The Path of Communication

Level 1: Self to Self

Level 2: Within Youth Movements

Level 3: In Advocacy Work

Level 4: In Everyday Life

Core Framework

1. Observation Without Judgment

The art of seeing clearly

In Youth Advocacy:

Observations

"I notice our last three events had lower youth turnout than expected."
Instead of: "Our events are failing because no one cares."

In Social Movements:

"The policy draft doesn't include specific youth mental health provisions."
Instead of: "They're ignoring youth voices again."

In Daily Life:

"You've missed our last two planned meetups without judgment

• Describe what you observe without attaching judgment or blame.
• Example:message."
  Instead of saying,of: "You're alwayssuch late,an unreliable friend."
  try,

2. Feelings Without Attribution

The practice of honest expression

In Youth Advocacy:

"I noticedfeel thatworried youabout arrivedour 15community minutesengagement aftergoals."
theInstead agreed-uponof: time."You're not doing

Expressingenough feelingsoutreach."

1. Identify

   In andSocial expressMovements:

   your

   emotions

   "I withoutfeel criticizingfrustrated orwhen holdingyouth othersvoices responsibleare missing from these discussions."
   Instead of: "Adults never listen to young people."

   In Daily Life:

   "I feel lonely when we don't connect regularly."
   Instead of: "You never make time for them.

me."
2. Example:

   3. Needs Without Demands

   The foundation of connection

   In Youth Advocacy:

   "When you arrived late, I feltneed frustrated and concernedclarity about the impact on our project timeline.timeline to coordinate effectively."


Instead of:
3. Identifying"You needsneed
   to
   • Recognizebe themore underlyingorganized."
     needs that

     In driveSocial yourMovements:

     feelings

     "We need transparent processes to ensure youth participation."
     Instead of: "Your system is broken and thoseexclusionary."

     of

     others.

   In

   • Example:Daily Life:

     "I need reassuranceoccasional thatquiet ourtime projectto willrecharge."
     Instead of: "You're too demanding of my time."

     4. Requests Without Commands

     The bridge to action

     In Youth Advocacy:

     "Would you be completedwilling to co-create an outreach strategy with me?"
     Instead of: "Start doing more outreach."

     In Social Movements:

     "Could we establish regular youth feedback sessions?"
     Instead of: "You must include youth in your process."

     In Daily Life:

     "Would you be open to setting up a weekly check-in?"
     Instead of: "Text me more often."

     Practical Applications Across Contexts

     In Youth Organizations

     1. Internal Communication
        - Clear role expectations
        - Regular feedback loops
        - Supportive accountability
     
     2. Community Building
        - Inclusive language
        - Cultural sensitivity
        - Space for all voices
     
     3. Conflict Resolution
        - Focus on timeshared goals
        - Acknowledge all perspectives
        - Seek collaborative solutions
     

     In Advocacy Work

     1. Stakeholder Engagement
        - Respect for experience
        - Clear articulation of needs
        - Collaborative approach
     
     2. Policy Discussions
        - Data-driven observations
        - Impact-focused language
        - Actionable proposals
     
     3. Coalition Building
        - Shared values emphasis
        - Bridge-building language
        - Unity in diversity
     

     In Personal Life

     1. Family Relationships
        - Emotional honesty
        - Boundary respect
        - Growth mindset
     
     2. Friendships
        - Active listening
        - Authentic expression
        - Mutual support
     
     3. Professional Settings
        - Clear communication
        - Constructive feedback
        - Solution focus
     

     Common Challenges and thatResponses

     everyone's

     1. contributionsPower areDynamics

     valued."

   Challenge:

   Communicating
with
4. Makingauthority clear, specific requests
   • Ask for concrete actions that can help meet your needs, without demandingfigures or threatening.
   institutions
   
   • Example: "In the future, could you please let me know if you're running late or need assistance with your tasks?"

Practicing NVC within the FYP community:

1. When providing feedback to fellow committee members or event participants, focus on specific observations and the impact of their actions, rather than making judgments about their character.
2. If tensions arise during event planning or discussions, take a moment to check in with your own feelings and needs, and encourage others to do the same. This can help create a space for more understanding and collaboration.
3. When making decisions as a group, ensure that everyone has an opportunity to express their needs and perspectives. Seek solutions that take everyone's needs into account, rather than resorting to majority rule or top-down decision-making.
4. If you find yourself in disagreement with someone, try to identify the underlying needs behind their perspective. By showing empathy and understanding, you can often find common ground and work towards mutually satisfying outcomes.
5. When communicating with event partners, sponsors, or external stakeholders, use NVC principles to build trust and foster long-term relationships.Response: Focus on shared goals and howmutual youbenefits canwhile supportmaintaining eachauthenticity
   other's

   2. needs,Emotional ratherIntensity

   than

   Challenge: makingManaging demandsstrong orfeelings engagingduring important discussions
   Response: Practice pause and reflection, use feeling words precisely

   3. Cultural Differences

   Challenge: Navigating diverse communication styles
   Response: Lead with curiosity and cultural humility

   Remember

   • Start with self-compassion
   • Practice makes progress
   • Every interaction is an opportunity
   • Connection before correction

   Implementation Steps

   For Beginners

   1. Start with self-observation
   2. Practice one component at a time
   3. Begin in powerlow-stakes struggles.situations
   4. Seek feedback from trusted friends

   For Advocates

   1. Model in movement spaces
   2. Create supportive practice environments
   3. Integrate into organizational culture
   4. Build training capacity

   For Daily Life

   1. Choose one relationship to practice
   2. Share your learning journey
   3. Celebrate small successes
   4. Build supportive habits

   Transformation Process

   Individual Practice
   ↓
   Movement Integration
   ↓
   Social Change
   ↓
   Cultural Transformation
   

   Core Commitments

   1. To Ourselves:

      • Regular self-reflection
      • Ongoing learning
      • Compassionate self-talk

   2. To Our Movements:

      • Authentic leadership
      • Inclusive practices
      • Sustainable activism

   3. To Our World:

      • Bridge-building
      • Peace-making
      • Community-strengthening

   ---

   "Through compassionate communication, we don't just change conversations—we transform relationships, movements, and ultimately, our world."