Ohio Mediation Association

 HYPERLINK “http://www.mediateohio.org” www.mediateohio.org

A Bi-Monthly Publication

Jan./Feb. 2012

President: James Petas (419) 936-2312 E-mail:  HYPERLINK “mailto:james.petas@noris.org” james.petas@noris.org

Immediate Past President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 E-mail:  HYPERLINK “mailto:Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu” Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu

Vice President: Ed Krauss (614) 619-0017 E-mail:  HYPERLINK “mailto:edmkmediator@sbcglobal.net” edmkmediator@sbcglobal.net

Treasurer:  Suzanne Barker (614) 299-6843 E-mail:  HYPERLINK “mailto:barkersu@aol.com” barkersu@aol.com

Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail:  HYPERLINK “mailto:gmweisshaar@yahoo.com” gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

Mark your Calendars for our exciting meetings!! (Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months.)

February 3, 2012     CASA: Everything you wanted to know by Anne Konarski, Director of Volunteers and Program Attorney for Franklin County. For particulars see info below the President’s column.

April 27, 2012          ANNUAL CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE! Jennifer Kresge on The Art & Science of the Question 9:00 AM-4:00 PM NEW LOCATION at the Columbus Bar Association 175 S. 3^rd Street Suite 1100, Columbus OH 43215 CLE & CEU pending.

Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you can suggest please let him know at  HYPERLINK “mailto:ekek783@sbcglobal.net” ekek783@sbcglobal.net

President’s Column

James Petas

From Mess to Magnificent

How mediators and therapist sometimes mirror each others professional craft to produce a positive result out of a negative situation.

Both disciplines deal w/ conflict – The characteristics of conflict often follow the same punch list of emotions such as being  hurt, confused , feeling disrespected.

Therapy often has a direct approach to addressing conflict – many schools of thought advocate for challenging the client directly on how they perceive & respond to a problem. They discuss issues and offer different ways to view something. In anger management therapy for example the therapist will question the client by asking is this anger useful, remind them to think before reacting, consider if the offender acted out of an inner issue they have, reminding them they have a choice in the way they internally & externally respond.

The mediator tools of the trade often focus on principals of self determination which is a less direct way to address conflict. This occurs by the mediator laying down a foundation of positive communication through the expression of ideas and emotions, problem solving and goal setting. This process is designed to help people reassess history, make informed decisions and move past vindication to find closure.

So looking at this metaphorically the mediator often acts more like a gardener while the therapist does the work of a surgeon. Both styles are critical to achieving a positive outcome for parties.

But to be effective being eclectic is often the best rule. Both professions often step in each others worlds to get results.

In mediation it’s possible to be too non directive and neutral. This can lead to the parties become entrenched and ultimately, impasse. At a conference I attended last month one of the attorneys complained  his mediator was too hands off that he wanted someone “w/ an attitude” and who “got involved”. Taking a more direct, surgical, therapeutic approach such as reality testing, questioning motivation, case evaluation can be just what the parties need to get them to resolution

The same holds true as a therapist – if they cram a message down the throat of a client and don’t allow the person to experience some form of self direction or  self realization, this can result in a depersonalized experience, which lacks meaning.

In conclusion, each can incorporate tools from the others modes of practice.  When appropriate, the therapist borrow from the mediator in letting the client discover a resolution on their own. The mediator from the therapist, to be more evaluative to make suggestions. Both hopefully making something good out of something negative.

Don’t forget to attend the OMA bi monthly meeting in Columbus on Friday, February 3rd. Our speaker will be Ann Konarski – Director of Volunteers & Program Attorney at CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates. The topic will be ”Everything you wanted to know about CASA but were afraid to ask - what is CASA & how does it work”.

We are also excited to announce Jennifer Kresge, speaker for the 2012 OMA Conference. Jennifer is a mediator and neuroscience specialist from California -her topic will be ”The Art and Science of the Question”.

Please plan to spend an afternoon with us on Friday April 27, 2012.

Hope to see you soon,

James S. Petas

OMA President

February meeting info: Anne Konarski is the Director of Volunteers and Program Attorney at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County. CASA trains community volunteers to advocate as Guardians ad Litem for abused and neglected children in Franklin County Juvenile Court. Konarski has worn many hats for the organization, including fundraising, creating agency policy and carrying a case load as a Guardian ad Litem. Before joining CASA she worked as a project attorney at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease in the litigation section.   Konarski holds a BA in International Studies from The Ohio State University and a JD from Capital University Law School.  At Capital, she enjoyed an intensive summer course on negotiation and mediation and worked with the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy and the Justice League of Ohio. Konarski lives in the Clintonville area with her husband Victor, son Samuel, and two dogs, Daisy and Lola.

OMA Committee to Explore Certification of Ohio Mediators

Information has come to light that impacted this committee so it has been put on hiatus until June to determine if there will be a need for it or not.  Updates will be provided at that time as to the situation.

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI

2011 – 2012 Meeting Schedule

Please join us on the second Friday of the month;

members and non-members are welcome!

