Book Talk: Conflict-The Unexpected Gift

Contributed

Conflict affects us all but it does not need to create a lifetime of hurt and anger.  Just as a pearl is born from irritation in an oyster, conflict can be an unexpected gift—an opportunity for change.  This is the theme of a new book, “Conflict – The Unexpected Gift, written by four Bay Area conflict management professional,’, Jack Hamilton, Elisabeth Seaman, Sharlene Gee and Hillary Freeman.  Collectively they have had thousands of hours of mediation and facilitation work with Learn2Resolve, which provides mediation, facilitation, training in communication and conflict resolution skills, and team building workshops in English and Spanish.

One of the authors, Elisabeth Seaman will be sharing ideas from the book as well as signing copies on Tuesday evening, August 27 at 7:30 at the Capitola Book Café.  Co-presenting this event will be PAPÁS, a community organization under the umbrella of the Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center.  Deutron Kebebew, project director for PAPÁS comments, “Communication and conflict resolution are major barriers in a relationship and in co-parenting.”  His earlier experience in conflict resolution was in working with foster youth, foster parent, social worker and police officers.  “Non-violent communication and ownership of one’s feelings are key in this process,” said Kebebew.

PAPÁS’ mission is to honor and promote fathers and father-figures through advocacy and education to support their role in strengthening family and community relationships.  Kebebew said the organization is trying to address the serious epidemic of too many children living without a father at home, and not sharing custody with the mother. “PAPÁS is like a light in the darkness, like a star that guides us during the night and opens up doors all around my life—and opens doors for the future,” remarked one program participant.

So mark your calendars for Capitola Book Café, Tuesday evening August 27 at 7:30 pm.  Come enjoy the in-shop café before the program.