ACR Update, June 2008
Published by the Association for Conflict Resolution
http://www.acrnet.org

 

WELCOME TO ACR UPDATE—the monthly e-newsletter sharing important conflict resolution news and organizational updates with ACR members. Your feedback is welcome!

To view past issues online, go to: http://www.acrnet.org/publications/acrupdate.htm

OVERVIEW OF ARTICLES
June 2008
  • In the News
  • Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award

  • ACR's 8th Annual Conference: September 24-27, 2008
  • 2008 Call for Award Nominations

  • Conflict Resolution Day
  • Section News
  • Chapter News
  • Missing Issues
  • USIP Groundbreaking Ceremony
  • Donate to ACR
  • Paid Advertisement: International Conference on Transformative Mediation
  • In the News

     

    Microsoft and Yahoo: Where were the Mediators?

     

    ACR member David A. Hoffman, Esq., wrote an op-ed piece that recently appeared in the Christian Science Monitor and focused on the Microsoft-Yahoo negotiations. Hoffman argued that businesses should consider using mediation when they are trying to close deals. Hoffman is a lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator at Boston Law Collaborative, LLC. He also teaches mediation at Harvard Law School. The full text of Hoffman’s piece can be found at http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0512/p09s01-coop.html?page=1

     

     

    Alabama Enacts Mediator Confidentiality Act

     

    Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R) has signed into law a bill that provides that a mediator may not be compelled to testify or produce documents concerning mediation proceedings.

     

    S.B.133 specifies that “a mediator shall not be compelled in any adversary proceeding or judicial forum, including, but not limited to, a hearing on sanctions brought by one party against another party, to divulge the contents of documents received, viewed, or drafted during mediation or the fact that such documents exist, nor shall the mediator be otherwise compelled to testify in regard to statements made, actions taken, or positions stated by a party during the mediation.”

     

    The bill states that the Legislature “finds that it is desirable to encourage public confidence in the use of alternative methods of dispute resolution by preventing a mediator from being compelled to testify or produce documents about a mediation.”

     

    The bill also defines the term “mediator” to include “co-mediators, employees, agents, or independent contractors of the mediator or co-mediator, and any person attending or observing the mediation for purposes of training.”

     

    Governor Riley signed the bill on May 16, and it took effect immediately.

     

     

    ACR Co-Sponsors Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution Conference

     

    The Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution’s 2008 Annual Conference

    "Managing Conflict and Removing the Barriers to Collaborative Decision Making"

    Martin's Crosswinds, 7400 Greenway Center Drive, Greenbelt, MD

    Pre-conference: Wednesday, June 18, 2008

    Conference: Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20, 2008

     

    Co-operating Sponsors:

    American Bar Association, Section of Dispute Resolution

    ARIA Group

    Association for Conflict Resolution

    Center for Conflict Resolution at Salisbury University

    College of Business & Public Administration, Governors State University

    Cooperative Consortium for Dispute Resolution        

    Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

    Howard County Office of Human Rights

    International Academy of Mediators

    JAMS - The Resolution Experts

    Maryland Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution

    Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, University of Maryland

    Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office

    National Arbitration Forum

    National Center for Dispute Settlement

    Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services, Saint Augustine's College

    OM Services /MAR Mediation Program

    Society of Federal Labor & Employee Relations Professionals                  

    The Project on Leadership Advocacy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

    21st Century Expo Group

    W. J. Usery, Jr. Center for the Workplace at Georgia State University                                    

                                         

    The conference...

    which has grown into one of the most diverse professional dispute resolution forums in the United States, provides public and private sector professionals with the latest information on alternative dispute resolution skills, concepts, and strategies. It features a diversified faculty of business, government and academic experts and affords attendees the opportunity to participate in smaller sessions.

     

    Speakers include noted authors and many nationally known practitioners...

