Effective Conflict Management:

Strengthening Community in Community Gardens

Supported by:

Session Overview

• Types of conflict• Strategies for resolving conflict• Conflict scenarios• Prioritization exercise

Definition of ConflictAs a verb – to fight or contend; do battle

As a noun –

1. a fight, battle, or struggle, especially a prolonged struggle; strife.

2. controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties.

3. discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism or opposition, as of interests or principles: a conflict of ideas.

Expressions of Conflict

• Discomfort• Incidents• Misunderstanding• Tension• Crisis

Garden Conflicts• Gardeners

– Boundary issues and garden layout– Maintenance and distribution of shared tasks– Dues and use of group funds

• Land Owners– Length of commitment or land use– Access and water– Damages, fees and fines

• Neighbors– Sprawling plants– Aesthetics and maintenance – Land use and location

Methods to End Conflict

• Avoidance• Resolution• Campaign

Avoidance

• Establish Roles and Rules• Communicate• Agree Upon Procedures • Choose Your Battles

Resolution

• Meet face to face• Look for win-win solutions• Engage a neutral third party

Campaign

• Engage community leaders and elected officials

• Invite media to tell your story • Disband group or move garden

Positive Results of Conflict

• Help define issues• Introduce new perspectives• Make group consider a wide range of

options• Energize Creativity• Educate• Keep groups alert to members’ interest

Brainstorm

How have you responded to conflicts in your garden?

Breakout Discussion Scenarios

• Green Growers vs. the Miltons • Sunshine Kids vs. Rexco• Penelope vs. Sumerset Garden Club

Breakout Questions

Rules and Consensus Building

• Gardener Rules• Landowner Rules• Decision Making

Dot Exercise

Who

When

Where

Why

What

Wrap Up

• Embrace Conflict• Don’t Take it Personal• Enjoy Your Garden

Questions

Contact

Ayanna WilliamsDirector of Community Building404.723.3116ayanna@parkpride.org

Amanda MartinProgram Manager404.546.7981amanda@parkpride.org

Enjoy Your Garden!