BETHEL – A two-day workshop on defusing conflicts kicks off tonight with a two-hour introduction at the Gehring House on Broad Street.

The introduction is free, and takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. The workshop will be held at the same location, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and requires $100 to register.

The event is co-sponsored by the Maine Nonviolent Communication Network and SAD 44.

Cynthia Handlen, one of the organizers for the event, says the workshop is a four-step program focusing on making observations without passing judgment, getting in touch with emotions and needs that arise from situations, and making requests rather than demands to meet needs.

Handlen says the workshop is titled “Speaking Peace in a World of Conflict” because nonviolent communication can be used on both a large and a small scale.

“It can be used in those types of situations,” said Handlen. “If we as individuals can begin to think more peacefully, and think more constructively, and look for ways to create peace within ourselves, that has an effect upon the entire consciousness of the world.”

Handlen says people interested in only attending one session may sign up for the Saturday course.