Segment 1: Donna Hicks – Here Biography and Journey
On this edition of the Doug Noll Show, we have with us Dr. Donna Hicks.. Dr. Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University. Dr. Hicks was Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR) at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University for nine years.
She worked extensively on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and as a member of the third party in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts. In addition to her work in the Middle East, Dr. Hicks founded and co-directed a ten-year project in Sri Lanka, which brought the Tamil, Sinhalese and Muslim communities together for dialogue. She has been actively involved with the conflict in Colombia, where she was invited to give workshops and lectures in conflict resolution. For several years, she was involved in a project designed to improve relations between the US and Cuba. Dr. Hicks was a consultant to the British Broadcasting Company where she co-facilitated encounters between victims and perpetrators of the Northern Ireland conflict with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The encounters were made into 3 television programs that were aired throughout the United Kingdom and on BBC World.
Dr. Hicks has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia Universities and conducts trainings and educational seminars in the US and abroad on the role dignity plays in healing and reconciling relationships in conflict. She consults to corporations, schools, churches, and non-governmental organization. She is the author of the book, Dignity: The Essential Role it Plays in Resolving Conflict, published in 2011 by Yale University Press.
As long as she can remember being a small child being raised in a small town in upstate New York. She always wanted to do International work and explore and see more than this wonderful small town but knew there were bigger horizons. As she matured and statrted to see how she wanted to do this, a path opened for her. A world has opened that she would lead her to where she is today. Listen to this segment when Doug and Donna discuss her work on her post doctorate which lead her to the Dignity belief.
Segment 2: Heart of the Matter
Discussions being driven by high levels of emotion yet not they are not talked about is commonly present in conflict. This is something that is evident in negotiations. Dr. Hicks believes there is a lot of emotional turmoil under current situations that drives the negotiation. No one wants to talk about the emotional reaction to the conflict. Dr. Hicks was able to get dialogue by the involved parties and talked to them how and what dignity is and why it is important by having them tell a story about the conflict. It opened everyone up. They had stories that were passed down from their ancestors. Got to the heart of the matter. She was able to give them the language. This can fit in any conflict situation, not just international.
Listen to this fascinating segment to hear more on the definition of dignity.
Segment 3: Evolutionary Psychology
In this segment, we speak with Donna about culture and evolutionary psychology. Is dignity influenced by culture? This question is often asked. However, the stories that people tell, there are similarities. The only difference is how it is handled.
Evolutionary psychology looks at us at a level as human species. This is the unit of analysis that if focused on and dignity is what every human has. This is the core of dignity.
An insight and misconception is our dignity is in the hands of other people. Dr. hicks learned something from Nelson Mandela. He tells the story that when he went into prison, the first thing he had to do is figure out what to do with the guards. He and his fellow prisoners had to figure it out. The first day, he figured it out. They were trying to strip them of their dignity. Mandela was relieved because no one has charge of his dignity but him. It’s in his hands only.
Segment 4: Dignity is your birthright
Dignity cannot be taken away. It can be wounded but no one can take this away. When people realize this, then they are more resilient.
Some of the elements of Dignity:
Identity excepted
Recognition of our unique qualities
Acknowledgment
Belonging and inclusion
Safety
Treated in a fair way
Being given the benefit of the doubt
Need to be understood
We want an apology
In this segment, Donna addresses more in depth the elements of Dignity and why they are so important in conflict resolution.
You can find out more about Donna Hicks by clicking drdonnahicks.com
To listen to this wonderful interview, please click http://wsradio.com/011515-role-dignity-reconciling-relationships/