Conflict Resolution

__Skills and Values necessary to be an effective conflict resolver__
• Steve Nawojczyk displayed compassion. He was touched to a personal level from what he encounters at his work. He felt that he needed to do something from the bottom of his heart, with no hidden agenda. I like how he personally goes and visits the neighbourhoods and bonds with some of the gang members. He also treated them like people, and with respect. He listened to them. I also like the part when Nawojczyk was talking to a group but by the end only one guy was responding. But that one guy promised he’ll talk to his friends that have connections to other gangs and try to resolve arguments from within.
• The pastor that started the truce flag was also touched at a personal level. He feels the pain of the crying mothers and their families. He sees how it’s splitting the neighbourhood more and more apart. He also felt the calling to do something and he did… he talked to different groups and also listened to them. He brought some of them to the balcony by letting them realize that they need to talk to solve problems… not point and shoot.

__ Resolution Techniques__
• Steve Nawojczyk placed pictures of victims and told stories of individuals that were badly hurt by the gang wars. He went into each neighbourhood in plain clothes and approached the kids. He allowed the kids to relate themselves to the victims by showing them the pictures and asking them to help identify the victims. He told everyone the damage gang wars are causing and discouraged them by letting them see that these people they’re shooting are fellow neighbours with families.

__Reason for Joining Gangs__
• As Winifred mentioned, they join for the sense of family. Their need to belong and identify with a group is met. They feel that they are invisible as long as they’re with their family… and they also feel that if anyone else threatens them they must respond by retaliation to avenge their family. They also feel that they are accepted as who they are and they are not pushed away like they would at home with their real families.

__Gang War Escalation and De-escalation__
• It escalated through a sense of revenge. It shows signs of a conflict (retaliatory) spiral model from week 1 reading, where the mentality is centred in anger and to “teach them a lesson”.
• More gangs are involved as gangs assume another gang to be the initiator.
• De-escalation began when 3rd parties, with no bias to any gang, are involved. Steve Nawojczyk’s efforts to calm the gangs and the pastor’s efforts to spread the truce was the start. People began to openly show their support for the truce by displaying a white flag and it was a symbolic gesture for them to stop killing.

Sorry fot the delayed posting. My internet connection has been down. Thank you for directing me to the video "Banging in Little Rock". I really respect Steve's position that he can't just sit around and let it happen, he feels compelled to do something to help. I do think we could all learn something about stepping outside of our comfort zones to effect a positive change. Although I realize that this may be easier for some.

What skills and values are necessary for someone to be an effective conflict resolver? Listening skills are very important. Also a real desire to see the conflict come to an end. Respect and an open mind are imperative to anyone in the field of conflict resolution.

•What techniques does Steve Nawojczyk, the county coroner, use to deal with the gang situation in Little Rock? He listens to the gang members, instead of just talking/preaching to them. He aslo shows real examples of what can happen (pictures of victims), that some community members were able to recognize.

Why do you think these techniques are successful? Because it is obvious that he cares, he doesn't see these people as a statistic, or some distant person. He connects with them, in any way he can.

•What reasons do people in the film give for joining gangs? Love, belonging and protection. I hadn't really thought of gangs before, and I found these reasons to join heartbreaking.

Do these reasons fit in with the theories you read in the article? They definately fit. We are all connected, and all have the same needs. Who knows where/how we would be if those needs had never been met in our entire lives, ever!

How do you get your needs met differently from the people who joined gangs? I am fortuate to live in a secure country/environment. However there have been times that certain fundamental needs weren't met. Sometimes I acted out, drinking, and hanging out with people I shouldn't have. Reading has been key to me in opening my mind and heart. I have been fortunate to have a great network of friends.

•How did the gang situation in Little Rock escalate? Nobody seemed to be willing to just let it go. How did it de-escalate? I have to think that it must have mattered to some of the residents that Steve & co. did care. Maybe their parents/familes weren't in a position to be whet they needed and deserved, but others do care. A stranger, someone you don't know caring is a powerful message.

I want to say thanks again for the eye opener. I can't imagine the devestating state of feeling hopeless.