Tools and Materials Developed Through the Project
Project Resources
This section brings together the main materials developed through the project. The resources are designed to help youth workers strengthen communication, empathy, trust-building, and constructive dialogue in everyday youth work practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short, practical answers to the questions youth workers most often ask when they first encounter Non-Violent Communication.
NVC is a communication approach developed by Marshall Rosenberg. It helps us connect with others by focusing on observations, feelings, needs, and requests — rather than judgments, evaluations, or demands.
"Violence" in NVC refers to communication that disconnects us — blame, criticism, demands, comparisons, labels. NVC aims to replace these with honest, empathic expression.
NVC teaches us to first manage our own emotional state, identify our own feelings and unmet needs, and then attend to those of the young person. Regular practice builds this capacity.
A feeling is an internal emotional state (e.g. frustrated, sad, anxious). A judgment is an evaluation of someone's behaviour (e.g. "you're being disrespectful"). NVC focuses on the former.
A request is open to "no" — the other person has a genuine choice. A demand implies consequences if refused. NVC works with requests to foster genuine cooperation.
No. NVC asks us to understand others' perspectives and needs, not to agree with every behaviour. Clear disagreement can still be expressed with empathy.
Yes. NVC is also about how you listen and hold space. Even silent presence, without judgment or pressure, can communicate safety and care.
NVC is a practice, not a magic formula. It requires time and repetition. When it doesn't work immediately, it's often useful to return to listening to your own needs first.
NVC offers mediation techniques where you help each person be heard by the other — focusing on feelings and needs rather than positions and blame.
Absolutely. Group NVC builds shared language around feelings and needs, making it easier for everyone to participate in difficult conversations constructively.
Want to bring NVC into your work?
The NVC Handbook for Youth Workers and our video materials are free, open-access resources you can start using today. If you have questions, want to share how you're using NVC in your practice, or would like to invite us to speak with your team, get in touch.
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