Meeting Time:      11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. NEW Location :        The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati* Rookwood Tower (5^th Floor) 3805 Edwards Road, Suite 500 *Health Foundation does not allow food to be brought in to its facility.

Please Note: The following schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change. Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.   To join the Mediation Council or to renew membership (annual dues are $15),  contact Anne Wakefield at  HYPERLINK “mailto:mediationworks11@aol.com” mediationworks11@aol.com

January 13, 2012: Chris Hall, Beech Acres Marketing Director, presents, “How to Start a Blog”. Learn how to create a blog and how blogs are used to share information–then decide if blogging is right for you.

February 10, 2012: Jacqueline Hagerott, Esq., Ohio Supreme Court Dispute Resolution Section Manager presents, “Parenting Coordination:  the Newest Dispute Resolution Tool for High Conflict Families”. Learn what mediators need to know about the latest dispute resolution process to be used in family courts.

March 9, 2012: Meghan Clarke, ME Clarke Consulting, presents, “Peace for Peacemakers: A Dialogue on Self-care” and will provide ideas about how to take care of yourself when you are experiencing stress or “mediator burnout”.

April 13, 2012: Martha Camp, Mediator, presents, “Educing Information and Cooperation:  What Mediators Can Learn from Interrogators”, which will examine the parallels and divergences in purpose, technique and strategy between military interrogators and mediators, referencing Matthew Alexander’s book “Kill or Capture” about interrogating Iraqi citizens in search of terrorists.

May 11, 2012: The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Hayley at 513-639-9132.

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20^th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is February 20, 2012.  Please send all material to President Jim Petas until a new Newsletter Editor can be named as this is my last edition.  Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list): New and renewing members may send applications to the PO Box on the website.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website  HYPERLINK “http://www.mediateohio.org” www.mediateohio.org  Additionally, you may use PAYPAL to pay for your dues now!  If there is a correction or an addition, please let Suzanne Barker, OMA Treasurer know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance.

New phone/fax for Shirley Cochran Phone: (614) 863-2922 Fax: (614) 453-8544

Elaine Dickhoner

1331 Dillon Avenue

Cincinnati OH 45208 HYPERLINK “mailto:edickhoner@gmail.com” edickhoner@gmail.com

Thomas Douglas

Thomas Douglas Resolutions

4930 N. Holland Sylvania Road

Sylvania OH 43560419-882-2400

Fax: 419-882-3839

HYPERLINK “mailto:tsdesq@buckeye-express.com” \o “blocked::mailto:tsdesq@buckeye-express.com” tsdesq@buckeye-express.com

Better Outcomes

Louis H. Kraus

1779 Kemery Road

Akron OH 44333-1931(216) 832-4358

Fax: (330) 576-6634

HYPERLINK “mailto:LHK@getbetteroutcomes.com” LHK@getbetteroutcomes.com

HYPERLINK “mailto:lkraus@windstream.net” lkraus@windstream.net

Barbara K. Roman, Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis

28601 Chagrin Blvd. #500

Cleveland OH 44122(216) 831-0042

Fax: (216) 831-0542

HYPERLINK “mailto:broman@meyersroman.com” broman@meyersroman.com

Michael R. Thomas

Kirby, Thomas, Brandenburg & D’Amico

4 Sycamore Creek

Springboro OH 45066(937) 748-1004

Fax: (937) 748-2390

HYPERLINK “mailto:mthomas@thomasinjurylaw.com” mthomas@thomasinjurylaw.com

Denton S. Whitney

5737 Sells Mills Drive

Dublin OH 43017(614) 734-0415

HYPERLINK “mailto:denton@dentonwhitney.com” \o “blocked::mailto:denton@dentonwhitney.com” denton@dentonwhitney.com

Robert N. Wistner, JD Mid-Ohio Center for Collaborative Divorce Planning

5650 Blazer Parkway, Suite 100

Dublin OH 43017(614) 734-8354

Fax: (614) 553-7138

HYPERLINK “mailto:rwistner@att.net” rwistner@att.net

TRAINING & WORKSHOPS:

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training March 14 and June 6, 2012; Basic Mediation Training February 22 & 23 April 5 & 6; and May 9 & 10, 2012; and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training April 11, 12, 17, 18, & 19, and October 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25, 2012.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or  HYPERLINK “http://www.communitymediation.com” www.communitymediation.com  Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2^nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution

Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at  HYPERLINK “http://www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution” www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

Cleveland Mediation Center United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail training@clevelandmediation.org .

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center has announced trainings for the year.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at:  HYPERLINK “http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm” \o “http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm” http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

2012 Canadian School of Peacebuilding June 18-22 and 25-29, 2012  HYPERLINK “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca” \o “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca” csop.cmu.ca

Come this summer to learn with peacebuilders – local and international, young and old, students, practitioners, and those new to peacebuilding – at the fourth annual Canadian School of Peacebuilding.  We invite you to participate in your choice of five-day courses for personal inspiration, professional development, or academic credit.  You can apply now at  HYPERLINK “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Fregistration%2F” \o “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Fregistration%2F” http://csop.cmu.ca/index.php/registration/.

