Young communicator

Meagan Fischer, 22, attended a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) workshop when she was just 16. “It just made perfect sense to me,” she said, referring to a communication style often serving as a conflict-resolution process. She joined an NVC study group, and now she’s working toward becoming a certified NVC trainer. A member of NorCal NVC, she will host a tele-summit session for Bay NVC (baynvc.org) on Nov. 27, and “It’s not too late join.” Go to www.meaganmalachite.com and norcalnvc.org for more info.

What is NVC?

It’s a set of principles and a consciousness, based on the work of Marshall B. Rosenberg—a process that just really reframes the way we think about the world, and it connects us to a deeper truth that is transcendent of “right and wrong” thinking, which can help us not only solve external conflicts, but also internal conflicts. Just using the process stimulates personal and spiritual growth because it encourages deep introspection.

What has been your experience?

First, it set me free to accept myself. Before NVC, I didn’t really honor my own emotions. Next, it helped me see everyone’s innocence and inspired me to get more creative about conflicts. Sometimes conflicts are just a matter of misunderstandings or a lack of creativity. NVC addresses that. It’s given me a much deeper sense of support with people in my NVC community, and I’m able to support others with things like mediation and self-connection.

What do you do locally with NVC?

I’m on the steering committee and teaching team for NorCal NVC. I teach classes and workshops [and] am available for one-on-one support. We do free intros. The next one is on Nov. 25 at the Butte County Library in Chico at 6:30 p.m.

Why did you want to become a certified trainer?

I wanted to teach NVC from the moment I started to learn it. When I was in my first group, I started mediating with friends right away. I had a lot of successful mediations.

What’s your vision?

Starting next month, I’m joining the Living Light Studio, a collective of women who all work privately. I will offer private support sessions, mediation and NVC classes. NorCal NVC is continuing to offer more classes and workshops (the next eight-week class starts Dec. 7).