In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa engages in a captivating conversation with Ruth Allington, a former president of the Geological Society and an expert in mediation within the context of geological consultancy. Ruth shares her journey from a passionate student of physical geography to a seasoned geologist who has navigated complex conflicts between developers and local communities. The discussion highlights her experiences in mediation, particularly how she learned to listen empathetically and facilitate dialogue among parties with opposing views. Ruth reflects on her transformative career, the importance of community engagement in planning processes, and her involvement in initiatives like Responsible Raw Materials. As she balances her professional pursuits with personal interests, including singing and printmaking, Ruth's story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of effective communication and collaboration in resolving conflicts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. 
   

   Importance of Listening: Active listening is crucial in conflict resolution. By giving attention and empathy to those involved, it helps to de-escalate tensions and fosters a more open dialogue.

   
   


2. 
   

   Mediation as a Transformative Process: Mediation can significantly change the dynamics of conflict, allowing parties to express their concerns and work towards a resolution collaboratively, rather than through adversarial means.

   
   


3. 
   

   Building Trust with Communities: Engaging with the public and addressing their fears and concerns is essential, especially in projects that may impact their lives. Establishing trust can lead to more productive discussions and outcomes.

   
   


4. 
   

   Collaboration Across Disciplines: The integration of mediation skills with technical expertise in geology and planning can enhance the effectiveness of projects, ensuring that both community needs and technical requirements are met.

   
   


5. 
   

   Personal Growth Through Conflict Engagement: Embracing conflict and learning to navigate it can lead to personal and professional development, transforming individuals from conflict-averse to confident facilitators of dialogue and resolution.

   
   

SOCIAL LINKS

www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org

www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk

www.workplacehuddle.com

HOST BIO

Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).  

Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/