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ACR Update,
August 2008
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WELCOME TO ACR UPDATE—the monthly e-newsletter sharing important conflict resolution news and organizational updates with ACR members. Your feedback is welcome! |
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To view past issues online, go to: http://www.acrnet.org/publications/acrupdate.htm |
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The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has recognized ACR’s commitment to diversity and equity by naming ACR Executive Director Doug Kleine, CAE, to be a participant at the Opening General Session of the ASAE Annual Meeting before an audience of nearly 6,000 association executives, hotel personnel and others on August 16 in San Diego, CA. Kleine will join a panel that includes the Vice President of Human Resources for the National Urban League, the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Hyatt Hotels, the Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment and four writers and consultants. The panel, facilitated by Cokie and Steve Roberts, will address diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Kleine was picked, not only “for ACR’s comprehensive infusion of D&E in all of its activity, but also because ACR’s modest staff size demonstrates to other small associations that you don’t have to be big to devote resources to diversity and reap the benefits,” said ASAE’s Chief Learning and Community Officer, Ann Blouin.
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Study Provides Clearer Picture of How ADR Is Used at Department of Justice
A study comparing litigation and mediation by Lisa Blomgren Bingham, Tina Nabatchi, Jeffrey Senger, and Michael Scott Jackman will soon be published in the Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution. The study is an empirical comparison of litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) cases in the Department of Justice (DOJ). Specifically, it statistically compares litigation and ADR cases handled by Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the DOJ from 1995 to 1998. It finds that ADR has the potential to improve dispute processing and outcomes without sacrificing the quality of macrojustice.
The study finds that ADR produces a higher settlement rate; 65 percent of ADR cases resulted in settlement as compared to only 29 percent of litigation cases. In addition, significantly more cases settled when ADR was voluntary than when it was mandatory (71 percent vs. 50 percent), and tort cases settled with more frequency than employment discrimination cases (73 percent vs. 60 percent). Moreover, AUSAs subjectively estimated that ADR cases save the federal government significant amounts of both time and money. (They believed cases resolved six months earlier and cost $10,000 less in litigation expenses when ADR was used). Finally, the analyses show that the earlier a case is referred to ADR, the shorter its time to disposition. ADR and litigation monetary outcomes are not significantly different, indicating that ADR processes do not reduce the quality of macrojustice.
New Guidelines Established for New York ADR Neutrals Serving on Court Rosters
The New York State
Unified Court system, under the leadership of Chief Administrative
Judge Ann Pfau, recently announced that it has established new
guidelines for the qualification and training of ADR neutrals
serving on court rosters. These new rules are enacted with the
approval of the Administrative Board of the Courts, which is
comprised of Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye and the presiding justices
of the four Appellate Division departments. - By Robert S. Thaler
Computer Game to Teach Conflict Resolution Skills to Grades K-2 Offered Free Through Educational Website for Teachers
A computer game designed to teach non-violence and conflict resolution skills to young children has found a home with Curriki, a nonprofit open-source educational web site that will make it freely available for downloading by classrooms and families across the United States and around the world.
The computer game, called Cool School: Where Peace Rules, features animated school characters in situations that ask youngsters, ages 5 to 7, to select an action for resolving a potential conflict, such as others crowding in line, refusing to share or treating playmates disrespectfully. The premise of Cool School is in sharp contrast to violent and often popular commercial games that can inspire youngsters to emulate physically aggressive behavior.
Developed by the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in cooperation with child development programs at the University of Maryland, the University of Southern California and the University of North Texas, Cool School was tested at school locations in Illinois. It is being made available for free downloading to teachers and families via the Curriki web site. Curriki is a nonprofit community of nearly 40,000 educators that offers free, open-source curriculum materials to teachers and schools worldwide. For more information, go to http://www.fmcs.gov/internet/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=39&itemID=21638 |
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ACR's 8th Annual Conference
in
a Changing World" http://acrnet.org/conferences/ac08/index.htm
DON'T MISS THE MAJOR EVENT OF THE YEAR FOR PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Keynote speaker Lee H. Hamilton will address the future of American involvement in Iraq and the Middle East and the current state of affairs in Iraq. What the United States can do to improve the situation. How the next president should apply all the tools of American power. The challenges the next president will face, and the importance of engaging and respecting the American people in the conduct of foreign policy.