    Rebecca Tsosie; Marilyn McKnight; David Hoffman; Marvin E. Johnson; Daniel Bowling; Homer C. La Rue; MD State Senator Delores G. Kelley; Lou Gieszl; Marialouisa Gallozzi; Patrick and Kathie Nichols; Cathy Costantino; Robert Redsteer; Corrine Skye KillsPrettyEnemy; Andrew Thomas; Lynn Sylvester; Laura Bachle; Kevin Bryan; Steve Erickson; Michelle Obradovic; Frank Dukes; Dan Krieger; Sharon Wong; Linda Brothers; Don Greenstein; Robert Fisher; William Jones; Tuan Pham; and many more.

     

    Pre-Conference topics include (partial list):

    The Right Conversation in the Wrong Mood is Never the Right Conversation; Arbitration Advocacy: Preparing for the Effective Presentation of Your Case in Arbitration; Peacemaker in a Sick Society: the Role of Conflict in Defining Group and Organizational Identity.

     

    Conference topics include (partial list):

    Native Nations and the Spirit of Reconciliation: The Global Context of Indigenous Peacemaking; Dealing with Personality Disorders and Dysfunctional Emotions in Mediation: Who Are These People and Why Won't They Behave?; Toward Peacemaking, a Navajo Dispute Resolution Model; Using Storytelling as One Avenue in Conflict Management; Colliding Spheres of Dispute Resolution: Toward A Unified Field Theory of ADR; Off to See the Mediator . . . Dorothy, You Are Not in Kansas Anymore: Who Is Behind the Curtain and What Are They Doing to Us?; Using Executive Coaching Skills to Manage Conflict; Working with Unions: Building Positive Partnerships for Alternative Dispute Resolution; Mediating Effectively: Mindful Leadership for Mediators and Advocates in Preparing for and Convening Mediation; Improving Your People Skills at the Bargaining Table; Engaging Identity Based Conflicts: Techniques for When the Issues Facing the Parties Run Deep; Making Space for Everyone: The Diversity Journey at Goddard; Inviting Public Officials to the Dance: Public Policy Collaborative Case - Maryland and Virginia; African American Social Theory: Untapped Resources for Conflict Matters.

      

    Questions: call the Center at (301) 313-0800 or visit www.natlctr4adr.org. Pre-registration will be accepted until June 13, 2008.  After the 13th, interested individuals must register on-site.

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    Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award

     

    Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award Approved

     

    The ACR Board of Directors has approved the creation of the Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award. The award was established as a tribute to Marvin Johnson, a long-time SPIDR and ACR Board Member and a champion of diversity and equity within both organizations and throughout the dispute resolution field. It recognizes a sustained, outstanding contribution or a specific extraordinary achievement that has enhanced diversity and equity within an area of society. The award honors the dedicated leadership, compassion and passionate advocacy of individuals (and where appropriate organizations) who have successfully contributed to removing barriers or obstacles to full and equal participation at various levels of society. Eligible recipients are individuals (or organizations) who have contributed to bridging the divides between groups of people or have successfully created opportunities for expanding diversity and equality within an area of specialty, a community or beyond. 

     

    Johnson is a nationally recognized mediator, arbitrator and trainer with 30 years of dispute resolution experience and extensive international experience. He is the founder and executive director of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution whose mission is to promote and provide education and comprehensive approaches to dispute resolution constructively serving the needs of a culturally diverse society. The Center began as a self-sustaining entity and was the first and only Dispute Resolution Center at a Historically Black College or University.

    Johnson’s background includes experience mediating and arbitrating with corporate, federal and state agencies, local government entities as well as facilitating, mediating and arbitrating employment and contract issues between and within organizations in both public and private sectors. He was appointed by President Clinton to the Federal Service Impasses Panel, where he served from 1999 to 2002.

     

    Reverend Mpho A. Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and founder and executive director of the Tutu Institute for Prayer and Pilgrimage in Alexandria, VA, will receive the first Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award at ACR’s 8th Annual Conference in Austin, Texas in September.

     

    Marvin Johnson, shown in the middle here, is presented a replica of the Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award during the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution's 20th Anniversary Celebration (June 22-21, 2007). Appearing with Johnson from left to right are Ray Lanier, Marilyn McKnight, Angelia Tolbert, and Lou Gieszl.

