On September 8, 2025, as part of the Building Bridges Erasmus+ project, we hosted an inspiring webinar dedicated to empathy in the approach of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). The event brought together youth workers, educators, and facilitators from across Europe to continue the learning journey that began during our international training course.

The webinar aimed to share the results, best practices, and key insights developed throughout the project, promoting the values of empathy, understanding, and effective communication in youth work. It was part of our broader dissemination efforts to make NVC-based practices accessible to a wider audience and inspire similar initiatives across Europe.

Led by an experienced and certified NVC trainer, the session explored how empathy can become a foundation for authentic connection and collaboration – both in personal relationships and in educational contexts. Participants reflected on:

• what empathy truly means in the NVC framework,
• how to connect through empathic listening,
• what blocks empathy,
• four ways of hearing difficult messages,
• how to enrich relationships through empathy,
• and how to integrate NVC practice into real-life situations.

Through interactive exercises, real examples, and shared reflections, participants discovered how empathy can transform communication, prevent misunderstandings, and strengthen relationships – within youth work and beyond.

The webinar was part of the dissemination activities of the Building Bridges project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, which promotes international cooperation, empathy, and the development of key competences in youth work.

🎥 Missed the live session?
You can now watch the full recording here and explore how empathy can deepen understanding, connection, and collaboration in your daily life and work:
👉 Building Bridges – Empathy with Nonviolent Communication – webinar

“When we listen with empathy to another person, we give them the opportunity to reconnect with their own inner resources.”
Marshall B. Rosenberg

A practical guide with exercises supporting embodied empathy

We are pleased to present this publication developed as part of the Building Bridges: Pathways towards Empathy and Connection project – a comprehensive guide combining Nonviolent Communication (NVC) methods with somatic practices that support mindful presence and the development of empathy. It contains practical exercises designed to enhance emotional awareness, regulate emotions, and deepen connection with others.

What you will find in the guide:

• Exercises to develop emotional awareness and somatic mindfulness
• Practices that support mindful presence, calmness, and empathic contact with others
• Tools for listening to yourself and others and enhancing the quality of relationships

Who is the guide for:

• Educators and teachers
• Youth workers and facilitators
• Anyone interested in mindful connection and embodied empathy

Why use this guide:

• Supports conscious management of emotions and bodily tension
• Facilitates empathic contact and mindful communication
• Strengthens personal and relational development through embodied empathy

This guide is useful both in everyday practice and professional development, supporting the integration of NVC and somatic practices and fostering mindful, empathetic relationships.

This publication was developed with the support of funding from the European Union. The content of this publication reflects the views of the authors only, and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein..

Download the guide and discover how to cultivate presence and empathy in your interactions with others!

On September 15, 2025, as part of the Roots of Peace Erasmus+ project, we held an inspiring webinar dedicated to conflict resolution through Nonviolent Communication (NVC). The event brought together participants from across Europe – youth workers, educators, and NVC practitioners – to continue the learning journey that began during our international training course.

Led by an experienced and certified NVC trainer, the webinar offered space to reflect on the roots of tension and misunderstanding and to discover how empathy and conscious communication can transform conflicts into opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Participants explored practical tools for mediation and conflict transformation, engaged in short interactive exercises, and shared insights from their experiences in the Roots of Peace training. Together, we deepened our understanding of what it means to “hold space” for others and how to bring NVC principles into daily life and youth work.

The event also served as a way to share the outcomes of our Erasmus+ project – promoting the values of empathy, cooperation, and peacebuilding beyond the participating organizations.

🎥 Watch the webinar recording below and join us in exploring how empathy can create stronger, more connected communities.

👉 Roots of Peace – Resolving Conflicts through Nonviolent Communication webinar

“Every conflict has within it the seeds of compassion and connection.”
Marshall B. Rosenberg

A practical guide with somatic exercises and tools for conflict work

We are pleased to present this publication developed as part of the Roots of Peace project – a comprehensive guide combining Nonviolent Communication (NVC) methods with somatic practices. It contains practical exercises that support emotional regulation in challenging situations, the development of emotional awareness, and provide tools for working with conflicts – both internal and in pair interactions.

What you will find in the guide

• Exercises to develop emotional awareness and emotion regulation
• Tools for resolving conflicts and managing difficult emotions
• Somatic practices that support conscious presence and calmness in interactions with others

Who is this guide for?

• Educators and teachers
• Youth workers and facilitators
• Individuals conducting dialogues or mediations in pairs

Why use this guide?

• Helps regulate emotions consciously
• Facilitates constructive communication in challenging situations
• Supports personal and relational development

This publication was developed with the support of funding from the European Union. The content of this publication reflects the views of the authors only, and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

Download the booklet and turn conflicts into opportunities for connection and understanding!
Booklet Roots of Peace.pdf