Nonviolent Communication: Pursuing Connection in an Increasingly Disconnected World
From rising costs of living and a fragmented healthcare system to climate change, inflation, stagnant wages, imminent cuts to services like Medicaid, and persistent systemic injustice, the list of political and social issues feels infinite. Naturally, many of us have questioned where the breaking point lies in this sea of uncertainty. However, several of these struggles have existed for generations, and only now are many becoming aware of the burdens people in our community and our country have long endured. Political rhetoric impedes our ability to establish unbiased perspectives and develop an understanding of an issue. We must remain aware of how anxiety, frustration, and anger from these issues influence our daily interactions.
Disagreement and conflict are inevitable, but understanding the concept of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) presents the opportunity for us to communicate in a way where we feel heard while also respecting those that we engage with.
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The Art of Finding Common Ground
Students across Greenville County participated in our Youth Art Contest for this year’s Faith & Justice Forum. Centered around “finding common ground”, the artists below have been chosen for their incredible representation of this theme.
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The Nature of Freedom
Most Americans have fond memories of the 4th of July celebrations. Perhaps you met up with family and friends from out-of-state, or you went to Unity Park to enjoy the fireworks with your fellow Greenville residents. Either way, for many of us, the 4th of July is a day of jubilation; it is a distinctly American way of celebrating the freedom that has formed the basis of this country for the last three centuries. As someone who comes from Singapore, a “short” 25-hour flight from South Carolina, this was my first time celebrating the 4th of July, and I had an absolute blast! Yet, as I sip on my coffee from the Commons and watch the grand firework display at Unity Park, I am also painfully aware that there are many within our own communities that have not achieved the freedom and independence that Independence Day is supposed to guarantee. Predatory lending and racial injustice, among others, are just some of the problems plaguing American society and Greenville today, and there is still so much that we can do to dismantle the structures that prevent others from realizing their freedoms. Thus, one of the concerns that I’ve always had at the back of my mind has been: what is the nature of freedom, and what can we do to ensure the freedom of all peoples?
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Building a Brighter Future with Diverse Perspectives
Earlier this month, South Carolina legislators unanimously elected Court of Appeals Judge Letitia Verdin to the South Carolina Supreme Court, marking a watershed moment for the state's judiciary. As only the third female justice in South Carolina's history, her appointment underscores the slow progress toward gender parity in our state's judicial leadership. Justice, at its core, embodies principles of fairness, equity, and the pursuit of truth. These ideals are foundational to our legal system and societal norms. However, achieving true justice for all requires diversity in those who interpret and uphold the law. Without diverse perspectives at the table, our justice system risks alienating segments of our population and falling short of delivering impartial justice.
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