The fourth annual Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP), a program of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), will be held in Winnipeg, MB, June 18-22 and 25-29, 2012.  Two 5-day sessions, each with three courses running concurrently, will be offered for training or for academic credit.  The CSOP is designed to be an environment characterized by (a) education for peace and justice, (b) learning through thinking and doing, (c) generous hospitality and radical dialogue, and (d) the modeling of invitational community.  The Canadian School of Peacebuilding is for people from all faiths, countries and identity groups.

We are delighted to again be able to offer courses taught by  HYPERLINK “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Finstructors%2F” \o “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Finstructors%2F” expert and engaging instructors who are committed to peace work.  You are invited to join us this international gathering for one or more of the following  HYPERLINK “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Fcourses%2F” \o “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Fcourses%2F” courses:

Session I – June 18-22, 2012

Great Leaders of Peace: Stories of Aboriginal, Canadian and International Leaders

Instructor: Ovide Mercredi

Peace Skills Practice

Instructor: Karen Ridd

Speaking Out…and Being Heard – Citizen Advocacy

Instructors: Stuart Clark & Sophia Murphy

Session II – June 25-29, 2012

Participant Driven Processes: Cultivating Change, Respecting Difference

Instructor: Barry Stuart

Faith, Music & Inter-Ethnic Reconciliation

Instructor: Ivo Marković

Women & Peacebuilding

Instructors: Ouyporn Khuankaew & Anna Snyder

Registration is now available at http://csop.cmu.ca/index.php/registration/ HYPERLINK “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Fregistration%2F” \o “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca%2Findex.php%2Fregistration%2F” .  More information is available at  HYPERLINK “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca” \o “http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45302524&msgid=306669&act=1I90&c=692571&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fcsop.cmu.ca” csop.cmu.ca or by e-mailing csop@cmu.ca.  Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.   We hope you will consider joining us.   Wendy Kroeker & Valerie Smith Co-Directors Canadian School of Peacebuilding

Web Sites of Interest:

Ohio Mediation Association:  HYPERLINK “http://www.mediateohio.org” www.mediateohio.org

Ohio Community Mediation Association:  HYPERLINK “http://www.ohiocommunitymediation.net” www.ohiocommunitymediation.net

Ohio State Bar Association:  HYPERLINK “http://www.ohiobar.org” www.ohiobar.org

Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO)  HYPERLINK “http://www.manomediate.org” www.manomediate.org

Mediate.com:  HYPERLINK “http://www.mediate.com” www.mediate.com

Ohio Mediation Association

 www.mediateohio.org 

A Bi-Monthly Publication

Nov./Dec. 2011

President: James Petas (419) 936-2312 E-mail: James.petas@noris.org

Immediate Past President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 E-mail: Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu

Vice President: Ed Krauss (614) 619-0017 E-mail: edmkmediator@sbcglobal.net

Treasurer:  Suzanne Barker (614) 299-6843 E-mail: barkersu@aol.com

Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail: gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

Mark your Calendars for our exciting meetings!! (Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months.)

December 2, 2011 Private Mediator Tom Douglas

February 3, 2012 TBA

April 27, 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE!

Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you can suggest please let him know at ekek783@sbcglobal.net

President’s Column

James Petas

Moving Mediation from the Court Room to the Public

There is no doubt that mediators are generally contacted towards the end of a conflict and our services usually result in a confidential resolution.  I often wonder what the field would look like if we were involved near the beginning of a conflict and if the process occurred in more a public arena. Newspapers and media are society’s vehicle for learning about these issues. However those venues don’t have the mediation characteristics of not having an ax to grind, interpreting conflicts in a alternate light, removing issues that cloud discussion and not being swayed by agendas; all of which allows resolution to happen. One thing that is certain is that our profession has the ability to clarify issues and remove toxicity that seems to be prevalent in these times of fevered opinions & high octane partisanship.

So if we took our trade to the public stage what that would that look like? Would we show up on an editorial page, be interviewed on radio program or have a 30 second spot after an infomercial. Where do we fit in?

In a brief experiment I applied some mediation summarizing & re-framing  techniques to a discussion of the economic recession…

Economic Recession: Cause and Cure

Cause1) It’s the Federal Government – whereby the government  in early to mid 2000’s deregulated the financial, mortgage and loan industry causing a housing and investment bubble which lead to an  economic crash that undermined the U.S. currency.

Cause 2) It’s Wall Street - despite poor regulations, the financial firms took part in making profit by executing unstable investments and loans and forgoing sound financial principles for short term gain.

Cure 3) Solution from the Government: needs to be continue federal stimulus to save the economy – per the lessons for the great depression.  This artificial growth will stop a domino effect and give time for market to correct.

Cure 4) Solution from Private Business: Recovery needs to come from the private sector – a pro business model such as fewer regulations, tax incentives and accessible loans would create an authentic economic stimulus and recovery.

Mediation Resolution 5) The last camp is the mediation perspective which focuses the conversation from problem to problem solving asking: what direction are we going, what  have we done in the last 4 years to create jobs and  what’s  worked and what hasn’t.  These questions reflect mediations axiom of moving forward and being about today and the future.

