NEGOTIATION WORKS

Washington, District of Columbia, 20016 United States

Mission Statement

Negotiation Works provides negotiation and self-advocacy training for people who are emerging from difficult and often traumatic situations–such as incarceration, homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence–so they develop the skills to navigate everyday challenges and live the next chapters in their lives confidently and productively.

About This Cause

Negotiation Works provides negotiation and self-advocacy training courses for people who are emerging from difficult and often traumatic situations—incarceration, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence—so they gain the skills to navigate everyday challenges and live the next chapters in their lives confidently and productively. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ‘NEGOTIATION’? Not business suits and boardrooms—we mean self-advocacy to manage daily situations, resolve conflicts, and develop solutions so that our class participants can gain the outcomes they deserve and the confidence to handle whatever comes their way. Tailored to marginalized communities who are working to establish a new direction for their lives, our course takes into account the racism and unequal footing that too many of our participants and their communities have endured for generations. Rather than starting difficult conversations from a perceived position of weakness—which too often can lead to ‘flight-or-fight responses,’ our students learn to listen, assert, and make the case for what is needed to continue to live productive and happy lives. OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAM Our courses deliver skills and strategies to participants so they can capably and comfortably handle a wide array of everyday challenges with employers, landlords, colleagues, family, teachers, businesses, and more. The goal of each day and each course is to provide the tools for our participants to become strong communicators and self-advocates for themselves and their families. Role-playing, group activities, and games enable our participants to learn and practice skills over multiple weeks. Programs range from four to eight weeks depending on the preferences and structure of our community partners. Our trained volunteer teachers bring knowledge, compassion, enthusiasm, and creativity to the classroom and customize the course to the needs and challenges of each participant group. At the end of the course, students receive a Certificate of Completion, a set of strategies they have created with their classmates, and reference materials to keep. In addition, many students join our Ambassadors program for alumni to stay connected, share tips and lessons learned, and take advantage of periodic refresher classes. COMMUNITY PARTNERS We deliver the courses through community organization partners, customizing each course to ensure that the program content meets the needs of each organization’s clients and equips the participants with skills to better self-advocate and navigate challenges they face on a daily basis. RESULTS Regular monitoring and data analysis are key to ensuring our courses target our participants’ needs and deliver actionable and memorable strategies for their use. In-course surveying ensures we’re on target during the sessions and identifies areas for review and discussion. After-the-course surveys help us track impact over time. Nearly 90% of our participants state they will use the lessons from the course to handle everyday problems they face, and 84% say they have achieved positive results from the course. ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS Along with the signature course, Negotiation Works offers: Ambassador Program that unites course alumni to share lessons learned and new tips and to engage in formal refresher courses Professional development programs on negotiation skills for nonprofit staff A self-guided four-part video series for community groups, correctional institutions, nonprofits, and others Train-the-trainer courses for partner organizations “How to Negotiate” guides in English and Spanish Standalone negotiation strategies workshops

NEGOTIATION WORKS
Po Box 9763
Washington, District of Columbia 20016
United States
Phone 2022462212
Unique Identifier 832595231