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    ACR's 8th Annual Conference: September 24-27, 2008

    ACR's 8th Annual Conference


    "Aspirations, Possibilities, and Realities:
    Expanding Principles, Practice, and Research

    in a Changing World"

    September 24 -27, 2008
    Hilton Austin
    Austin, Texas

     http://acrnet.org/conferences/ac08/index.htm

     

     

    ACR Annual Conference Marketing Opportunities Available!

     

    Deadline Extended!

     

    Sponsors, advertisers, and exhibitors have until June 6 to sign up and get premier placement and exposure in our pre-conference brochure. Click here to find complete information on all available marketing opportunities.

     

    Sponsorship Opportunities include:

    • Overhead projection of your company and logo during the address of distinguished Keynote  Speaker Lee Hamilton, Co-Chair of the Iraq Study Group and Vice-Chair of the 9/11 Commission.

    • Pre-conference brochure advertising which reaches more than 10,000 people and businesses.

    • Overhead projection of your company and logo during the Marvin E. Johnson Diversity and Equity Award Presentation and Presidential Luncheon with honored guest Reverend Mpho A. Tutu, Daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

    •  … and more!

    Exhibitor Opportunities include:

    • Exhibit hall positioned in central salon of the main conference floor. You will be placed at the very center of the Annual Conference!

    • Premium island booths and preferred booth choices.

    • BONUS: Recurring exhibitors from last year receive a discount when they sign up early!

    Visit http://acrnet.org/conferences/ac08/index.htm for advertising, sponsorship, and exhibitor registration forms and detailed information on all marketing opportunities.

     

     

    Call for Annual Conference Volunteers!

     

    Conference volunteers work for approximately half of the conference performing tasks such as serving as session monitors, providing directions and information, registration, and helping at conference events. Conference volunteers must commit to working four half-day shifts. In return for volunteering your time you will a discounted registration rate of $170.00. Those interested in applying or who would like more information about serving as a volunteer should inquire by e-mail to conferences@ACRnet.org.

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    2008 Call for Award Nominations

     

    Interested in nominating someone for an ACR award? Nominations are being accepted now through June 30, 2008 for the Mary Parker Follett Award, the John M. Haynes Distinguished Mediator Award, the Sharon M. Pickett Award, and the Peacemaker Award. To read more about these awards and how to submit a nomination, click here.

     

    Association for Conflict Resolution 2008 Call for Award Nominations

     

    ACR solicits nominations for the following awards, to be presented at its Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, September 24-27. Nominations should be submitted via e-mail by June 30, 2008 to Monet King at mking@ACRnet.org. Please include a statement, testimonial or curriculum vitae for the nominated individual.

     

    Mary Parker Follett Award

    The Mary Parker Follett Award is presented to an individual who has shown a passion and willingness to take risks; is tackling a contemporary problem or opportunity in the field of dispute resolution; has used innovative and experimental techniques; and draws upon the talents and ideas of all persons involved. Mary Parker Follett (1868-1933) was an early advocate of resolving conflict by encouraging parties to integrate interests into negotiations. During the mid-1920s, Follett shifted her focus from community group processes to the field of business. Business leaders sought her advice on how to manage their enterprises, and she became a featured speaker at national and international business conferences. Her talks were drawn together and published posthumously in the influential book Dynamic Administration. Send nominations to Monet King at mking@ACRnet.org by June 30, 2008.

     

    John M. Haynes Distinguished Mediator Award

    The John Haynes Distinguished Mediator Award is presented annually to a prominent and internationally recognized leader in mediation who demonstrates personal and professional commitment to finding mediation solutions to conflict while balancing therapeutic and legal perspectives. John Haynes was a pioneer in the field of family mediation, a respected author and practitioner, an international trainer, and the first president of the Academy of Family Mediators. In keeping with his legacy, the candidate should demonstrate innovation, creativity, and outstanding competence in published writings, training, and practice, maintain personal and professional integrity and respect for others, and embrace a sense of humor and humility about our standing as fallible beings. ACR members are invited to nominate candidates for this award. Send nominations to Monet King at mking@ACRnet.org by June 30, 2008.

