Peggy Smith, Nonviolent Communication

Peggy Smith is an elementary teacher by day and works to bring Nonviolent Communication to Maine by night. Peggy has led workshops around the state for over two decades in areas of elementary education and conflict resolution. She has been an active member of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing since 1994. She has taken over 35 days of NVC training with teachers that include Marshall Rosenberg and the Nonviolent Communications Trainers Institute.

What is Nonviolent Communication? NVC is a unique approach to communicating which guides us in transforming painful patterns of relating into new compassionate ways. It is founded on simple skills which enable people to connect with the needs in themselves and others in ways that inspire a compassionate response. NVC’s basic premise is that underlying all human actions are needs that people are seeking to meet, and that understanding and acknowledging these needs can lead to peace. Marshall Rosenberg, developed the NVC model during the 1960’s civil rights era, seeking to provide a means of healing based on empathy.