Map Out the Conflict

To help you identify the Third Side within a conflict, here is an on-line tool to help you map and view possible thirdside positions.

    What is the Conflict?

    Complete the following questions for a situation that concerns you and that threatens to escalate out of control, endangering relationships and perhaps even lives.

    Your name

    Your email

    1. Conflict Name:

    2. Select the system in which this conflict taking place?

    3. Describe the conflict briefly:

    4. Who are the parties in tension or in active conflict with one another?

    Who is playing the Third Side Roles?

    Complete these questions for each thirdsider role, as you complete these questions consider not only the conflict you're addressing but also the system in which it exists.

    5. The Provider: Who enables the parties to meet their needs for safety, respect, identity and autonomy? The Provider shares resources and knowledge, offers respect, provides freedom, and empowers them to meet their needs.

    6. The Teacher: Who helps the parties acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to deal with their differences? The teacher inspires tolerance, teaches joint problem-solving and dialogue, and delegitimize violence.

    7. The Bridge-Builder: Who helps build strong working relationships between the parties? The Bridge-Builder creates cross-cutting ties, develops joint projects, and fosters genuine dialogue.

    8. The Mediator: Who helps reconcile the conflicting interests of the opposing positions? The Mediator brings parties to the table, facilitates communication, and helps people search for a solution.

    9. The Arbiter: Who helps determine disputed rights? The Arbiter replaces destructive conflict, promotes justice, and encourages negotiation.

    10. The Equalizer: Who helps equalize power so a fair negotiation takes place? The Equalizer builds collaborative democracy, and supports non-violent action.

    11. The Healer: Who helps repair injured relationships? The Healer creates the right climate, listens and acknowledges, encourages and apologizes.

    12. The Witness: Who is paying attention to the situation and its possible escalation, but is not an active party? The Witness watches for early warning signals, speaks out, and is ready to get help at a moment's notice.

    13. The Referee: Who is setting limits to the fighting? The Referee establishes rules for fair fighting, removes weapons, and strengthens defenses.

    14. The Peacekeeper: Who provides protection against aggression? The Peacekeeper interposes themselves, preempts violence before it starts, and enforces peace.

    15. Other Role: Is there another role in this conflict? What is the name of this role?

    Who plays this role in this conflict?

    16. Other Role: Is there another role in this conflict? What is the name of this role?

    Who plays this role in this conflict?