	International Online Training Program On Intractable Conflict
	Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado, USA

Finding and Borrowing Eloquent Statements of the

Common Core Issues

Opening Page | Glossary | Menu Shortcut Page

Conflicts emerge from feelings of intense personal frustration and a belief that things are happening which are simply unfair. Usually the initial motivation is quite personal--people feel that they, their family, or group is in some way being injured. If one is to address the injury in a constructive way, however, these vague feelings of frustration must be translated into clear statements of principle which explain the issues at stake and why others should support efforts to correct the situation.

While the parties can undertake this framing process by themselves, they may be more successful if they first look at the ways in which similar issues have been framed by other groups--currently or in history. If they find an especially eloquent statement which describes a problem similar to their own, they can adapt that statement to their own situation. This may, to some degree, involve a review of the classic teachings of the major religions. It may also involve a review of the great campaigners for social justice--for example, Gandhi, King, or Mandela. Of particular importance are framing strategies which bring together people of different religious and cultural backgrounds--if those differences are present in the conflict.

Links to Related Approaches

Joint Reframing/Assisted Reframing

Goal Clarification

Links to Related Problems

Ambiguous Goals

Conflict Emergence

International Online Training Program On Intractable Conflict

Finding and Borrowing Eloquent Statements of the

Common Core Issues