New Community Mediation Webinar Lineup

NAFCM's pleased to announce a fresh set of webinars in our ongoing Community Mediation Webinar Series.

Take a look at the exciting topics and expert presenters we'll be featuring:

• 2012-10-11: "Accommodating Mental Illness in Mediation" by Dan Berstein

• 2012-10-18: "Enhancing Mediation Skills through Online Simulations" by Giuseppe Leone

• 2012-11-08: "Understanding Mediation Program Influences Using TIMS" by Dr. Rebecca Storrow

• 2012-11-15: "Offering Elder Mediation Services to Your Community" by Crystal Thorpe

• 2012-12-12: "Advocacy Tools & Tips for Mediation Programs" by Joe Brummer & Daniel Kos

• 2013-01-10: "Grow Your Community Mediation 'Brand' through Fresh, Relevant Online Content" by Ben Ziegler

• 2013-01-17: "Adopting & Implementing the New Peer Mediators Curriculum" by Charles Chang & Wendy E.H. Corbett

• 2013-01-31: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: Introducing ADR to Animal Conflicts" by Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton

Registration for many of these events is FREE for current NAFCM members and -- for most events -- only $25 for non-members. Secure the greatest savings by joining NAFCM or renewing your membership. For the next couple days, you can still snag your annual membership during our closing September special for only $38 (individuals) or as low as $75 for programs!

Have something you'd like to see included in our Webinar Series? You can now submit webinar proposals online via our ongoing RFP!

In community,

Justin R. Corbett

Executive Director, NAFCM

NAFCM to be on the TX Conflict Coach Radio Show

Check-out who's (finally) scheduled for the Texas Conflict Coach's stellar radio show! 

On October 16th, I'll be joining Pattie Porter's always impressive and fresh line-up of interesting speakers with a show titled: "The State and Growth of Community Mediation." (Definitely also give a listen to Brad Heckman's earlier show featuring his work at the mighty New York Peace Institute.) 

I owe some big thanks to Pattie for her generous invitation, her active interest in community mediation, and her persistence in getting this scheduled! She's both delightful online and fabulously photogenic!

Read the complete details below the break, including how you can call-in live to participate in some exciting community-focused Q&A. Looking forward to hearing from you ON AIR!

In community,

Justin R. Corbett

Executive Director, NAFCM

ICCCR Study on Mediator Effectiveness

Attn: Community Mediators

The International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University is seeking your help!

ICCCR is conducting a survey of mediators aimed at identifying the most basic aspects of mediation situations that determine differences in mediator strategies and tactics. In other words, what are the most important features of mediations that effect whether a mediator facilitates or evaluates, seeks to settle or aims to transform, comes on strong or backs-off?

They've reached out to NAFCM to help spread the word about this important new study. They've also generously offered to share their findings with NAFCM and our broader community. As they do, we'll be sure to post some of the interesting findings here. (Oh, and there's also a $10 Starbucks gift card in it for ya!)

In the meantime, give a read to the official invitation letter and instructions below the break. It comes directly from Peter T. Coleman, ICCCR Director and all around field legend!

In community,

Justin R. Corbett

Executive Director, NAFCM

Save the Date - OMA Annual Conference Nov. 2-3

Check out this exciting announcement from the Oregon Mediation Association's very own Judy Brodkey. (Hey Judy, look like you'll have to update OMA's slogan to celebrate "26 Years of Moving Mediation Forward!")

In community,

Justin R. Corbett

Executive Director, NAFCM

26th Annual Oregon Mediation Association Fall Conference

November 2 - 3, 2012

Ambridge Event Center – Portland, OR

The Alchemy of Conflict Resolution:

Transforming Leadership in Challenging Times

Join us for an inspiring conference including a powerful keynote address by Michelle LeBaron, JD, MA, who is an internationally renowned scholar and practitioner. She currently serves as a Professor of Law and Director of the Dispute Resolution Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada. Learn valuable tools and techniques from other disciplines, participate in engaging sessions, and learn to use mediation and related skills in a variety of settings.

The conference is appropriate for mediators, lawyers, community activists, non-profit staff, social workers, students and anyone interested in mediation and other forms of conflict resolution.

Visit the conference website to learn more!

Register online or download a brochure on the conference website. One and two day registration options are available.

Continuing Education Credits: NASW social work CEUs and Oregon State Bar MCLE credits are pending.

Interested in Volunteering? Visit the conference website for complete details and submit your application by October 11, 2012. Volunteer slots are generally filled in order of applications received.

For more information, email the Oregon Mediation Association or call (503) 872-9775.

Join us for this exciting and inspiring conference!

Community Activities in NOLA: A Preview

The Community Mediation scene will be hoppin' all week long, and you're invited!

Regardless whether you're able to join us in New Orleans at ACR's Annual Conference this week, there are plenty of ways for you to connect. 

Check out what we're planning:

On-Site:

• Attend the many Recommended Community Sessions scheduled throughout the conference.
• Attend NAFCM's membership meeting on Thursday (9/13) from 1:00 - 2:00 pm in the Oakley Room (4th Floor).
• Attend the membership meeting for the ACR Community Section on Friday (9/14) from 12:30 - 1:30 pm in the Oakley Room (4th Floor) [LUNCH PROVIDED].
• Visit NAFCM's booth (#25) in the Exhibit Hall and strike up a conversation with myself and several NAFCM Board members.
• Contribute to the daily community-focused conference recaps right here on this blog!
• Complete NAFCM's crossword puzzle in the on-site program. (Drop-off your completed crossword at NAFCM's booth to enter our FREE membership drawing!)
• Join NAFCM during our 25% off September Special! (Membership/renewal forms will be available in the exhibit hall at NAFCM's booth.)

Online:

• Request a personal update and resources from up to two of the Recommended Community Sessions, and I will personally send you the info following the conference!
• Read and comment on the daily community-focused conference recaps right here on this blog!
• Plug-in to live conference updates via NAFCM's social media channels, including: Facebook, Twitter, & Google+.
• Try your hand at NAFCM's crossword puzzle featured in the on-site program. (Email a picture of your completed crossword to enter our FREE membership drawing!)
• Stay tuned for updates from NAFCM's on-site membership meeting, and watch for our companion online meeting to be announced shortly!
• MAKE IT OFFICIAL: Join or Renew your NAFCM Membership during our 25% off September Special!

I'm looking forward to meeting and reconnecting with many of you this week! I hope you're also excited about the week ahead!

In community,

Justin R. Corbett

Executive Director, NAFCM