     

    Sharon M. Pickett Award

    The Sharon M. Pickett Award was established in honor of Sharon Pickett who served as Editor of ACResolution from 2000 – 2007. In addition to serving as family mediator and trainer, Sharon worked for many environmental NGOs and is an ardent advocate for environmental issues. The award is presented each year to an ACR member who has advanced the cause of environmental protection through the effective use of alternative dispute resolution. Send nominations to Monet King at mking@ACRnet.org by June 30, 2008.

     

    Peacemaker Award

    The ACR Peacemaker Award acknowledges the significant and sustained contributions by an individual or organization to the cause of peace. At its heart, the purpose of conflict resolution, and the goal of ACR, is to bring peace to troubled relationships, whether domestic, organizational, environmental or international. This award recognizes efforts to bring peace through various conflict resolution approaches to ethnic, religious, and civil conflicts that have raged domestically and outside United States. The Peacemaker Award was instituted in 2001. Send nominations to Monet King at mking@ACRnet.org by June 30, 2008.

    Conflict Resolution Day

     

    Plan Now for Conflict Resolution Day 2008!

     

    Conflict Resolution Day will be celebrated (as always, on the third Thursday in October) on October 16, 2008. We have two areas of focus planned for this year:

    • Creation of posters in more languages. In the past, our beautiful Conflict Resolution Day poster has been available on our website in English, Spanish and French. We recently have added Japanese and soon will have available both Arabic and Hebrew!  Let us know what other languages you are interested in having… and let us know if you can help with the translation.

    • A challenge to all individual conflict resolvers and conflict resolution organizations throughout the world. To spread the word, you do not have to take on a big or costly event. Instead, we are encouraging EVERYONE to do 3 simple things:

    o  Hang a Conflict Resolution Day poster in your office. You can download the image

        from the web and take it to a copy shop yourself, or you can order the poster from ACR

        at http://www.acrnet.org/crday/index.htm. If you want to take it to the next level, hang

        the posters other places too!

    o  Hold an Open House in your office to let people know about your services. You can have

        a specific drop-in time and serve coffee and tea or have a little program. Be sure to have

        plenty of information about yourself and your services available. If you want to take it to

        the next level, you can have a reception and send formal invitations.

    o  Publicize your event and Conflict Resolution Day by writing a letter to the editor of your

        local newspaper or an op-ed piece. If you want to take it to the next level, request a

        meeting with the editorial board of the paper and try to get an editorial about the

        importance of peaceful conflict resolution.

     

    Once you have an event planned, be sure to tell us so we can add yours to the list of 2008 activities: presss@flcourts.org or ARothstein@ACRnet.org    

     

    For more information, visit www.acrnet.org/crday/index.htm or contact Sharon Press, chair, at presss@flcourts.org

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    Section News

     

     Family Section

     

    The Family Section is anticipating a very strong turnout for its 2008 Bi-Annual Conference: Building Bridges, Moving Mountains. The conference will be in Park City, Utah over the dates of July 24-27, so mark your calendars now.

     

    For more information about the conference, including a full conference brochure with schedule and speaker/presenter info and a registration form, please refer to the NEW Family Section Website: www.acrfamilysection.org. Make your reservations early for this magnificent conference (early bird rates are only available through June 8th). This location is unbeatable for your summer vacation.

     

    The Family Section Teleseminar Series continues to provide terrific content on a monthly basis. The teleseminars are free for Section members and are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT. To join us, go the NEW Family Section Website: www.acrfamilysection.org. You will be able to access instructions and recordings of past teleseminars within the members-only pages.

     

     

    International Section

     

    1) CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: IDC 2008 Outstanding Leadership Award

    Please respond by Monday, June 9, 2008. 

     

    The International Development Committee of ACR's International Section is soliciting nominations for this year's Outstanding Leadership Award. The award honors exceptional work promoting conflict resolution in development projects around the world. The award aims to celebrate leadership in the field and draw attention to the importance of conflict resolution in creating stronger democracies and economies. Partners for Democratic Change received the 2007 award for the organization's work building sustainable local capacity to advance civil society and a culture of change and conflict management worldwide. Judge Gladys Alvarez of Argentina received the 2006 award for her successful efforts to spread mediation throughout Latin America. 

