What GCC Means to Us at The Cottage

December 2, 2024

As an Executive Director of a nonprofit agency, the Georgia Conflict Center has been an invaluable resource for myself both professionally and personally. I previously described myself as someone who prefers to avoid conflict in any capacity but that rarely if ever is possible. The first thing I learned from Danny and Jo at GCC is that conflict is inevitable and the sooner we recognize that, the sooner we can learn ways to effectively navigate it.

In leading my team at The Cottage, Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center, GCC has helped to equip myself and our staff with the tools we needed to navigate any situation we encountered whether internally or externally. Danny and Jo have facilitated multiple trainings over the years for our staff as well as assisting with updating our agencies policies and procedures. They are always thoughtful and thorough in preparing their training curriculum and show up with such great care/support in their facilitation.

I have served as an Executive Director for 2.5 years now and have had many lessons throughout that time. Anytime I ran into a new challenge, I was able to turn to GCC for guidance, feedback, and advice. I am extremely grateful to Danny, Jo, and Mikhayla for all the ways they have supported me in my leadership development and growth. Our community is so lucky to have such an amazing team that is dedicated and genuine in their mission to build peace with justice in all capacities.

other blogs and recommended reading

Finding Our Best Work Selves Through Conflict: Part One

Here, Jodi Barnes talks about the importance of addressing conflict at work, and why employees should be empowered to help build a more resilient and productive work culture.

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An Eighth Grade Class Just Exonerated The Last Witch Of The Salem Witch Trials

Massachusetts teacher Carrie LaPierre led her students through a restorative justice project over 300 years after the infamous Salem Witch Trials.

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Opinion

Where Is the Forgiveness and Grace in Cancel Culture?

A link to an editorial written on 12/28/21 in the New York Times from Michael Eric Dyson, reflecting on Bishop Tutu's approach to apartheid and the limited value of punishment or banishment.

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Restorative Justice

The Feminist Law Professor Who Wants to Stop Arresting People for Domestic Violence

A recent piece from The New Yorker which highlights Leigh Goodmark, a professor at the University of Maryland who advocates for the decriminalization of domestic violence. Though this sounds like a radical position, the article shows statistics that suggest there is merit in an approach that does not involve mass incarceration.

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Update about GCC Winter 2023 Fundraising

GCC Winter 2023 Fundraising Campaign

GCC Fundraising Priorities for 2024

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GHC to offer courses for RED Restorative Justice Program

Georgia Highlands College has partnered with Rehabilitation Enables Dreams to offer college access to students in the RED Restorative Justice Program.

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