The mediation process no doubt helps people make informed decisions, and whether I was a mediator or not, I would find our perspective valuable.

I do think there is a need to get involved at the public level when things are happening and that our profession has something to contribute.

One day I would mind hearing “After the commercial we’ll hear from the ”Blank” Mediation Association ”… maybe one day.

Please join us on December 2nd when we have Thomas Douglas, private mediator from Lucas County.  Tom will discuss his career as a mediator and to lead our discussion on the challenges and rewards of private practice.

OMA Committee to Explore Certification of Ohio Mediators

As a result of the discussion at the OMA Annual Conference, a committee has been formed to explore suggestions for certification of Ohio Mediators.  Shirley Cochran has been appointed as Chair of the committee and is gathering those who are willing to assist in the project.  Another meeting was held in August 2011 with assignments made and goals set forth.  Our main goal was to contact other states, entities who certify mediators and see what they did—why reinvent the wheel?  Our assignments include writing our lists of reasons why some sort of qualification of mediators is important and the pros and cons of licensure versus certification.  Anyone with an idea of what the minimum qualifications and the process for certification/licensure should be, please send an e-mail to Shirley.  Others on the committee include Linda Norris, Chris Scott, Susan Shostak, David Cohen, Mark Laughlin and Kathryn Wollenberg with Terry Wheeler, Past President of ACR assisting.  Information as to the progress of the committee will be reported in Mediate Ohio as it is published.

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI

2011 – 2012 Meeting Schedule

Please join us on the second Friday of the month; members and non-members are welcome!

Meeting Time:  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. NEW Location :  The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati* Rookwood Tower (5^th Floor) 3805 Edwards Road, Suite 500 *Health Foundation does not allow food to be brought in to its facility.

Please Note: The following schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change. Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.   To join the Mediation Council or to renew membership (annual dues are $15),  contact Anne Wakefield at  mediationworks11@aol.com

November 18, 2011 (third Friday due to 11/11 holiday): Charlie McGinnis, Esq. & Chief Instructor, Aikido of Cincinnati presents, “Applying the Practice of Aikido to Mediation:  Getting to Yes or Getting to No with Understanding and Compassion”. Learn how the Japanese martial art of Aikido applies to mediation.

December, 2011:  no meeting

January 13, 2012: Chris Hall, Beech Acres Marketing Director, presents, “How to Start a Blog”. Learn how to create a blog and how blogs are used to share information–then decide if blogging is right for you.

February 10, 2012: Jacqueline Hagerott, Esq., Ohio Supreme Court Dispute Resolution Section Manager presents, “Parenting Coordination:  the Newest Dispute Resolution Tool for High Conflict Families”. Learn what mediators need to know about the latest dispute resolution process to be used in family courts.

March 9, 2012: Meghan Clarke, ME Clarke Consulting, presents, “Peace for Peacemakers: A Dialogue on Self-care” and will provide ideas about how to take care of yourself when you are experiencing stress or “mediator burnout”.

April 13, 2012: Martha Camp, Mediator, presents, “Educing Information and Cooperation:  What Mediators Can Learn from Interrogators”, which will examine the parallels and divergences in purpose, technique and strategy between military interrogators and mediators, referencing Matthew Alexander’s book “Kill or Capture” about interrogating Iraqi citizens in search of terrorists.

May 11, 2012: The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Hayley at 513-639-9132.

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20^th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is December 20, 2011.  My address is 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Phone:  (614) 863-2922 E-mail:  HYPERLINK “mailto:scochran@insight.rr.com” scochran@insight.rr.com  Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list): New and renewing members may send applications to Immediate Past President, Shirley Cochran at 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.  Contact Shirley for membership applications.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website  HYPERLINK “http://www.mediateohio.org” www.mediateohio.org    If there is a correction or an addition, please let Shirley know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance.

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training December 1, 2011 plus March 14 and June 6, 2012; Basic Mediation Training February 22 & 23 and May 9 & 10, 2012; and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training April 11, 12, 17, 18, & 19, 2012.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or  HYPERLINK “http://www.communitymediation.com” www.communitymediation.com  Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2^nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution

Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at   www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

Cleveland Mediation Center United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail training@clevelandmediation.org .

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center has announced trainings for the year.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at:  http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

Creating Workplaces Where People Thrive

Foundations training in needs-basedcommunication and dynamic governance Join us for this training with a world renowned expert in applying Compassionate Communication to workplace environments, Gregg Kendrick.   This three-day workshop on December 8-10 provides an introduction to Needs-Based Communication and to Dynamic Governance, as well as a conceptual overview to how these processes begin to transform organizations to be places where people thrive while the organization’s purpose is robustly fulfilled.  INCLUDE Gregg will provide foundational skills in Needs-Based Communication and  Dynamic Governance for people who are considering, or are involved in, transforming their workplace or organizational culture.  Everyone is welcome at this training! It will be of particular interest to Business owners and executives, Consultants and trainers, HR managers and EAP providers, Practitioners of Compassionate Communication who want to see how needs-based communication works in a business setting, Entrepreneurs and visionary leaders who want to “do business” in a new and transformative way, Managers and supervisors who want to inspire their staff rather than continually oversee and motivate them.   Learn more about Gregg Kendrick and his first-hand experience with transforming organizational and business cultures.

