FOR COMMUNITIES WORKSHOPS

Communication Workshops for Groups Across Minneapolis–St. Paul

Do your conversations at home escalate when all you wanted was to connect? The Peaceful Pen helps adults become better listeners, and the same workshop works for senior centers, faith small groups, neighborhood groups, and families. You practice pausing before reacting, listening so the other person feels understood, and working through disagreements instead of around them. Along the way, people find personal development, a real sense of community, and a renewed commitment to peacemaking.

3 Ways In
Schedule a Session

Who it's for

  • Senior centers
  • Faith communities
  • Neighborhood groups
  • Parents and families
  • Community organizations

THE PEACEFUL PEN

How to be a better listener, together

Listening is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. The Peaceful Pen teaches reflective listening, the heart of active listening, in a safe, welcoming space where people learn alongside their neighbors. No writing experience needed, and sharing is always optional.

  • Practical skills. Tools you can use at home, at work, and in your community.
  • A real sense of community. Time to connect with people who care about the same things.
  • Skill cards to keep. A reminder of what you practiced for the next hard conversation.
  • One night or a series. Every session offers new tools, so you can join when it works for you.

What a session looks like

1

Learn one skill

30 minutes of practical teaching.

2

Journal with a pen

Short guided writing prompts that put the skill to work. Sharing is always optional.

3

Connect

Take time to talk, meet, and share announcements before heading home.

WAYS TO TAKE PART

Three ways to bring the Peaceful Pen to your community

Join a session on your own, bring one to your group, or have a local sponsor cover the cost. Choose the way that fits.

FREE • OPEN TO ANYONE

Join a public session

Open to anyone. Sessions meet at churches, libraries, and community spaces around the Twin Cities, and each date lists the cost.

Recent hosts include the Mediation Center and Corpus Christi Church in Roseville.

See upcoming sessions →

FREE • WE COME TO YOU

Bring it to your group

We come to you as a single workshop or a short series for any group that wants to listen and communicate better.

A program idea for your senior center. A social, hands-on activity that builds connection.

A small group idea for your church. Practical listening skills that fit faith and fellowship.

For neighborhood and parent groups. Shared tools for the conversations you're already having.

Plan a session for your group →

FREE TO YOUR GROUP

Get it sponsored

Some sessions are fully covered by a local business or donor, so your group can take part at no cost. Tell us about your group, and we'll let you know what's available.

Ask about a sponsored session →

BEFORE YOU SIGN UP

Common questions about the Peaceful Pen

  • The Peaceful Pen is built around three training blocks, each a 3-hour course:

    • Reflective Listening: listen so the other person feels heard and understood.

    • Managing and Expressing Emotions: pause before reacting, and say what you feel without escalating.

    • Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution: work through a disagreement instead of around it.

    Groups can choose one block or take all three as a series. Every block includes active listening exercises, short writing prompts (sharing is always optional), and skill cards to keep.

  • No. The writing prompts are short and simple, and nobody grades or critiques your writing. They're just a way to practice the skill.

  • Never. Sharing is always optional. Many people just listen, and that's part of the practice too.

  • No. It's skill-building in a supportive group, not counseling or therapy. If you're looking for mental health support, please contact a licensed professional.

  • Yes. We bring the Peaceful Pen to senior centers, faith communities, neighborhood groups, and community organizations across the Twin Cities, as a single session or a short series.

  • Nothing. The Peaceful Pen is free for every participant and every group. It does cost PeaceMaker Minnesota about $1,000 to bring it to a group, and donations from people like you keep it free for the next one. Help keep it free.

Bring the Peaceful Pen to your community

Tell us about your group, and we'll find a way for you to take part that fits.

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