An Assertive Approach in Conflict Situations Workshop
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 9am – 4:30pm PST
Location: Virtual via Zoom
HSA is pleased to have Kerry Palmer facilitate this one-day course to assist members in daily interactions with colleagues and patients/clients. First offered to the membership at the 2024 Young Workers’ workshop, this workshop is now available to the general membership.
Everyone has a personal skill set for communicating with others. This skill set works just fine in most situations, but this course will teach new skills for more challenging situations.
This workshop will clarify the differences between aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive communication styles. Participants will learn that an assertive approach is not just a checklist of skills, but a specific mindset.
Feedback from members who have taken this workshop:
“I appreciated how in-depth Kerry went into the various styles of communication. I also thought it was wonderful how participants were encouraged to reflect on the origins of our communication styles. Kerry did a fantastic job at being non-judgmental toward any communication style, while motivating and empowering participants to make conscious and confident and kind choices during conflict in the future.”
“It was well structured and organized. The content I learned was extremely useful and I won't forget it.”
“Practical applications to a variety of settings in professional and personal lives. Useful and insightful communication tips.”
Facilitator Biography:
Kerry Palmer is a Metis citizen from the Red River Valley of Manitoba. For the past 23 years Kerry has operated his consulting business, Integrative Mediation Services in the areas of conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, training, team support and executive coaching. Kerry is an instructor at Justice Institute of BC in the Conflict Resolution, and Aboriginal Leadership Programs. He has been part of the JI faculty for the past 20 years.
Kerry worked as a Child Protection mediator working under the Ministry of Justice for 16 years, and as a family mediator for 12 years. Currently he is a mediator for the BC Public Service Agency.
Kerry has certificates from the Justice Institute of BC in Conflict Resolution, Family Mediation and a specialization in Restorative Practices. He has also been a trainer with the International Institute of Restorative Practices in Family Group Conferencing. This training allowed him to work with the Penticton RCMP in a Youth Diversion Program where his role was in program development, as a trainer, and facilitator. Kerry also has a diploma from VCC in Adult Education.
Another area of Kerry’s work is within First Nations communities. Here Kerry has provided training, facilitation, and mediation services to chief and council, professionals, and community members.
This workshop is open to all HSA members. Members who have not taken an elective workshop in the past three years will be prioritized.
As per HSA policy, dependent care costs and wage replacement will be provided. Participants must request time off from their employer once the union confirms workshop acceptance. If the workshop is on a scheduled workday, wage replacement will be provided. If the workshop is on a day off, participants are entitled to bank the time as paid union leave to be taken at a later date.
Members must be able to attend the entire day. Members must complete a registration application by logging into My Events Registrationusing the prompts provided. Workshops are listed under Other events. Please select ‘create a login’ through the Event Registration and click on ‘here’ to receive your member ID by email or call the HSA office at 604-517-0994 or 1-800-663-6119 if you do not know your HSA member ID number.