Jeff Brown, Executive Director , Compassionate Communication of Central Ohio Email:jeff@nvcohio.org Phone:  614-558-1141 Web:    http://www.nvcohio.org

2012 Canadian School of Peacebuilding June 18-22 and 25-29, 2012

Come this summer to learn with peacebuilders – local and international, young and old, students, practitioners, and those new to peacebuilding – at the fourth annual Canadian School of Peacebuilding.  We invite you to participate in your choice of five-day courses for personal inspiration, professional development, or academic credit.  You can apply now at  http://csop.cmu.ca/index.php/registration/.

The fourth annual Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP), a program of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), will be held in Winnipeg, MB, June 18-22 and 25-29, 2012.  Two 5-day sessions, each with three courses running concurrently, will be offered for training or for academic credit.  The CSOP is designed to be an environment characterized by (a) education for peace and justice, (b) learning through thinking and doing, (c) generous hospitality and radical dialogue, and (d) the modeling of invitational community.  The Canadian School of Peacebuilding is for people from all faiths, countries and identity groups.

We are delighted to again be able to offer courses taught by expert and engaging instructors who are committed to peace work.  You are invited to join us this international gathering for one or more of the following courses:

Session I – June 18-22, 2012

Great Leaders of Peace: Stories of Aboriginal, Canadian and International Leaders

Instructor: Ovide Mercredi

Peace Skills Practice

Instructor: Karen Ridd

Speaking Out…and Being Heard – Citizen Advocacy

Instructors: Stuart Clark & Sophia Murphy

Session II – June 25-29, 2012

Participant Driven Processes: Cultivating Change, Respecting Difference

Instructor: Barry Stuart

Faith, Music & Inter-Ethnic Reconciliation

Instructor: Ivo Marković

Women & Peacebuilding

Instructors: Ouyporn Khuankaew & Anna Snyder

Registration is now available at http://csop.cmu.ca or by e-mailing csop@cmu.ca.  Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.

Web Sites of Interest: 

Ohio Mediation Association:  www.mediateohio.org

Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management:  www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov/   

Ohio Community Mediation Association:  www.ohiocommunitymediation.net

Ohio State Bar Association:   www.ohiobar.org

Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO)  www.manomediate.org

Mediate.com:  www.mediate.com

MEDIATE OHIO 

Ohio Mediation Association

www.mediateohio.org

A Bi-Monthly Publication

May/June 2011

President: James Petas (419) 936-2312 E-mail: james.petas@noris.org

Immediate Past President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 E-mail: Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu

Vice President: Ed Krauss (614) 619-0017 E-mail: edmkmediator@sbcglobal.net

Treasurer:  Suzanne Barker (614) 299-6843 E-mail: barkersu@aol.com

Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail: gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

Mark your Calendars for our exciting meetings!!

(Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months.)

 June 3, 2011          

Drug Trends in Ohio: Join Ohio State Patrol officers as we discuss a topic of interest to anyone working with youth or families!  Our speakers: Sergeant Mike Kemmer and Trooper Matt Ruth.  See below for specifics.

August 5, 2011        TBA

October 7, 2011       TBA

December 2, 2011 TBA

Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you can suggest please let him know at ekek783@sbcglobal.net

President’s Column

James Petas

What a fantastic day at the beautiful Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. Having the chance to spend the day with so many of our members – both new and old is always exciting and a privilege.

This year’s conference was a tremendous success.  Our speaker, Kenneth Cloke, presented fascinating insights into the mediation process. What impressed me most was just how far so much of the training in our profession has evolved. When I first started, the mediation curriculum gravitated toward techniques focused on conciliations and settlement conferences. With each year the trainings have changed and become more refined – offering more diverse and thoughtful concepts and ideas.

The same evolution I have seen in training has also been reflected in changes closer to home. My first mediation ended in an impasse and the client said to me “you didn’t say a lot”. Ironically, last week, some 16 years later, a case settled and a client said “wow, you didn’t say much … thanks, I didn’t think we would settle”. There was a big difference between those two mediations where I “didn’t say much” and that has a great deal to do with attending these conferences.

If I could summarize the theme of this years conference, it would be that it’s often more dangerous to stay on the surface and not focus on the underlying cause of the problem.  The same could be said for the way our organization needs to view our profession and the future of mediation. We need to take chances, confront our issues and be committed to advancing the field. If not us, then who and if not now, when. I encourage everyone to “take a walk on the wild side” by taking an active role in OMA and helping to make a difference.

The conference agenda also included the exciting announcements of our new elected treasurer Suzanne Barker, second term secretary Gina Weisshaar and Better World Award recipient, Jan Fritz. Please see Ed Krauss’s article below.

I look forward to seeing you all at the June 4th meeting!

