Dealing with the complexity of community: embedding conflict management skills in local UK communities

Founded in Bristol, SW England in 2001, Community Resolve worked to strengthen community relationships and build connections across city networks and hierarchies. A skilled and locally-rooted workforce delivered in diverse teams across the city to unpick local conflicts, skill up workers and residents of all ages, and to challenge fear and apathy. By the time the organization closed its Bristol operations in 2013, it had worked with thousands of adults and young people via training, workshops, whole-street conflict interventions, 1-1 mentoring, street-based teams, intergenerational pilots and much much more.

This presentation will explore the findings from a qualitative study into the impact of our work over a 10 year period, from 2003-2013. This research - commissioned at the point of closure of the CR’s Bristol office, and the dispersal of 28 paid workers and more volunteers - collected the stories and experiences of CR workers, stakeholders and participants who were engaged with over a 10-year period. In particular, we wanted to collect the wisdom and insights of those that knew the organization from a range of perspectives – local people we worked with, workers, volunteers, commissioners, funders and others - to identify key themes of approach and impact which might be useful for others across the UK.

As well as presenting these themes, the presentation will make clear the links between international conflict transformation theory and practice and our work on the ground in Bristol. Key ideas picked up and developed at a citywide level included insider partials (Lederach); cultural fluency (Michele LeBaron); peacebuilding v peacekeeping (Diana Francis); and systemic approaches to conflict transformation (Veronique Dudouet/Berghof Foundation).

The interactive session will encourage critiques, debate and pooled thinking...