Ideas for Managing Conflict: Fall 2025 Learning Cohort for Local Government

Multiple dates

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sourcewell

The Minnesota Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution in partnership with Sourcewell is hosting a learning cohort this fall aimed at gaining skills to address conflict effectively.

Date: Multiple dates

Time:

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Agenda:

Cohort dates:

Oct. 30, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

Location:

Sourcewell

Cost:

Free, lunch included

Prerequisites: None

Learning objectives:

Understanding conflict: what it is, why we need it, and how to work with it.
Learn to use a problem-solving mindset to navigate conflict.
Discuss how to better communicate in tense situations and address organizational conflict effectively.

Description:

Is a hot topic producing conflict in your community? Do leaders or employees feel passionately about issues and can’t agree? Dealing with conflict constructively in local government is an essential skill in today’s world. Avoidance and compromise aren’t the only options. Addressing conflict effectively can be an opportunity to strengthen relationships and find creative solutions to tough problems, even when emotions run high.

About the leader:

The Minnesota State Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution (OCDR) was created in statute in 2013 to help resolve disputes in the public interest and support collaborative problem-solving in Minnesota.

Katie Pratt has served as Director of OCDR since 2022. Katie brings both practical and research-based expertise in conflict systems and complex public policy issues to her role.

Jessica Shryack is the Assistant Director of OCDR. Jessica worked as an organizational development consultant and consulted for OCDR and nonprofit and government clients before joining the team.

Event Registration

Registration deadline: Sept. 26, 2025

Check-in: 9:30 a.m.

Questions: community@sourcewell-mn.gov