CUltivating unity SERIES

1. Enhanced Dialogue

I have studied a number of different approaches for constructive dialogue over the last 40 years. The Cultivating Unity method... is by far the most helpful. 

        - Jewel Payne, Presbyterian Church Committee Leader

This has transformed the way I talk to clients and groups about their emotions.        - Licensed Clinical Social Worker

2. On Healing in Relationships

My son and I have barely spoken in the past two years after a couple of blow-ups. Using these skills really changed my approach to him, and we're talking again.        - Retiree

This has really improved my relationship with my spouse.       

        - Reflection after 4 years of marriage

3. Greater Experience Of Authentic Community And Belonging 

I feel like I got to know people better in the retreat, than I have in my own church.      - Retiree from Atlanta

Even though we live together, we all learned important things about each other’s story. It would be great if we could keep connecting in this way.  

        - Franciscan Sister 

4. Growth In Ministerial Abilities

The people I visit now feel more “heard” and “important.” 

        - Home Visitation Minister from Upstate NY 

My visits (with patients) are so much deeper and more healing now… I wish I would have had this formation when I first started this ministry 30 years ago! 

        - Dennis Williams, Baptist Minister 

5. Leadership Development

I normally have very strong opinions about strategic direction. We have another person on the board who is equally as passionate as I am, but she has a very different idea about where we should be going next. Normally, I would immediately jump in to identify the problems with her vision, but these skills helped me slow down, notice my reactions, and try to really hear her out. I was so pleased with the outcome.        - Nonprofit Board President 

I had a series of meetings with another pastor. We had very different views of what we wanted for the congregation…I came to dread these conversations. When I applied some of these Cultivating Unity stances, it opened something in me. I was able to really find the goodness in his point of view, and then when I shared mine in a more skillful way, I was surprised by how open he was to how my ideas could be represented going forward. A collaborative spirit emerged, and I felt so much more free.                          

         - Presbyterian Congregational Leader

6. Enhanced Intercultural Awareness/Competence

The most powerful part was when *** shared about his experience of feeling unwelcome and unincluded. I don’t think any of us had any idea of the impact of cracking a light joke about someone’s ethnic food could have. 

        - Member of a Growing Multicultural Congregation 

7. Greater Self Awareness And Self Knowledge

I came here to try to figure out what to do with my brother. Now I realize that the issue is really mostly in me. Not a pleasant feeling, but eye-opening. 

         - Pentecostal Retreatant from Atlanta 

Your contribution helps us share this retreat opportunity with others; thank you for propelling this movement forward!