflict isn't inherently bad; it's how you handle it that makes all the difference.

1 Understand Issues

Before diving into conflict resolution, take time to thoroughly understand the issues at hand. Encourage your volunteers to express their concerns openly and listen actively. This isn't just about hearing words; it's about comprehending the emotions and motivations behind them. Sometimes, conflicts stem from misunderstandings or lack of information. By ensuring everyone's perspective is heard, you can identify the root causes of the discord and work towards a resolution that addresses the real problems, not just the symptoms.

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Michal Mendelsohn

Writer- Poet - vocalist-Rabbi, attorney
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First, find out what the issues are. Then address them one by one in a completely non-threatening manner. No blaming or shaming. There will be conflicts in every workplace. The best thing is that remedies need to be discussed and agreement regarding next steps and a future meeting not too far in the future to see how things are working or whether or not things may need to be tweeked. Having things discussed in the open, with few things considered "trivial" leads to a better environment. I have been in workplaces where everything was done behind people's backs. That never works.

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Vukeni Christopher Ojja Druza

Former Food security and livelihoods intern | Veterinaries San frontiers South Sudan | Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute(including Health and Agriculture)| Nigeria
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Firstly, understanding of the issues at hands by listening from the both parties before creating a common ground for the two parties to co exist. - Listening makes it easier for you (solver) to understand the issues at hands - Ask them to apologise

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2 Promote Empathy

Empathy is a powerful tool in resolving conflicts. Encourage your volunteers to see things from each other's perspectives. This doesn't mean they have to agree with one another, but understanding different viewpoints can lead to mutual respect. Facilitate discussions that allow volunteers to share their experiences and feelings without fear of judgment. When people feel understood, they're more likely to collaborate and find a middle ground.

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Anoop John

Founder | The Drop Times, Zyxware
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It is almost impossible to find absolute common ground among a group of people who align with a common vision or a common goal. This is more so true when they passionately align. So when there are conflicts, the good thing is that you have found a set of people who care about something. Now what do you do when you run into these conflicts - for one you will have to get to a common understanding that we will all never agree on everything always. With that agreed upon, you will also have to get your team to learn to accept different perspectives. This is going to be difficult but when you bring this into the context of the common vision or goal that you have aligned upon, it would be easier. It will never be easy but this is the reality.

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3 Set Ground Rules

Establishing ground rules for communication and interaction can prevent conflicts from escalating. These guidelines should promote respect, openness, and constructive dialogue. Make sure everyone agrees to these rules and understands the importance of following them. This creates a safe environment where volunteers can discuss issues without resorting to personal attacks or unproductive arguments.

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4 Mediate Fairly

As a mediator, your role is to facilitate a fair and balanced discussion. Remain neutral and avoid taking sides. Your goal is to help the conflicting parties communicate effectively and work towards a solution. By asking clarifying questions and summarizing key points, you can keep the conversation focused and productive. Remember, effective mediation requires patience and a willingness to understand all aspects of the conflict.

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5 Find Common Ground

In any conflict, there's usually some common ground that can be the foundation for a resolution. Help your volunteers identify shared goals or values that unite them. This commonality can be a powerful motivator for finding a compromise. Encourage creative problem-solving and be open to unconventional solutions that satisfy all parties involved.

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6 Implement Solutions

After finding a resolution, it's crucial to implement the agreed-upon solutions. This might involve assigning tasks, setting deadlines, or making changes to procedures. Ensure that everyone is clear about their responsibilities and the next steps. Follow up regularly to see how the solutions are working and make adjustments if necessary. By seeing the resolution through to its implementation, you reinforce the importance of working together to overcome challenges.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're facing conflicts among volunteers in your community organizing. How do you effectively resolve them?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Promote Empathy

3 Set Ground Rules

4 Mediate Fairly

5 Find Common Ground

6 Implement Solutions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

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You're facing conflicts among volunteers in your community organizing. How do you effectively resolve them?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Promote Empathy

3 Set Ground Rules

4 Mediate Fairly

5 Find Common Ground

6 Implement Solutions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

Rate this article

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