Message from David
David's Online English Salon (DOES) is a place for good conversations. The idea is to learn together and have fun - in English. I started this salon because one of my favourite things to do is having interesting conversations. So I thought… why not create a place where I do that everyday?
Members can expect to join a meaningful conversation about life, culture, and my own personal experiences. I’ve worked as a facilitator, academic, small-business owner, and for the municipal/ local government. I also love sports, music, and travel.
I will create a nice atmosphere and make sure everyone has the chance to speak and listen. I will share news stories and current events, talk about history, culture and society, and make it fun to participate.
I hope members will feel conformable to share their own ideas - and make suggestions about topics to discuss. Over time, we’ll get to know each other and become friends.
My ideal member is someone who:
- is curious,
- likes to learn,
- can listen to different points of view, and
- wants to practice their English with a native speaker.
If that sounds like you - then please join!
Kind Regards,
Dave Burgener.
Communication consultant, & facilitator & musician
In 2012, David graduated with a masters degree in Peace & Conflict Resolution (UQ) completing his thesis on mindfulness as a conflict resolution approach. Since 2011 David has been a practitioner of Marshall Rosenberg’s Non-Violent Communication.
David has worked as a facilitator for the Peace & Conflict Studies Institute of Australia, has contributed to the Canadian Centre for Teaching Peace, and the Conversation Café initiative. In 2015 he started his own small-business (David Burgener Solutions in Communications) where he provides training and facilitation in the area of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
David Burgener is an educator and facilitator, working in the area of conflict resolution. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, David has worked as a lecturer in International Relations (UQ), Sociology and Social Policy (ACU). His research interest was in ‘dialogue as an approach to resolving conflict’ (UQ). David has provided training for Tweed Shire Council and Social Futures (formerly the Northern Rivers Social Development Council). He has previously worked as a facilitator for the Peace & Conflict Studies Institute of Australia, has contributed to the Canadian Centre for Teaching Peace, the Conversation Café initiative, and for many years as an elite youth sports coach.
Facts
Here are some facts about David.
5 years Cultural Planner
15 years foodball coach
82% success rate for grant applications. $5.4 million grant funding obtained.
5 years university lecturer (Social Policy, International Relations, & Sociology)
Services
I offer approaches and techniques that can assist you to achieve better results in your interpersonal communications. My work is based on my experiences with processes like facilitation, mediation, negotiation and dialogue. I also draw on concepts from the field of conflict resolution as well as mindfulness/ contemplative practices. I invite you to browse the website and review the services and products that are available.
Facilitation
I facilitate conversation and help groups reach optimal outcomes in the time they have available.
Grant Writing
I liaise with my clients, assist gathering desired data, and write grant applications on behalf of businesses and organisations.
Project Management
Past projects that I managed:
Streets as Shared Spaces
Norries Headland Masterplan
Murwillumbah Arts & Heritage Precinct
Live & Local Tweed Music
Music in the park
Communication Training
Interpersonal Communication, Conflict Resolution, Effective Communication, Negotiation