We build nonviolent communities.
Healing Communication is the public-facing name of Safer Communities Project, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been teaching the principles of Nonviolent Communication to people impacted by the justice system for over 20 years.
We facilitate a community-based rehabilitative in-prison program rooted in empathy and compassionate communication that equips people with skills for healing, accountability, and navigating daily life during and after incarceration.
Guided by our North Star of human-centered communities who can navigate harm with skill and compassion, Healing Communication aims to transform systems locally and globally away from a punitive approach and toward a restorative and transformative model…one class at a time.
Our Program
Each NVC class facilitated by Healing Communication provides a unique learning environment where participants receive training, support, and coaching to help them shift away from automatic shame-based reactions and harmful habits, and toward choosing accountability and thoughtful responses to life’s challenges. By applying such tools as nonjudgmental listening and by connecting all actions — however unskillful, tragic, or violent — to attempts to meet universal human needs, we support participants in recognizing the effects of harm and conflict and understanding how their actions impact others. This learning process leads participants to develop empathy for those they have harmed, whether direct dialogue is possible or not.
Our Impact
Each year our trained volunteers, inside facilitators and assistants dedicate 1,200 hours of teaching time — in addition to class preparation, travel, and bi-monthly team meetings — to support the healing transformation of approximately 100 individuals who are living incarcerated. The concepts, teaching forms, and activities used by Healing Communication have proven effective for participants across all walks of life, resulting in pro-social changes in their attitudes, understanding of themselves, and relationships with others.
Our ability to create this impact depends on sustained access to NVC training, coaching, and support for people living inside prison. This work—grounded in human-to-human connection, consistency, and trust—is made possible through grants and the generosity of our community.