Page 32 - 2024-01

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

interpersonal level, if two people cannot find a way conflict resolution can help end disputes between
to solve their arguments in an amicable manner, different parties. Finding a way to teach better forms
the arguments can continue indefinitely. Conflict of debate helps people learn how to better delineate
resolution therefore seems to be the next logical step their points of view while allowing them to research
in creating parity between individuals and groups. both sides of an argument. Conflict resolution can
By focusing not only on the arguments between take these points further by creating an environment
different parties but also creating an environment that allows people to ask questions, brainstorm
that encourages brainstorming and thinking outside
the box, the chances for each party to negotiate
successfully become much greater.
Finally, conflict resolution is a long-overdue topic
that needs to be addressed, not just in our club but
in real life as well. As we’ve recovered from the worst
of the pandemic, it’s fascinating to watch how people
navigate various conflicts after having been isolated
for over a year. Especially for children, it’s been a
struggle to return to the classroom after having
been effectively home-schooled for an extended
period. Much of the skills that would have been
learned from social interaction have been either lost
or delayed. This isn’t just limited to the children,
naturally. Many adults who work from home now solutions, and in the process create a better sense of
find it harder to go back into the office. Not only has empathy between both parties. My hope is that our
it become easier for them to maintain a schedule club can embrace both objectives in a meaningful
that helps to maintain a greater work/life balance way to provide a greater service to our community
while remaining at home, going back into the office at large.
requires re-learning how to interact with people Virtual Virtuosos is a club that is being chartered
after an enforced absence. Not only have debates by David Freedman (the author of this column) and
flared up about how best to utilize these employees Brinn Hemmingson. Our club is entirely online and
in newer hybrid or remote situations, but learning meets every first and third Wednesday of the month
how to manage these conflicts and create stronger from 6:45-8:30 p.m. Our primary goal is to create a
resolutions on how to manage time and resources safe and civil environment to discuss different points
has become even more imperative when navigating of view on various topics and support different
our post-pandemic economy. Conflict resolution methods of conflict resolution that can help our
therefore needs to be a skill taught at all levels for members grow both as public speakers and business
people to better learn empathy and resilience while professionals. You may contact me at ideaguy3000@
at the same time reinforcing social skills that may gmail.com for more information about Virtual
need to be relearned. Virtuosos. We look forward to hearing from you and
I believe that debate topics and conflict resolution go hope you’ll help us charter our club soon.
hand-in-hand as two halves of the same coin. While
debates can identify the disagreements at hand,

28 ONE COMMUNITY