Dr. Joe Schaeffer's work is an important influence at Tamarack. He offers a unique point of view about ways to build community and practical approaches in communication and the management of conflict that make it possible for us to break through bad habits and divisive attitudes and find joy in diversity. We can experience difference without difference becoming a barrier to creativity. We can respect difference in the spirit of community.

Joe has taught and studied human communication in many settings. He now teaches Conflict Management at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, ON, and Community & Communication in Creative Leadership at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. He provides workshops and educational programs as an educator and consultant with The Forsyth Centre for Community and Communication in Waterloo which he co-founded in 1993 with his wife, Nancy Leach Schaeffer.

In his latest book, The Stone People: Living Together in a Different World, Joe examines various models of communication that we all absorb as part of everyday life. He describes the many common assumptions we have about language that keep us apart. Then he takes us on a journey to a new way of thinking about communication that makes it possible for us to live together with care and creativity.

Many people who have worked with Joe talk about fundamental changes they experience in ways of seeing things and ways of living with others. They become storytellers and witnesses as they make and share meaning. They choose to value community and partnership rather than domination and control.

The Stone Game™ is Joe's signature teaching tool. It is an easy-to-learn and fun-to-play antidote to the kind of communication that emphasizes combative competition rather than peaceful collaboration. Grounded in leading theories of communication, the game positions players to feel curiosity, confidence, openness, and empathy with each other.

By embracing new and more holistic approaches to communication and conflict management, like Joe's model for creative communication, community leaders can encourage growth and healing and promote the spirit of community.

Joe offers seminars & workshops that are available through Tamarack. In these and other programs he provides interesting, meaningful and useful tools for individuals, organizations and communities as they develop and achieve mutual goals and objectives in humane living.

Back to top.