Convening "Whole of Community"

Integrating Approaches and Practices to Address Conflicts in a Chaotic World

Atlanta, Georgia

October 7 - 10, 2009

To view uploaded materials and discussion forums go to the interactive conference site www.atlanta.acrconference.com

Participate, Learn, Interact, and Network

The year 2009 marks another major point in the evolution of ACR in which we continue to build and strengthen our field, the connections within and across our practice areas and our chapters, as well as reach outside our communities and comfort zones. 

 "Whole of Community" can be defined as a concept in which groups, organizations, or individuals within society come together around a common purpose. Those who come together may be from diverse backgrounds, i.e., experiential, ethnic, cultural, demographic, with different goals or values but recognize that they can have a far greater impact by working together rather than individually. This idea requires new kinds of dialogue within the multiple areas of society in which each one of us moves.

ACR is proud to welcome Keynote Speaker Wallace Warfield  

Dr. Warfield is a reflective practitioner, trained in the area of public administration and public policy, making use of a full range of theory in the analysis of conflicts and various approaches used to manage, mitigate, and resolve such conflicts. He teaches laboratory-simulation, practicum, and theory courses and his field work has involved interventions and training in complex, multi party conflicts involving communities and organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Along with other ICAR faculty, he has conducted research and training projects in conflict settings in Africa and South America. In the latter case, the focus has been on conflict zones of peace in Colombia.

Dr. Warfield is on the Editorial Board of Negotiations Journal and is also the author of a number of publications in the field of conflict analysis and resolution. He is a past President of the Society of Professionals In Dispute Resolution (SPIDR) and a member of the Board of Reference of the Conflict Transformation Program, Eastern Mennonite University.

To view the preliminary program click here

24 Hours of CLE Credits have been approved by the State Bar of Georgia

This is the major event of the year for professionals in the field of conflict resolution. More than 1,000 people from across the country and around the world are expected to attend. No matter your area of expertise or work setting, this conference provides a wealth of valuable sessions that will inform, challenge, and inspire you. This year’s conference also includes outstanding opportunities to interact with some of the nation’s leading experts in the field. Plan now to take advantage of this rich, practical, and unsurpassed learning experience. Gain new skills that will make an important difference in the work you do each day. And, of course, take advantage of informal networking that will enable you to make connections that can last a lifetime.

Enjoy Southern Hospitality in Atlanta!

ACR hits Atlanta- a cosmopolitan city filled with upscale shops, showcased before an impressive backdrop of major historic sites. From Buckhead’s boutiques and eclectic restaurant scene, to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Atlanta promises exciting discoveries at every turn. Right downtown, where the conference is being held, take in the Georgia Aquarium. It’s filled with 8 million gallons of water and 500 species, including awe-inspiring beluga whale. That’s right next door to the World of Coca-Cola where you can taste up to 400 brands made around the globe. From there, tour CNN Atlanta to catch a glimpse inside the news studios. You might also enjoy spending a day at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, or checking out Philips Arena where the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and Atlanta Thrashers hockey team compete. For students of history and politics, the Atlanta History Center and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum offer a cache of significant demonstrations and documents. Whatever your interests, Atlanta boasts an enthralling cityscape to explore. Come on down, and get ready to experience real Southern hospitality.

For More Information on Atlanta Destinations go to www.Atlanta.net    

ACR is committed to diversity and equity in its membership, structure, and organizational work. A culturally diverse organization is one that recognizes, supports, values, and utilizes people's differences and similarities in support of the organization's goals and objectives. Diversity and equity mean recognizing and working to eliminate injustices in access, process, and consequences of ACR's efforts to strive to meet the needs of diverse members and stakeholders.

ACR encourages and promotes participation, accessibility, active representation, and leadership from diverse populations including, but not limited to, races, ethnicities, national origins, languages, genders, sexual orientation, economic statuses, school or organizational locations, physical abilities, ages, religions, educational types or levels, and perspectives. Further, ACR actively implements equity and affirms diversity in its work, including its publications and standards, and in its board, staff, programs, chapters, sections, and committees.

In order to promote diversity and equity in ACR and the conflict resolution field, on-going self-examination is essential. We are committed to discussing and implementing fairness and openness in our values, procedures, conceptual frameworks, and structures. All persons participating in ACR programs and activities are a part of this endeavor.