Compassionate communication, based on Marshall B. Rosenberg’s work,Non-Violent Communication: a Language of Life, is a core philosophy of the Odyssey Program. We strive to incorporate Compassionate Communication in all arenas of the Odyssey Community, from the boardroom, to the classroom, to our adult/family programs. We ask the adult member of the community to read this book and to take advantage of the compassionate communication classes that will be offered here this academic year. As Odyssey students will be taught in the language of compassionate communication and will be taught how to use it, the benefits of sharing this language in both the home and the Odyssey community are immeasurable. Consistency in the use of compassionate communication provides reinforcement and emotional safety.In a nutshell, compassionate communication is about the pursuit of kindness, understanding, and the freedom from patterns of violence. It helps us to transform judgment and criticism into understanding and connection and helps us to break patterns of thinking that lead to angry conflict. In the practice of compassionate communication we are better equipped to develop relationships based on respect and cooperation. While none of us have mastered the ideals of compassionate communication, we strive to exhibit our willingness to participate in life-long learning for the benefit of our children and greater community.

Communication between families and the school requires collaboration. A working partnership with active involvement and frequent communication demonstrates our shared commitment to your child and to the schoolcommunity. Direct communication, based in a positive, constructive dialogue between individuals, is vital. If you have a question or concern,please discuss it with the teachers first before repeating it to others. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, seek help from the ED or AD. Adults, as
well as children, need to communicate directly, to express their feelings and listen to those of others. Please help us model productive communication strategies for our students.Some guidelines may be helpful, and we propose that we all think about the integrity of our communications regarding school community members by adhering to the following agreement:

COMMUNICATION AGREEMENT

by Carolyn R. Shaffer and Kristin Anundsen

Take responsibility for your own feelings. Do not expect others to read your mind. Use “I statements” and refrain from blaming others.

Communicate directly with the person or persons involved in an issue. Do not work through go-betweens or serve as a go-between for others. If someone asks you for information about an issue in which you are not directly involved, direct him or her to the proper source.

Do not speak critically about others behind their backs unless you voice the same criticisms to their faces. To avoid unhelpful speculation, give specific names when you make a critical comment in a meeting.

State your position or concern before asking how others feel about it. Do not set someone up to give a “wrong” answer. Be courageous and put yourself on the spot first.

Practice active listening. Listen silently and with your whole self until the speaker has finished speaking. Then restate what the speaker has said and wait for confirmation.

Provide continual feedback. Do not allow resentments to build up, and do not forget to give positive strokes.

Respect and validate others’ feelings. If you do not agree or do not support another’s statement, acknowledge what has been said, then make your point.

Use humor softly, not sharply.

It is our goal as a school for all members of the Community to
communicate compassionately with one another, and we encourage
individuals to follow the schools’ communication agreement.