The Aloha Spirit & How to Have Difficult Conversations

In honor of International Conflict Resolution Day, the public is invited to this free, in-person workshop.

A reception with pupu begins at 4:30 p.m. Campus parking is free after 4 p.m.

The evening begins with a talk-story on “The Four-Way Test” with Rotarian Alan Okinaka

“Nowadays, there is so much in the news and on social media concerning polarization and the lack of civil conversations,” says Dr. Hittner, “but that doesn't mean we are powerless against this divisive trend.”

In this interactive workshop, we will explore how to converse with others who hold differing viewpoints, while embodying the spirit of aloha, in order to retain our relationships and still speak our truth. These techniques are useful for both personal and professional conversations.

Jo Hittner, Ph.D., worked in the counseling/psychology field for over 40 years. She holds a doctorate in counseling from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. Prior to retirement she was a professor in Counseling Education at Winona State University, Minnesota. Currently, Dr. Hittner is a professionally-trained volunteer mediator at Ku'ikahi Mediation Center. Communication that enhances relationships is critical to her belief in making the world a more peaceful place.

This event is the tenth in the "Kakou: Let's Work It Out!" workshop series, co-hosted by the County of Hawai'i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Ku'ikahi Mediation Center, Rotary Club of Hilo, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, Rotary Club of South Hilo, Rotary Club of Volcano, and UH-Hilo International Student Services & Intercultural Education Office.

Host or Publisher Ku'ikahi Mediation Center