Perhaps the most difficult problem facing us today is conflict, and there are hopeful new developments of humane and respectful processes to bring people together. You are in the forefront of that movement. In 2002 you co- founded BayNVC in Oakland, CA, an organization dedicated to sharing Dr. Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication teachings. Since that time you have tirelessly applied the NVC practices to difficult conflicts, taught them to others, disseminated information about their effectiveness, and even developed your own modifications. For example, you taught a year long program on how to live and share compassion. You produced a local TV show, called The Conflict Hot Line, where you engaged with the public, supporting people in pain and then teaching the audience how you helped them. You have written for publications about NVC, and blogged and shared your own personal transformation with NVC.
You are just the kind of person the Sullivan Ballou fund seeks to recognize and affirm. Just like him, you have been living from the heart, with no thought of recognition or personal gain. Money has never an issue for any person wanting to learn NVC from you. You are totally committed to spreading compassion around our globe.
It has been a pleasure for us to get to know you through your work on the child custody legislative dialogue in Minnesota. Your words, heart energy, and personal example are pointing the way toward understanding and compassion for adversaries who have been mired in deep conflict for over 10 years. You have been energetic, optimistic, generous and wise. We agree with one of your former students who described you as functioning like a deep rudder keeping a sailboat on course in turbulent seas.
Thank you for the heart energy you devote to the larger world community. We are learning from you and inspired by you. It has been an honor to be able to recognize you in this small way. We wish you every success in the important work you will be doing in the future.Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members