On June 24, 2022, the Rochester Zen Center will launch its first Nonviolent Communication (NVC) group. For our first twelve gatherings, we’ve chosen to use The Ongo Book: Everyday Nonviolence by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens. On this Web page we intend to share resources pertinent to each week, plus additional materials for those who might want to dive in faster and deeper.
Tentative meeting dates for Weeks 1-22 of The Ongo Book
Week 1 (June 24-July 7)
Basic Resource
- The Ongo Book, Week 1 (pages 17-35)
To Have for the Meeting
- Preferably use your own device. Many weeks we’ll be going into breakout rooms and it’s awkward to do if people are sharing a device. Also, if possible it’s best to use a device bigger than a phone so you can see other people’s faces more easily.
- A copy of The Ongo Book. (You don’t have to have read anything in it at this point — just have it ready.)
- A quote that expresses an aspect of what calls you to this new NVC group at this moment in your life.
Optional Further Resources
General Resources
Quick Introductions to NVC
- BayNVC’s Basics of Nonviolent Communication
- Summary of Key NVC Concepts (part of Gregg Kendrick’s NVC Info & Resources)
Books that Introduce NVC
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, 3rd edition, by Marshall B. Rosenberg
Written by the man who developed NVC, this is the the classic introduction to NVC - Say What You Mean by Oren Jay Sofer. Written by a Vipassana teacher, this introductory book combines mindfulness, somatics and NVC
- Choosing Peace: New Ways to Communicate to Reduce Stress, Create Connection, and Resolve Conflict by Ike Lasater and John Kinyon. Two mediation experts explain NVC in the context of a conflict among family members
Resources for Ongo Zoom Hosts and Facilitators
Found in the Ongo Companion Website’s Discussions
- Instructions for how to start an Ongo Group by Video Conference (Jeff Joslin)
- Online Ongo emails and guide support (Wendy Haynes)