Mr. Hamilton is president and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and director of The Center on Congress at Indiana University. He is a former member of Congress, co-chair of the Iraq Study Group and vice-chair of the 9/11 Commission.
New Online Registration!
Early Bird Registration Deadline: EXTENDED to August 11, 2008 ACR Members Save $130 Register online with secure credit card processing.
The Preliminary Program is in the mail! Visit the Conference Homepage for more information or Register Now! For scholarship and registration discount information, click here.
2008 Program Highlights Include:
Advanced Commercial Mediation Institute
Other highlights include:
For more information about the conference, visit http://acrnet.org/conferences/ac08/index.htm.
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Call for Article Proposals ACResolution Magazine Winter 2009
ACR’s winter 2009 issue of ACResolution magazine will focus on the topic of Diversity.
We seek proposals from people who would like to write articles on any aspect of diversity, such as serving a diverse clientele, barriers to practice encountered by diverse practitioners, conflict resolution among diverse cultures and populations, enhancing knowledge transfer from diverse practices, etc. We also seek diversity in authors and subject matter; authors do not have to be ACR members.
If interested, please:
Send your proposals via e-mail to ACResolution at publications@ACRnet.org as soon as possible, but no later than September 9, 2008.
An editorial advisory committee will review the proposals and choose 2 or 3 major features and 2 or 3 minor features. All authors will be notified by mid-September. If selected, completed articles will be due to ACR by November 3.
For more information about ACResolution, please visit http://www.ACRnet.org/publications/acresolution.htm.
ACResolution also seeks department articles for the magazine. Regular departments include Balancing Act, Member Milestones, Learning Matters, Diversity Practices, Up Close, World Views on ADR, Periscope, Perspectives on Practice, and Book Reviews. For descriptions of these departments and submission information, visit http://www.acrnet.org/publications/acresolution.htm or contact publications@ACRnet.org. |
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Having Trouble Renewing Online?
After months of challenges with system bugs and coding errors, the company that provided technical support for ACR’s database/web interface system announced abruptly that it was terminating service in the spring. As a result, the staff has been working extensively with a professional consultant to find a replacement, looking for the best service provider that would meet ACR's needs while staying within the budget. We have identified a company and are moving toward working with its team of specialists. The implementation is expected to be a three-to-four month process. The cost is over $60,000.
In the meantime, the staff is handling technical glitches in-house with guidance from a new hosting company. We are making progress on the manual updates to members’ records, but from time to time, members are still reporting to us that they are experiencing difficulty when renewing online. If you are attempting to renew online but do not see a link to renew, we ask that you e-mail the Member Concierge Center at membership@acrnet.org for assistance or call 202-464-9700 x245. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience!
Please also note that at the present time, members have reported technical difficulties when trying to renew using Mac computers or through the Safari web browser (either on Mac or PC). If you wish to renew online, it may be best to use a PC and a web browser other than Safari. |
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Conflict Resolution Day will be celebrated (as always, on the third Thursday in October) on October 16. We have two areas of focus planned for this year:
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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Save the Date The American Arbitration Association is again collaborating with the Commercial Section of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) to present an Advanced Commercial Mediation Institute. This year’s Institute will be held in Austin, Texas on September 24-25. Attending the Institute will fulfill the 2008 and 2009 A.C.E. requirement for those neutrals that are also on the AAA’s Panel of Arbitrators.
This year’s Institute, titled Innovation in Commercial Mediation, is an educational forum designed to further develop advanced skills of professionals experienced in mediating complex commercial disputes. The program features an interactive environment facilitated by leading practitioners and educators in the dispute resolution and related fields. The two-day program is limited to 60 participants experienced in mediating complex commercial and business disputes so as to facilitate extensive interaction among participants and faculty.
