This book examines anti-gay voter initiatives from both the political science and communication perspectives. In recent years, anti-gay initiatives sponsored by conservative Christian groups have been placed on the ballot in several states. This development provides an opportunity to evaluate the initiative process as a way of resolving public policy questions on this divisive topic. Using examples and data from Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Maine, Missouri, Florida, California, and Washington, the authors discuss the emergence of the new religious right and why anti-gay initiatives are sponsored by conservative Christian groups. Interviews with the leaders of the groups opposing and supporting the anti-gay initiative in Idaho and a listing of the measures themselves are included.

Personal Conflict Management, 2nd edition details the common causes of conflict, showcases the theories that explain why conflict happens, presents strategies for managing conflict, and invites consideration of the risks of leaving conflict unsettled. This book also explores how gender, race, culture, generation, power, emotional intelligence, and trust affect how individuals perceive conflict and choose conflict tactics. Detailed attention is given to the role of listening and both competitive and cooperative negotiation tactics. Separate chapters explain how to deal with bullies and conflict via social media. The volume caps off its investigation of interpersonal conflict with chapters that: provide tools to analyze one's conflicts and better choose strategic responses; examine the role of anger and apology during conflict; explore mediation technique; and evaluate how conflict occurs in different situations such as family, intimacy, work, and social media.

Personal Conflict Management, 2nd edition details the common causes of conflict, showcases the theories that explain why conflict happens, presents strategies for managing conflict, and invites consideration of the risks of leaving conflict unsettled. This book also explores how gender, race, culture, generation, power, emotional intelligence, and trust affect how individuals perceive conflict and choose conflict tactics. Detailed attention is given to the role of listening and both competitive and cooperative negotiation tactics. Separate chapters explain how to deal with bullies and conflict via social media. The volume caps off its investigation of interpersonal conflict with chapters that: provide tools to analyze one's conflicts and better choose strategic responses; examine the role of anger and apology during conflict; explore mediation technique; and evaluate how conflict occurs in different situations such as family, intimacy, work, and social media.

This book fills the need for a communication-based, public sector framed book. The authors combine just enough basic theory about communication with specific skill development in areas of immediate interest to those who work in the public sector. It also features a strong "practice" orientation, with plentiful boxed applications (Insights from the Field, Skill Development boxes, Case Studies). It concludes with an especially useful summary chapter that describes the ten essential skills for successful communication.

This book fills the need for a communication-based, public sector framed book. The authors combine just enough basic theory about communication with specific skill development in areas of immediate interest to those who work in the public sector. It also features a strong "practice" orientation, with plentiful boxed applications (Insights from the Field, Skill Development boxes, Case Studies). It concludes with an especially useful summary chapter that describes the ten essential skills for successful communication.