From August 9th to 11th, LCC’s Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation hosted the first module of the Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC) training: “Navigating Conflict and Change”. This impactful event brought together participants from local non-governmental organizations, partner educational institutions, and LCC International University students, all of whom were deeply engaged in the process.

The workshop was facilitated by Naomi Enns, Director of the Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation and instructor in Conflict and Transformation Studies, Giedrė Norman, Conflict and Transformation Studies professor at LCC International University, and Colin Craig, DPC Global coach and co-director from Northern Ireland. Their collective expertise guided participants through a comprehensive training aimed at equipping them with the skills to navigate conflict and change effectively.

Partnering with DPC Global, the Center is proud to deliver this vital training to Lithuanian NGOs, as well as to LCC students, faculty, and staff. The DPC training program emphasizes building a wide range of competencies, including understanding conflict dynamics, addressing resistance to change, creating pathways out of conflict, handling difficult conversations, mediative communication,  managing stress, fostering organizational development, and understanding the biological aspects of conflict.

One of the unique aspects of the training is the diverse group of participants, who come from various professional, cultural and community backgrounds. This particular cohort included LCC psychology students from Mozambique and Jordan, Educational instructors from Lithuania, a  Finland Peace Researcher along with NGO workers from the Lithuanian Red Cross to VšĮ Prirašytos Rankos  (an organization working with Lithuanian prison population). This diversity enriches the learning experience, as attendees exchange insights, share personal stories, and collectively reflect on their experiences.

Reflecting on her time at the training, one participant shared, "I loved how the lecturers made sure we understood everything all the time, asking questions, making discussions—it really helped to remember the information even after the workshop. I could tell you everything I know about the iceberg module, even after a few days!"

Another participant highlighted how they plan to apply the models learned during the training: "Inside the organization I work at, solving the inner conflicts between organization members, while also trying to understand the larger conflicts happening in the country or the world."