On Saturday I attended a Peacekeeper training at the nonpartisan Election Protection summit, held on the Columbus State campus.  Peacekeepers are present at Boards Of Elections for early voting, and throughout Election Day to ensure people can vote without harassment or obstacles.  This has become a regular practice for me. 

Trainings emphasize deescalation skills.  The acronym CLARA is a helpful five step process for this.  These are good skills for any situation and fit well with our current theme of courageous peace witness.  Here are some notes:

C – Calm and Center

The place to start with conflict deescalation is with oneself.  A couple deep breaths help regulate the nervous system.  A check-in with one’s thoughts helps clear the mind.  A prayer for wisdom opens one up to the Spirit’s presence.

L – Listen

Listening before problem-solving is pretty good advice for any relationship.  When people say things, what is the sub-text underneath their words?  Are they afraid?  Do they feel disrespected? What is the underlying need that isn’t being met in the situation?

A – Acknowledge and Affirm

The first words one offers are words of connection.  Whatever need or feeling or desire for fairness one heard being expressed can be affirmed.  “I understand why you feel….”  If someone is being bullied, addressing them rather than the bully can affirm their dignity and elevate their agency.

R – Respond

This is where we’re tempted to start.  But in almost all situations the first three will make this step much more effective.  Maintaining a nonanxious presence – the emotional response we give – is just as key as offering the right words.  It’s OK to agree, disagree, or say you don’t know, if done respectfully.  It can be appropriate to be directive or name rules/laws that apply. 

A – Add

Sometimes giving additional information or resources can be helpful.  Asking for outside help oneself might also be necessary.  This is where Peacekeepers call the Election Protection hotline!

These steps make sense but the only way to build the skills is through role playing and doing it, learning as one goes and reflecting on what one learned.

If you’re interested in Poll Monitor training or Peacekeeper training for this election, follow those links.  And if you’re trying to implement these in your daily life, take a deep breath, and see what you learn through CLARA and other techniques. 

Joel