A six-week Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practice series will be offered this spring at First Baptist Church of McMinnville, providing community members with practical tools for transforming relationships through compassionate communication. The series runs on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM (with one Tuesday session) on the following dates:

Monday, April 27, 2026
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Monday, May 11, 2026
Monday, May 18, 2026
Monday, May 25, 2026
Monday, June 1, 2026

Each 90-minute session includes 40 minutes of topical teaching on themes such as “NVC with Family,” “Working with Anger,” “Self-Empathy,” and “Navigating Conflict,” a 5-minute break, followed by 45 minutes of small group empathy practice where participants work with real-life situations.

Nonviolent Communication, developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s, is now practiced in over 65 countries and used by educators, mediators, health care providers, lawyers, military officers, prison staff and inmates, and families worldwide. Organizations including the United Nations, various peace programs in conflict zones, and numerous schools and corporations have adopted NVC principles to foster understanding and resolve conflicts peacefully. Nonviolent Communication is a communication process that helps people  build trust and resolve conflicts peacefully by focusing on observations, feelings, needs, and requests. 

The series will be facilitated by Tad Beckwith, who trained directly with Marshall Rosenberg, creator of Nonviolent Communication. Tad has participated in or led practice groups over five years in Tucson, AZ, Portland, OR and McMinnville under the mentorship of Fred Sly, former owner of Rose City NVC. As a former elementary school teacher, biker for peace, member of a worker managed sustainability business for 11 years, husband of one, and dad of two, Tad has lots of chances to practice his communication skills and finds his nonviolent communication habits some of his most well-worn, valuable tools for thriving in these roles.

The series is designed to accommodate both those new to NVC and those wanting to deepen their practice.  “This format gives people both the learning and the ongoing practice community that deepens NVC skills,” says Tad.

Participants may attend the teaching section, the practice section, or both.

Participants will finish the class with:

• Practical skills to de-escalate conflicts in family, workplace, and community settings
• Tools to express themselves honestly while maintaining connection
• Greater ability to listen with empathy, even in difficult conversations
• Concrete strategies for transforming anger and reactivity
• A supportive community for ongoing practice
• Increased self-awareness and emotional clarity

TESTIMONIALS:

“I have attended Tad’s NVC practice groups and found them life-enriching. I was surprised and thrilled that, in a short time, using NVC helped deepen my relationships with others and myself.”
-Virna D.

“Working with Tad on NVC helped me to slow down in emotionally reactive moments. I found myself paying closer attention to my words, my emotions, my intentions. It was hard work, yet so valuable!”
-Stewart S.

“Dear Friend,
What are your two highest needs? Here is my guess because they are two big ones for me: love (giving and receiving) & being seen.
What if I told you that there is a method that can help you meet these two needs and ALSO help you meet the needs of people around you? Yep, it turns out that Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a win-win. It is a gift you can give yourself, your loved ones and your community. It even helps you understand and communicate with people with whom you disagree. In a world with strong divisions and a crisis of loneliness, we can all use more community and connection. What a gift!
Tad Beckwith is a knowledgeable guide and practitioner of Nonviolent Communication. He skillfully uses the book written by the psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg to help you understand the process. The group then practices using the steps in NVC to understand the situations, understand ourselves, other people and with this understanding comes potential paths forward.
I am annoyed with how frequently I slip up. I also appreciate the gentle guidance from Tad that brings me back to the NVC method. When I use NVC, it shines a light on the actual words and actions and this allows me to see “my story” as separate from the situation. I know my understanding and communication improve every time I use NVC. Practicing with friends is a safe way to “try out” requests and helps keep this tool in the front of my mind.
I have participated in two NVC groups with Tad and highly recommend him. His amazing kindness and empathy guide his facilitation. We model kindness and empathy for each other. It has been a safe place for me to be vulnerable, and I have seen others exhibit great courage and vulnerability in Tad’s NVC groups.”
-Lara O.

Details:

What: 6-Week NVC Practice Series
When:  6:30-8:00 PM (April 27; May 5, 11, 18, 25; June 1)
Where: First Baptist Church of McMinnville, 125 SE Cowls Street
Investment: Prepay $70-100 sliding scale for all 6 weeks, or $15 drop-in per session.

Click here to pay. Click “Give Online,” then choose “Nonviolent Communication” from the drop-down menu of funds. Or bring cash or a check to the church, labeled NVC (Bernie Turner SAF).
Registration: Limited to 21 participants. Register below.

Send questions to Tad Beckwith at tadboy@gmail.com.