Effective Conflict Management: Strengthening Community in Community Gardens Supported by:
Session Overview Types of conflict Strategies for resolving conflict Conflict scenarios Prioritization exercise
Definition of Conflict As a verb – to fight or contend; do battle As a noun – 1. a fight, battle, or struggle, especially a prolonged struggle; strife. 2. controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties. 3. discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism or opposition, as of interests or principles: a conflict of ideas.
Expressions of Conflict Discomfort Incidents Misunderstanding Tension Crisis
Garden Conflicts Gardeners – Boundary issues and garden layout – Maintenance and distribution of shared tasks – Dues and use of group funds Land Owners – Length of commitment or land use – Access and water – Damages, fees and fines Neighbors – Sprawling plants – Aesthetics and maintenance – Land use and location
Methods to End Conflict Avoidance Resolution Campaign
Avoidance Establish Roles and Rules Communicate Agree Upon Procedures Choose Your Battles
Resolution Meet face to face Look for win-win solutions Engage a neutral third party
Campaign Engage community leaders and elected officials Invite media to tell your story Disband group or move garden
Positive Results of Conflict Help define issues Introduce new perspectives Make group consider a wide range of options Energize Creativity Educate Keep groups alert to members’ interest
Brainstorm How have you responded to conflicts in your garden?
Breakout Discussion Scenarios Green Growers vs. the Miltons Sunshine Kids vs. Rexco Penelope vs. Sumerset Garden Club
Breakout Questions
Rules and Consensus Building Gardener Rules Landowner Rules Decision Making
Dot Exercise Who When Where Why What
Wrap Up Embrace Conflict Don’t Take it Personal Enjoy Your Garden
Questions
Contact Ayanna Williams Director of Community Building Amanda Martin Program Manager
Enjoy Your Garden!