June Meeting Specifics:

The subject for the June OMA meeting will be drug trends in Ohio, especially among young people, and what the Ohio State Patrol is doing to fight the drug problem. This should be of special interest to anyone who works with families and/or youths, because they will be learning the latest information about illegal drugs.  Our presenters:

Sergeant Mike Kemmer is a 14 year veteran of the Ohio State Patrol. He has served at the Patrol’s Mansfield and Delaware Posts and at the Patrol’s Special Operations Section. Sergeant Kemmer was assigned to the Patrol’s Special Response Team (SWAT) for 10 years and held the position of team leader, prior to his current position as the assistant commander of the Central Region Criminal Patrol Unit. Sergeant Kemmer is a Certified OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) instructor. He also serves as a Firearms Instructor and Driving Instructor for the patrol.

Trooper Matt Ruth, is a 12 year veteran of the Ohio State Patrol. He served at the Patrol’s Bucyrus Post and in the Patrol’s Special Operations Section. Trooper Ruth was assigned to the Patrol’s Special Response Team (SWAT) for 8 years, prior to his current position as a Canine Handler, with the Patrol’s Central Region Criminal Patrol Unit. Matt is a certified Advanced EMT and a Certified OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) instructor. He serves as a CPR and AED Instructor for the patrol.=

BETTER WORLD AWARD GIVEN TO DR. JAN MARIE FRITZ

At its annual meeting, The Ohio Mediation Association presents the Better World Award to someone nominated by the mediation community as having made outstanding contributions to the field of alternative dispute resolution.

At this year’s meeting, April 29, the Better World Award was given to Dr. Jan Marie Fritz, a full professor at the University of Cincinnati (since 1993 over 500 students have taken her mediation courses) and a senior research fellow with the Centre for Sociological Research at the University of Johannesburg, in addition to maintaining a private mediation practice spanning more than twenty years. Her recent mediation work has primarily been in the area of special education, but she also has mediated small claims cases, organizational disputes, and commercial cases. In addition, Jan volunteers her mediation and facilitation skills to community groups, citizen groups, community- based organizations and NGOs in Ohio, Washington, D.C., Connecticut and California about mediation and facilitation.

Jan is the author or editor of more than 100 publications that have appeared in numerous languages (e.g., Greek, French, Ukrainian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish).  She currently is completing two books – Moving Toward a Just Peace: The Mediation Continuum and Essentials of Community Intervention. She was a vice president of the International Sociological Association (ISA), and currently is president  of the Clinical Sociology division of the ISA.  She has worked with a peace center at the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria.

As the UN representative for the ISA, she has run sessions connected to meetings of the UN Commission on the Status of Women on her research on the national action plans based on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace and Security).  Two weeks ago she gave a presentation in Mexico City about this topic. She also was a consultant to Serbian government representatives in the development of Serbia’s plan.  Jan thinks UNSCR 1325 is important because it addresses the difficult situations facing women and girls when there are prolonged violent conflicts but also because it opens the doors for women to be mediators.

The Ohio Mediation Association’s Better World Award is one of many awards given this international trainer and scholar. In 2010 she received the American Sociological Association Distinguished Career Award for the Practice of Sociology and recently was awarded the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Human Rights and International Studies in Denmark.   Because of her outstanding work as a teacher, writer and mediator, OMA is honored to recognize Dr. Jan Marie Fritz.

Apology by Ed Krauss

One of the things that keeps me excited about being a mediator is paying careful attention to the use of the English language, our only tool. (Well, silence, too. That’s another good tool.) As we all know, the careful use of language is critical to us in mediating successfully. Further, we often help people reach a mutually satisfactory resolution by restating, reframing, clarifying their positions: “I tried to explain but he won’t listen!” “What do you want him to know about your view of the situation?” Etc.

A second thought is that apologies are, on occasion, part of settlements. Sometimes they are spontaneous, sometimes part of a negotiated agreement.

And third, of course, is that we don’t tell people what the answer is, or what the settlement should be – but on occasion we challenge, at the table or in a caucus, an offer that we have doubts about. Acting as the devil’s advocate, doing a reality check, is all part of the practice. “You’ll take the three-year old Chevy and give your spouse the new Porche. Please share with me why you feel comfortable with that agreement.” “You want the children to change homes every third night, with a half-hour drive each way. How will that work for the children; their schooling, homework, time with friends?” Etc.

What got me thinking about all this was the recent apology from football coach Jim Tressel. He is quoted in the Columbus Dispatch thusly: “I consider all of you a part of Buckeye Nation. I sincerely apologize for what we’ve been through. I apologize for the fact I wasn’t able to find the ones to partner with to handle our difficult and complex situation.”

It strikes me that nowhere in the quote were any phrases such as I was wrong, I did wrong, I’m sorry for doing the wrong thing, I apologize for doing the wrong thing.

Were I at the mediation table, I’d turn to Buckeye Nation and ask if BN found that apology acceptable. Maybe yes, maybe no – but that’s up to BN, not to the mediator.

