Yesterday we were asked to write a blog about what we have learned during the day. It was a very inspiring day and we were working concentrated with specific tools to enable us to structure and think about organisational processes.

What I want to spend a few lines of my blog discussing is, however, not these concrete tools, but what the process we went through inspired me to reflect upon: The art of communication. It is inspiring to experience that even though we, the team at Global Change, have to make several decisions  every time we meet – and despite the fact that we do not always agree on everything - are able to create an environment where we listen, give space and learn from each other.

Marshall Rosenberg talks about constructive communication as nonviolent language or giraffe language - as opposed to jackal language. The giraffe is the animal with the biggest heart. Contrary to the giraffe, the jackal is close to the ground and preoccupied with its own needs. It might sound a bit hippie-like to talk about communication this way, but the essence is crucial. It is crucial in every single bit of social interaction, because it is the language of empathy and openness. The way we communicate can turn a critical situation into a constructive discussion – and the reverse. It is rather banal in theory, but actually practising it can be a challenge. I do not talk about this to get lost in platitudes and clichés, but because I believe that it is relevant for us in the work with the campaign both external and internal.  It can be key in the work of empowering ourselves to make change.