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

Decolonizing Language

The words we use to describe marginalized groups have far greater impact than we might realize. Make sure you are always acknowledging otheres' humanity when talking to or about them.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Leveraging Restorative Practices in BIT Work

One of the most powerful and underused tools in a BIT’s toolbox is the integration of restorative practices. Conflict is almost always a reflection of something more profound, what psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., the “father of nonviolent communication,” would call “a tragic expression of unmet needs.” Restorative practices acknowledge this reality and seek to meet it.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

School-base Restorative Practices Implementation

Black CPS teens benefit most from shift from suspensions toward restorative practices

A new study finds moving to restorative practices to respond to student misconduct has led to a significant reduction in suspensions and arrests.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

Georgia Advocates Urge Congress to Reject Drastic Cuts to Federal Assistance Programs

Georgia Conflict Center is one of 32 organizations that signed a coalition letter to the Georgia Congressional Delegation urging members to reject any budget legislation that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars from critical programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and other public welfare programs and services. The letter was transmitted to the Georgia members of congress, leadership, committee chairs, and ranking members in the House and Senate.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

What GCC Means to Us at Global Village Project

Hannah Edber, director of eduction, at Global Village Project shares how the infusion of restorative practices benefits a school that embraces multiple cultures.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →

NYC's Push for Restorative Justice Was Put to the Test This School Year

Schools like Harvest Collegiate High School have embraced restorative justice and devoted resources to those programs.

Read full article (LINK OPENS IN A NEW TAB) →