The Family Section held its bi-annual conference in Park City, Utah on July 24 - 27. Conference attendees benefited from high quality workshops from peers and leaders in the field and from plenary addresses by Bernie Mayer, Phil Stahl, and Erica Ariel Fox. All feedback from attendees was that each presentation was terrific and that the only problem was having too many good choices during each session of workshops. For those who were unable to attend the conference, a conference CD with materials from all of the workshops is available for a nominal purchase fee. Contact russell@gerrardmediation.com to request a CD.
With the conference now over, the attention of the Section turns to Section and board elections. The nominations for the Family Section Advisory Council (FSAC) have closed and elections are now open (go to www.acrfamilysection.org for voting instructions). There are also several members of the Family Section on the ballot for ACR Board elections, including the following:
Russell Gerrard Marya Kolman Perri Mayes Kathy McCormick
The monthly Family Section Teleseminar series is scheduled to begin again on September 4 at 3:00 EDT. Teleseminars are free for all Section members.
Join Us for
International Day at ACR’s 8th Annual Conference
Spirituality Section to Host a Full-Day Pre-Conference Institute in Austin, Texas Please join us on Wednesday, September 24, for the Spirituality Section’s Empowering Institute, hosted by Michael Aloi and Nan Waller Burnett.
In the morning, we will feature “Global Insight in Negotiation: Practical Wisdom for Engaging in Conflict” with returning lecturer Erica Ariel Fox of the Harvard Law School. She will share her trademarked Beyond Yes method that moves negotiations beyond competence to mastery.
In the afternoon, we will switch gears and offer an improvisational theater workshop titled, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Mediation Forum” hosted by Daniel Horsey of 3StoryStage, and assisted by mediator/players Miles Davis, Rita Callahan, and JoAnn Harjes. In this workshop, we will discover the joy of being fully ‘in the moment’ through hilarious skits and time-honored improv theater exercises.
Please plan now to join us to share this valuable and engaging day by registering today for the Spirituality Section’s Empowering Institute!
Looking Ahead to Rocky Mountain Retreat Four! February 13 – 16, 2009 at the St. Malo Retreat Center Allenspark, Colorado
Once again we will be gathering at the majestic St. Malo Retreat Center for a weekend of spiritual reflection enhanced by such notable speakers as Jason Shulman, Gary Friedman, John Paul Lederach and Herm Weaver. Persons interested in this amazing experience should stay tuned to the Spirituality Section webpage for registration details as they become available!
Election Results for Tri-Chair 2008-2011 Elections for tri-chair were held online from July 15 – August 1, 2008 and, with great pleasure, we announce that Lili Zohar will be filling the position of tri-chair. Congratulations Lili!
We are thrilled to have our other nominees, Will Mercer and Chris Cottrell, join us in our continuing effort to improve the lives of our members through reflection and connection! After the conference in Austin, Emily Gould will rotate into the lead tri-chair, David Gould remains as a second year tri-chair and Nan Waller Burnett will end her term at ACRSS in October 2008.
We invite you to join us on August 13 at noon EDT for our monthly teleconference and hear Lili’s amazing journey from litigation to spiritual sage. At the end of the teleseminar, Lili and Nan will lead a cyber roundtable and invite your comments and suggestions for our Section to be of more service to our members.
Workplace Section
Teleseminars |
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The Arizona chapter will hold a Membership Meeting on September 13 at Phoenix School of Law beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a panel presentation at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch. This program is free to members. Details are being finalized. Check the website for updated information, www.mediate.com/acrarizona, or contact Program Chair, Kevin Osterman at hyviewmediation@earthlink.net.