     

    The International Development Committee welcomes your nomination of an individual or a group of individuals who merit celebration. Please email your nominations to IDC Leadership Co-Chairs David Plumb (dplumb@sfcg.org) and Merrick Hoben (mhoben@cbuilding.org) by Monday, June 9, 2008.  Please include the name of your nominee and at least a couple of sentences – up to 500 words – in support of the nominee.  A bio or CV of the nominee (if an individual) or a description of the nominee (if a group of individuals or an organization) would be very helpful but is not required.

     

    2) INTERNATIONAL DAY AT THE ACR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

    Get ready for an exciting International Day on September 24, 2008 in Austin, Texas at the start of ACR’s Annual Conference! Details will be available shortly on the International Section’s web site. International Day is the single best networking opportunity each year for international dispute resolution professionals.

     

    3) NEW WEB SITE

    Speaking of the web site, the International Section has a new and improved presence on the Internet. Check it out at: http://inter.acrnet.org/blog.

     

     

     Spirituality Section

     

    Spirituality Section Tri-Chair Wins Top Prize for IPPY’s Independent Publishers National Book Award

    Spirituality Section Tri-Chair and ACR Advanced Practitioner Nan Waller Burnett, M.A., was honored recently in Los Angeles with an Independent Publisher National Book Award. Her book, Calm in the Face of the Storm: Spiritual Daily Practice for the Peacemaker, won a gold medal in the Spirituality/Inspirational category.

     

    Calm in the Face of the Storm: Spiritual Daily Practice for the Peacemaker was written and arranged as 365 daily entries and meditations designed primarily for people in high conflict professions.

     

     “This is the only book of its kind in the field of conflict resolution, the law, and peacebuilding,” says Burnett. “Adopting the daily practice of using a spiritual guidebook can help your personal renewal through self reflection. Calm in the Face of the Storm is meant to provide a platform for introspection: a chance for you to question how you live, to reflect on your practice, to care for your soul, and most importantly, a reason to sit quietly and invite stillness.”

     

     The daily reflections explore topics such as blessings and suffering and are paired with quotations from a wide range of famous thinkers, including Maya Angelou, the Dalai Lama, Carl Jung, Thoreau and many others. Each entry starts with a question, followed by a short exploration of the topic and concludes with a portal to meditation and journaling.

     

    Burnett is a high conflict specialist and also serves as affiliate faculty at Regis University and on the board of directors of Mediators Beyond Borders International. She designs and facilitates the Rocky Mountain Retreat, an event to teach holistic and reflective practice to conflict practitioners. 

     

     

     Workplace Section

     

    New ACR Workplace Advanced Practitioner Announced

    The ACR Workplace Section's Mediation Advanced Practitioner Review Committee is pleased to announce that Patrick R. Westerkamp of Matawan, NJ, has met the requirements of the Workplace Mediator Advanced Practitioner.

     

    Workplace Section Teleseminar:

    "A Perfect Storm: When Problems Collide in Organizational Team Building."

    Presented by Susan Gunn and John Settle

    Monday, June 23, 2008, 12:00 p.m. EDT, 9:00 a.m. PDT

    For more information contact: jill@moscowitzmediation.com

     

    "Conflict Coaching Subcommittee"

    Thursday July 10, 2008, 5:00 p.m. - 5:55 p.m. EDT.

    The number to call (not toll free) is: 712-580-8020, pin: 496839.

     

    In response to the interesting dialogue on several previous Conflict Coaching Subcommittee calls, we will discuss the question "Does the practice of providing both conflict coaching and mediation raise ethical considerations?" For further information on the WPS subcommittee and/or to join ACR's conflict coaching yahoo group, please contact Cinnie at cinnie@cinergycoaching.com or 866-3356466 (toll free for Canada and U.S.)

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    **ACR SALES CATALOGUE**

     

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    Or are you simply interested in sporting that ACR look?

     

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    Fast and easy ordering makes it convenient for you to build your library with teleseminar CDs, positive conflict management videos and DVDs, educational books, and informative reports. You can even purchase an ACR baseball hat to show your pride in belonging to ACR! Orders can be placed online or by sending in a request by mail or fax. Rush orders are available.