OMA Committee to Explore Certification of Ohio Mediators

 As a result of the discussion at the OMA Annual Conference, a committee has been formed to explore suggestions for certification of Ohio Mediators.  Shirley Cochran has been appointed as Chair of the committee and is gathering those who are willing to assist in the project.  A meeting was held after the general membership meeting in February and some consensus was reached as to where this might head.  Linda Norris reported on Mediator Certification at the monthly meeting of the Dispute Resolution Committee of the Columbus Bar Association and reports were that things went well.  Anyone with an idea of what the minimum qualifications and the process for certification should be, please send an e-mail to Shirley.  Others on the committee include Linda Norris, Chris Scott, Susan Shostak, David Cohen, and Mark Laughlin.  Meanwhile, the Association for Conflict Resolution has approved a draft of Model Standards for Certification Programs.  Information as to the progress of the committee will be reported in Mediate Ohio as it is published.

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI

2010 – 2011 Meeting Schedule

Please join us on the second Friday of the month; members and non-members are welcome!

            Meeting Time:        11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

            NEW Location :      Oakley Branch–Hamilton County Public Library

                                                       4033 Gilmore Avenue

                                                       (corner of Madison & Gilmore,  map available at www.cincinnatilibrary.org)

The library allows us to bring lunch to the meeting, with one stipulation: we must clean up after each meeting.

Please Note: The following schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change.

Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.  To join the Mediation Council or to renew membership (annual dues are $15), contact Anne Wakefield at mediationworks11@aol.com

May 13, 2011: The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Hayley (née Baker) at 513-639-9132.

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20^th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is June 20, 2011.  My address is 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Phone/fax:  (614) 863-4775 E-mail: scochran@insight.rr.com  Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list):

New and renewing members may send applications to Immediate Past President, Shirley Cochran at 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.  Contact Shirley for membership applications.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website www.mediateohio.org    If there is a correction or an addition, please let Shirley know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance. We currently have 150 members which is only 4 shy of the last fiscal year’s total so get out there and tell people about OMA!

 TRAINING & WORKSHOPS:

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training September 22, and December 1, 2011; Basic Mediation Training June 8 & 9, September 7 & 8, and November 16 & 17, 2011and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training October 12, 13, 18, 19, & 20, 2011.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or www.communitymediation.com  Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2^nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution
Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

 Cleveland Mediation Center United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail training@clevelandmediation.org .

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center has announced trainings for the year.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at: http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

A World Class View of Dispute Resolution Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Pepperdine University School of Law Malibu, California June 23-25, 2011 and co-sponsored by Vermont Law School at Woodstock, Vermont October 13-15, 2011.Nineteen Courses, Twenty-eight Faculty, Over 300 Participants from Around the World, Two and a half Days of Interactive Dialogue, Eighteen MCLE Credits. Contact Lori Rushford at 310.506.6342 or visit straus.pepperdine.edu.

Web Sites of Interest:

Ohio Mediation Association: www.mediateohio.org

Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management: www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov/  

Ohio State Bar Association: www.ohiobar.org

Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO) www.manomediate.org

OMA 2011 Annual Conference

“The Art of Waking People Up Through Mediation”
with Kenneth Cloke

Friday, April 29, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio.

A Bi-Monthly Publication
November/December 2010

President: James Petas (419) 936-2312 E-mail: james.petas@noris.org
Immediate Past President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 E-mail: Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu
Vice President: Ed Krauss (614) 619-0017 E-mail: edmkmediator@sbcglobal.net
Treasurer:  Sheri Center (614) 783-7281 E-mail: findingcommonground@yahoo.com
Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail: gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

Mark your Calendars for our exciting meetings!! (Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months.)

Dec. 3, 2010   Foreclosure Mediation with Eileen Pruett, Manager of the Small Claims Court of Franklin County and Linda Cook, Senior Attorney, Ohio Poverty Law Center—see specifics below.

Feb. 4, 2011   TBA

April 29, 2011 ANNUAL MEETING—NOTE CHANGE IN DATE Kenneth Cloke on The Art of Waking People Up: Utilizing Dangerous Dialogues to Resolve Conflict.

Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you can suggest please let him know at ekek783@sbcglobal.net

President’s Column
James Petas
OMA Mission

I hope your fall season is going well!! Here is an update on OMA’s current efforts to promote mediation in Ohio.

This October OMA aired a month long public radio campaign on NPR that covered Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo & Cincinnati. The ads sponsored primetime programs such as “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition”. Each underwritten segment ended w/ the message “sponsored by the Ohio Mediation Association – dedicated professionals helping clients control the outcome of their personal & professional disputes, for more information go to www.mediateohio.org. The ad was a product of hard work from our board members, vice president and past president. We tried to capture the attention of prospective members and clients while reminding counsel, judges & court staff that we are here.  Repetition is key so we are planning another NPR campaign next year.

At our October OMA bi-monthly meeting we had speaker Curtis Haugtvedt, Associate Professor of Marketing from The Ohio State University. The topic was branding the concept of mediation and how that differs from branding a product.  Topics discussed were knowing your market; the effectiveness of repetition combined with variation; and that the key to creating strong brand power is a combination of expressing what makes mediation unique along with the use of data and testimonials. The presentation was very engaging and the message relevant to mediators in private practice and to our current mission to more efficiently market mediation.

