Training and Capacity-Building

Person in front of a classroom

How does OCDR support organizations using training and capacity-building?

The Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution builds organizational capacity to manage conflict through training and customized workshops. We work with public sector organizations including state agencies, boards and commissions, local governments, and Tribal governments to help participants develop conflict resolution and conflict management skills. OCDR also partners with organizations to assess and design systems and processes that build internal capacity to manage conflict. Since 2023, 95% or more of OCDR's training participants are satisfied with our training and would recommend them to others.

Interested in an OCDR training? Fill out our training request form.

Trainings

  • Skills for Transforming Conflict - 90 minute to 3.5 hour training

    Dealing with conflict constructively is an essential skill in today’s world. Avoidance and compromise aren’t the only options. This training includes a mix of presentations, small-group activities, and reflection focused on: 1) understanding conflict - what it is, why we need it, and how to work with it; 2) developing problem-solving mindset; 3) differentiating between positions and interests; 4) communicating for understanding; 5) managing our emotions; and 6) setting effective boundaries. (Find downloadable, training-related handouts in our Problem-Solving Toolkit.)

  • Collaborative Problem Solving Workshop - full-day training

    When stakes are high and groups are not aligned, it can be hard to find a way forward. Collaborative problem-solving (CPS) is a structured process that helps parties build common ground and consensus on tough issues. This workshop will be a mix of presentation, small-group activities, and reflection focused on: 1) fundamentals of CPS; 2) designing collaborative processes; 3) a toolkit of approaches and strategies that you can mix and match for different scenarios.

  • Leading Well in Complex Times - 60 - 90 minute presentation and facilitated discussion

    Compared to five or ten years ago, people serving in state and local government roles are facing new challenges. The pace of change can leave them feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and filled with new questions and concerns. In this presentation, OCDR: 1) presents data on trust in government, political polarization, stress levels in the population, and positive shifts toward bridging and belonging; and 2) offers space for participants to share experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for working in this complex environment.

  • Public engagement and other customized trainings

Capacity-Building

OCDR works with public entities to build organizational capacity to prevent and resolve conflict. OCDR provides:

  • conflict coaching for leaders;
  • train-the-trainer programming; and
  • organizational conflict management assessment and design.

Partners

OCDR has worked with many organizations to deliver training and capacity-building services. Current and past organizational partners have included:

  • Minnesota state agencies (Department of Revenue, Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control, Management and Budget, MNIT and others
  • MN Board of Water and Soil Resources and other Boards and Commissions
  • Association of Minnesota Counties
  • League of Minnesota Cities
  • Cities of Edina, Plymouth, Shorewood, St. Francis, and others
  • MN Mayors Association
  • Sourcewell (local unit of government)
  • and many other public sector entities