     

    Click here to view our complete Sales Catalogue.

     

    Chapter News

    Greater Delaware Valley Chapter 

     

    The Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of ACR will have a meeting in center city Philadelphia at the offices of its frequent host, Wolf Block LLP, for many of its 60 members from New Jersey, Delaware, and the Philadelphia area to share a light dinner and discussion:

     

    Facilitator: Bill Jacobsen and

    Panelists: Barbara Foxman -- licensed social worker / mediator

    Peter Bort – attorney / family mediator

    Danny Thomas -- ordained minister / community mediator

    Craig Lichtman – MD / psychiatrist / psychoanalyst / mediator

     

    The topic will be “Many mediators wear more than one hat.” Also, to be discussed: “When disputes touch on our area of expertise, sometimes we feel the urge to give advice or take sides.” Additionally, this panel will discuss: “How do you keep from crossing the line between process and substance expert?” and “Can you mediate for a current or former client from your day job?” 

     

    Cost: $15 (members) and $18 (non-members) for the dinner – if you want to just come for the discussion, there is no charge but the food is historically worth a lot more than the price charged.

     

    Date:  Wednesday, June 11, 2008

    5:30 p.m.        Meeting for Board Members

    6:30 p.m.        Dinner

    7:00 p.m.        Program

     

    Location:  The Law Offices of Wolf Block Schorr & Solis-Cohen

    1650 Arch Street, 22nd Floor

    Philadelphia, PA 19103

    Use the Arch Street entrance, rather than the 17th Street entrance.

     

    Advance reservations necessary because Security must have your name in advance to permit entrance to the building.

     

    Send reservation form and a check made out to “ACR-Greater Delaware Valley” to:

    Cheryl Cutrona

    c/o Good Shepherd Mediation Program

    5356 Chew Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138

    Reservations must be received by MONDAY, June 9, 2008.

     

     

    Continuing our Palestine/Israel “Just Listening Project” Efforts:

    To date, Karolyn V. Blume has spoken to the Northampton County Bar Association, and Cheryl Cutrona, the President of our Chapter, and Elaine Dushoff have spoken at a local Jewish congregation meeting, and Bill Jacobsen has also spoken at a couple of community groups in Bucks County, as well at the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators, along with Randy Duque, our Chapter’s treasurer - all covering their reflections and encounters in Palestine and Israel during a 10 day listening exercise this past March. Audiences have been actively interested, and, as a result, usually there was not enough time allotted to either go into the depth of details or address all of the audiences’ questions and comments.

     

     

     

     Greater New York Chapter

     

    ACRGNY SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

    JUNE 26-27, 2008

    Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

    55 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

     

    Mediator, scholar and author Robert Benjamin, J.D., M.S.W., will give the keynote address at this year's ACRGNY conference to be held on June 26-27. Benjamin, who delights in challenging his listeners, has titled his presentation, Of War and Negotiation: The Principled Use of Warfare Strategies in the Pursuit of Agreement.

     

    In addition to Benjamin, the conference will feature 16 workshops over two days, the Annual ADR Achievement Awards luncheon, and a new World Cafe session to engage ADR practitioners in a lively discussion on a hot topic! There are also several post-conference half-day workshops offered.

     

    Conference Chair Richard Lutringer and his committee have worked to put together a range of workshops to appeal to anyone interested in alternative dispute resolution. Sessions include:

     

    “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Neutrals,” Lela Love, Professor of Law, Cardozo Law School.  

     “The Rise and Fall......and Rise Again of Med-Arb for Dispute Resolution, and its Relevance to Collaborative Law,” Norman Solovay (chair), Counsel, Hartman & Craven; Steven Hochman, Counsel, Friedman, Wittenstein & Hochman; Robert Davidson, Executive Director, JAMS Arbitration Practice.
     

    “Engaging Religious Communities through Mediation,” moderator, Chris Watler, National Technical Assistance Center for Court Innovation.

