I just finished basic conflict and crisis resolution that they require volunteers to take.
Chuck, my coordinator, was there. Robin taught the training. There were 13 volunteers there to get trained.
We covered methods for dealing with conflict like authority, assistance, or avoidance. Robin is good. He appears relaxed and keeps it fun with self deprecating jokes.
This hippy-looking guy also told an interesting story:
Years ago when I was hitchhiking through the ghettos in the United States, I always used to carry a pack of gum. Offering people gum is a way to get out of awkward situations. Once I was in a place — this wasn’t in the ghetto, it was at a Dead concert — where two guys were fighting and I ran up and said, “Hey do you want a piece of gum?” and I distracted them enough to stop fighting.
An important part of the training was the participation where he had us play roles of patron and security and had the “patrons” act in belligerent ways to give us a close to real experience in dealing with conflict.
I was partnered with a girl, Anna, and first I had to confront her about not having the proper wristband. She, as Robin instructed, started shooting questions at me and then started criticizing me. When we switched she was supposed to stop me from drinking a beer outside the licensed area.
Later Robin chose me to demonstrate a more heated exchange (or what not to do) where I would argue with him and he wouldn’t back down or seek a resolution when he gave me a signal, I would push by him. The message is to be ready to at the extreme let someone by but inform the paid security.