Raise Your Conversations:

How to Communicate More Effectively With Yourself and Others

The Community Coalition for Children proudly presents its 2020-2021 Intergenerational Conference, “Raise Your Conversations: How to communicate more effectively with yourself and others.” This three-part virtual experience welcomes middle school, high school and college students, as well as educators, parents, and others who work with children to attend live sessions that explore our roles in nurturing functional interactions with ourselves and others. Effective communication begins with healthy thoughts and behaviors. When we choose to take responsibility for our own words and actions, regardless of the weaker words or actions of others, we can add stability to challenging conversations and create space to allow for different points of view.  

Through the lens of The BioCode System®, a revolutionary practice developed by Empowerhouse Leadership Consultancy, you will learn practical, actionable, in-the-moment skills to help strengthen your behaviors and communication skills in any situation. It all starts with you!  

This Conference is free and open to CCC Partner organizations, friends and the community. GOOD NEWS: Unlike previous years, membership is not required to participate! Also, session recordings and a discussion guide will be available following the conference. Registration is required.

Please feel free to download our conference Flyer.  

Session I

Thursday, February 4, 6:30-7:30 PM, live on Zoom, registration required.
Solo Work: Accepting Responsibility for Your Words & Behaviors

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the world today. We want to help, but we may feel powerless as we look for solutions outside of ourselves or expect others to communicate a certain way. Here’s the thing… We cannot control others’ words and actions. When we learn to focus on our own words and behaviors, we see that we always have the option to show up strong and confident in any situation. We learn that we can stay functional and let life adjust to us.
 
Participants will learn:
·      How to keep the focus on their words and behaviors in any interaction.
·      How to remain functional in a challenging conversation – regardless of others’ actions.
·      How to stop negative internal stories about themselves & others, and why this is important.
·      How to build inner strength and stay in one’s power in any situation.

Session II

Thursday, February 18, 6:30-7:30 PM, live on Zoom, registration required.
Timing is Everything: Navigating Emotional Conversations & Situations

Our desire to problem-solve and “correct” people on the spot can lead to unproductive conversations, harmful interactions and damaged relationships - especially when we react emotionally instead of taking time to respond objectively. The truth is… We can save time and energy and protect others’ feelings by hitting the pause button and interacting only when emotions are stable.
 
Participants will learn:
·      How to recognize when emotions are unstable and the window for conversation is closed.
·      How to pivot when a conversation isn’t going as planned.
·      How to determine when it’s best to talk, walk or listen, and strategies for each.
·      How to revisit a conversation focused on the facts.

Session III

Thursday, March 4, 6:30-7:30 PM, live on Zoom, registration required.
Effortless Communication: Saying What You Want & Responding to Others’ Weak Words

When we feel challenged, it’s easy to start complaining about what we don’t want instead of asking for what we do want. On the surface, these complaints may look like meanness. In reality, we’re just missing the skills to express ourselves clearly. The good news is… We can learn effortless communication by expressing ourselves effectively and by translating others’ dysfunctional words into healthy conversations!
 
Participants will learn:
·      How to clearly express themselves with helpful phrases.
·      How to find the hidden good intention behind others’ weaker words.
·      How to put words out better than they came in.
·      How to interact without taking others’ words personally.

Discussion Guide

A Discussion Guide will be available following the three part series.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER


​Rebecca Lee Desjardins

​

Rebecca Lee Desjardins is a lifelong learner, convener and writer committed to engaging people in meaningful moments that promote growth, understanding and a greater sense of community.

As a certified BioCoach, trained to teach The BioCode System® in group workshops and private one-on-one coaching sessions, she helps people learn how to build their behavioral agility, so they may begin to experience life with less stress and greater joy. As a communications consultant, Rebecca focuses on marketing and event planning with small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She has worked as chief communications officer in both K-12 and university settings and led public relations efforts for a variety of clients in an agency setting.
 
Rebecca is a leader in The Connext Exchange, an online community that hosts weekly conversations with the intention to help shape a world that prioritizes more humanity, generosity, and purpose. She also is an active community volunteer who serves the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, the Killingly FFA Alumni & Parents Chapter, the Killingly Regional Agricultural Education Consulting Committee, and the Plainfield Business Association.
 
She is a native of Plainfield, Connecticut.