     

    “Mediators Volunteering Abroad: Using Our Skills in Africa and Elsewhere,” Robert Creo, mediator, arbitrator, author, co-founder of Mediators Beyond Borders; Alan Gross, mediator, arbitrator, Acting Senior Director of Safe Horizon Mediation Program; Brad Heckman, Vice President of Safe Horizon.

     

    “Balancing Neutrality in/and Organizational Change,” Chair, John Barkat, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Ombudsman; Janis Schonauer, Ombudsman, Alliance Capital Management; Marsha Wagner, Office of Ombuds, Columbia University.

    “This ain’t Your Momma’s Mediation: Mediating with Youth in Schools,” Mac Steele, Brooklyn Community Outreach Coordinator, Safe Horizon Mediation Program; Lisa Cohen, Director, Safe Horizon Brooklyn Mediation Program.

    “Risk Analysis for Commercial Mediators”, Simeon Baum, President, Resolve Mediation Services, Inc.
     

    “Mediator Certification in New York: Obstacle or Opportunity,” Emily Menn, Director of Education and Professional Development, NYSDRA.
     

    “The Oxygen Mask Principle: Self-Care for the Conflict Practitioner,” Emily Gould, principal, Empatia Resolutions.

    “From Somalian Warlords to Russian Interregional Joint Ventures – Mediation focusing on Interests,” Jose Pascal daRocha, international mediator.

     

    “Intergenerational Conflict and Connection through ADR,” Alice Rudnick, NYS Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution & Court Improvement Programs.

    “Mediator Confidentiality in NY in light of the Hauzinger Litigation,” Chair, Tara Fischler.

     

    “Conflict Coaching: An Exploding Process in Workplace Conflict Management,” Rita Callahan, mediator, trainer, principal, Working it Out.

     

    “Mediation Marketing 101,” Patrick Westerkemp, mediator, Anju Jessami, mediator.

    “Ethical Obligations for Neutrals – ‘I’m thinking of a Number’,” Vivian Berger, Professor of Law, Columbia University.

    Post Conference Optional Training

    “Conflict Coaching: A Unique Conflict Management Process,” Rita Callahan, principal, Working it Out, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., $100
     

    “Using Mediation Skills to Build Win-Win Business Relationships,” Lisa Renee Pomerantz, mediator, attorney, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., $50
     

    “The Activist/Protean Mediator: Beyond the Orthodoxy of Models and Styles,” Robert Benjamin, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., $100
     

    For more information:
    www.acrgny.org
    212-946-1998

     

     

     Texas - Houston Chapter

     

    Recent Town Hall Meeting with ACR’s President

    On May 20, 2008, ACR’s President, Marilyn McKnight, spoke at a town hall meeting “Mediator Ethics – For Sale?” co-sponsored by the South Texas College of Law and the Houston Chapter of ACR. She was joined by The Honorable Frank G. Evans, founder of the Frank G. Evans Center for Conflict Resolution, known in Texas as “The Father of Mediation,” and The Honorable John Coselli, presiding over the 125th District Civil Court, in a discussion of “The Ethical Practice of Mediation.” 

     

            

    Left: Marilyn McKnight, ACR President

    Right: Connie Barnaba, President, ACR Houston Chapter, and Marilyn McKnight, ACR President

     

     

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    ACR MEMBERS:

    Take advantage of your valuable members-only benefits today!

    Log in to the Online Member Center today and get started!

    Missing Issues

    ACR’s library is missing several old issues of Mediation Quarterly, the predecessor journal to Conflict Resolution Quarterly. If you have any of the following issues, please consider donating them to ACR:

    • Numbers 1, 2, 5, 14, 15, and 24 (Early editions had no volume number.)

    Donated journals are tax deductible at the single issue price printed in the issue. Please send them to the ACR office and we will send you a receipt.

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    USIP Groundbreaking Ceremony

    The United States Institute of Peace will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site of its permanent headquarters building and public education center on the morning of Thursday, June 5th at 2301 Constitution Avenue, N.W., in Washington, D.C.  

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    Donate to ACR

    Donate Now! You can make donations to ACR's Annual Fund Campaign online. Click here to learn how you can make an important investment in ACR's future.

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    Association for Conflict Resolution
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