On September 18, with the support of the Conflict Transformation Project, Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and partners of Project Civil Discourse, an initiative of the Arizona Humanities Council, AACR is sponsoring a morning conference titled: Can We Talk? Tools for Creating Civil Discourse. This interactive conference focuses on methods for cultivating civil discourse in diverse settings. Keynote speaker Richard C. Reuben, law professor from the University of Missouri, will focus his remarks on Deliberative Democracy, an approach to democracy that emphasizes face-to-face dialogue and decision-making based on reason and mutual understanding rather than traditional interest group competition. After the keynote, attendees may choose a session from several case studies presented by well-known individuals who will share their personal experiences using structured civil discourse techniques to help create successful outcomes when faced with very difficult public issues and conflicts. To round out the morning, all participants will then have a choice of four hands-on workshops to experience a specific method of bringing people together to discuss tough issues and create solutions. For more information or to register, go to: www.mediate.com/acrarizona.
July 2008 Highlights ACR Hawaii held a social for members on July 20. In a beautiful setting of a beachside home, Chapter members and their guests were able to enjoy a pleasant late afternoon and pot luck dinner with our special guest, ACR Executive Director Doug Kleine, who we thank for joining us!
SAVE THE DATE Friday, December 5, 2008
Information will be available at http://www.mediate.com/MarylandACR/index.cfm.
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Recommended Standards for School-Based Peer Mediation Programs |
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The new school year is just around the corner. Does your school have a peer mediation program? Find out how to start and administer a program with the “Recommended Standards for School-Based Peer Mediation Programs.” Click here to download a free copy of the publication. Copies also are available for purchase by downloading an order form or by contacting ACR at 202-464-9700 or by e-mail to membership@acrnet.org.
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“What is
Mediation?”
Designed
specifically for use by family mediators, this brochure gives
readers the basic facts about mediation and its benefits and
briefly describes some of the different approaches to
mediation.
“Making Family Mediation Referrals” If you are looking to increase your referrals from attorneys, therapists, teachers and physicians, consider the “Making Family Mediation Referrals” brochure. This pamphlet explains the differences between mediation and therapy, debunks the myth that mediation is the same as practicing law, and lists numerous reasons for a variety of professionals to utilize the services of family mediators.
Click here for an order form.
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Candyce Jackson is the new receptionist for ACR. She has experience in the customer service and administrative fields. She is currently a student at Prince George’s Community College, majoring in English Literature. She most recently worked as a customer service agent and enrollment technician for the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Benefit Program, in SW Washington, DC.
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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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Paid Advertisement: Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law |
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Pepperdine University School of Law Mediating the Litigated Case September 11-13 and 25-27, 2008 A sophisticated six-day program for experienced litigators, in-house counsel, and other practitioners. Professionals can study the mediation of litigated cases either to become a mediator or to be a better advocate. For registration fees, course descriptions, and faculty bios contact Lori Rushford at (310) 506-6342 http://law.pepperdine.edu/straus/training_and_conferences
Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Pepperdine University School of Law East Coast Professional Skills Program Co-sponsored with Vermont Law School October 23-25, 2008 – Woodstock, Vermont Features six courses addressing distinct dispute resolution processes. Participants engage in three days of intensive skills instruction and practice. For registration fees, course descriptions, and faculty bios contact Lori Rushford at (310) 506-6342 http://law.pepperdine.edu/straus/training_and_conferences |
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Advertise in ACR Update! Reach 5,500+ conflict resolution enthusiasts with your advertising message. A 10-line, 100-word, text ad costs just $150! For more information, contact ACR at tlankford@acrnet.org. |
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Encourage your colleagues and friends to join the Association for Conflict Resolution! Enjoy immediate benefits for you and your friends. Go to www.ACRnet.org and click “Join Now.” |
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As an ACR member, you are automatically subscribed to ACR Update. To unsubscribe from ACR Update, send an email to membership@acrnet.org, or log on to the Online Member Center, click on “My Profile,” then “Contact Groups,” and de-select “ACRUpdate.” |
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Association for Conflict Resolution |
SPECIAL
ONLINE OFFER! 
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