February 24, 2011

Proposed Elimination of USIP Funding Threatens Community Mediation Programming Worldwide


The United States Institute of Peace faces an uncertain future if a proposed budget moving though Congress is approved.  According to the Institute's President Richard Solomon in a February 17th press release
The House vote on February 17 [2011] proposes elimination of the Institute’s funding for the remainder of the fiscal year, and reflects the concern of all Americans, which we share, to bring the federal budget under control.
The elimination of the Institute would be a substantial blow to both the pragmatic and idealistic movements promoting constructive, non-violent approaches to conflicts of all shapes and sizes.

For the community mediation movement specifically, defunding the Institute would be a conspicuous loss.  A quick search of USIP's grant database reports nearly half a million dollars in community mediation related projects that have supported our field over the years.  Beyond these direct investments in community mediation, the Institute's emphasis on collaborative partnerships and role as a convener of stakeholders for peace often serves to bring community mediation practitioners into broader projects, allowing them to share their expertise and message with new audiences.  

As an aligned partner in peace work, NAFCM stands in solidarity with the Institute and firmly asserts the continued need for their invaluable services.  We encourage others engaged in peace work and/or committed to constructive outcomes for conflicts to learn more about the Institute and discover current actions designed to support its continued existence.

In community,
Executive Director, NAFCM

February 2, 2011

2011 Call for Board Nominations

Passionate about community mediation?  Stirred to serve?  We are!

Nominate yourself or a colleague to the NAFCM Board of Directors.


NAFCM, the National Association for Community Mediation, has now released its 2011 Call for Nominations to the Board of Directors.  If you're involved and/or interested in community mediation and would like to make a difference from atop the NAFCM platform, consider submitting your nomination today. 

We're looking for candidates from all walks, backgrounds, and skill sets who are unified in their desire to advance the critical work of dedicated community mediation program staffs and their volunteer mediators.

If elected, candidates serve a three-year term (flexible alternatives possible) and are asked to actively contribute to both advancing NAFCM and promoting our field.  Read the full list of qualifications and expectations, review the 2011 timeline, contact us with any questions, and submit your nomination form all from NAFCM's new website.

We look forward to reviewing your nomination soon!

In community,
Executive Director, NAFCM