In conjunction with our speaker we are working with the University of Toledo International Business and Marketing Department to sponsor a graduate class project on marketing mediation and OMA. We are also looking at re-structuring our website to lower operating expenses and help create a site that is more vibrant and interactive.  We will keep you posted!

As with all organizations the future is ours to create. As members, you are a big part of that, so please let us know your thoughts on the past campaign, as well as how we can improve on our mission to inform the public about all of the important work that we do!!

Lastly, I’m excited to announce Kenneth Cloke as the speaker for our Spring 2011 Conference, which will be held on April 29, 2011 at the Riffe Center in Columbus. The topic is The Art of Waking People Up: Utilizing Dangerous Dialogues to Resolve Conflict.  Ken is an accomplished mediator from Santa Monica, California who specializes in resolving complex multi-party conflicts and is the author of “Conflict Revolution” – Mediating Evil, War, Injustice and Terrorism. For more information on our speaker, go to  http://www.kennethcloke.com/.

So please save the last Friday in April for another fantastic OMA event and I look for to seeing you all at our at December bi-monthly meeting!

December Meeting Specifics from Ed Krauss:

Eileen Pruett manages the Franklin County Municipal Court Small Claims Division and Dispute Resolution Department.  The number of mediation referrals in Municipal Court, has more than doubled since her arrival in 2005.

In addition, Eileen is Project Administrator for the Franklin County Foreclosure Mediation Project.  In 2008, Eileen developed a mediation project proposal that led to a two-year grant to provide foreclosure mediation services for the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.  Since the Project began in November 2008, more than 3,000 foreclosure disputes have been referred to mediation.

Before joining the Municipal Court, Eileen worked for the Supreme Court of Ohio for 13 years.  She designed, implemented and helped maintain quality mediation services for Ohio courts.  She helped trial and appellate courts establish mediation programs in more than half of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Eileen is an experienced mediator and mediation trainer.  She also teaches continuing education programs for attorneys and mediators.  She frequently serves as faculty for the Ohio Judicial College.

Eileen graduated from Indiana University and The Ohio State University College of Law.

Linda Cook, Senior Attorney, Ohio Poverty Law Center.

Linda Cook has over 20 years experience practicing law and heads the Ohio statewide consumer law task force. Linda received her JD from the Ohio State University College of Law in 1987 and began her legal career in the Chillicothe office of Southeastern Ohio Legal Services.  She served as managing attorney of that office for eight years before joining OPLC in 2006. Linda is a member of the Supreme Court’s Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists and is a founding member of the Ohio Coalition for Responsible Lending, a statewide, broad based coalition addressing payday lending reform. In 2008, Linda played a key role in bringing about the reform of Ohio’s exemption laws, increasing the homestead exemption and enacting an automatic cost of living adjustment.

She has been a member of Ohio’s Save the Dream legal assistance planning group since its inception, and she is the project manager for the Ohio Foreclosure Project, the statewide collaborative legal services foreclosure intervention effort. Linda coordinates and facilitates statewide trainings for legal services advocates on a variety of consumer issues, and has lectured on consumer issues such as mandatory arbitration in consumer transactions, post-foreclosure issues, and unregulated utilities.

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio (CMS) Homelessness Prevention Program
By Suzanne Barker

Project Summary

This project involves Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio (CMS), a full service not for profit conflict resolution resource center operating in Columbus for nearly 22 years and its project partners, providing conflict resolution mediation services and related education and information and referral services to approximately 6,000 very low income tenants and their landlords in Franklin and contiguous counties over a 28 month period when a tenant has received a three day notice to vacate his/her rental housing or has had an eviction action filed against him/her  in court.

The purpose of the project is to increase the number of low income tenants in Franklin and contiguous counties who are able to obtain and maintain stable housing for the long term.   The project will utilize the following primary strategies to achieve this goal;

• CMS  Mediators will be made available to the targeted tenants and landlords by phone as well as down at the Franklin county Court House to assist  them in their communication and negotiations with each other so that they may reach a mutually satisfying settlement to the issues affecting the tenants’ housing

• Attorneys from Columbus Legal Aid and Southeastern Ohio Legal Services will educate the tenants as needed about their legal rights and responsibilities as they relate to their housing situation

• CMS Case Management Staff will provide the tenants with conflict management coaching and information and referral services so that  tenants may effectively address  the underlying financial circumstances that have contributed to their current housing crisis; e.g. budgeting help, debt management assistance, public benefits eligibility determination, job placement/vocational training assistance, etc. Tenants will be also be linked to the appropriate community resources that they may need to help them address other underlying (non financial) issues that have contributed to their current housing crisis; e.g. domestic violence prevention education &counseling assistance, help with accessing needed medical care, alcohol/drug abuse treatment, mental health counseling assistance, etc.

Project Partners:

1) Ohio Housing Finance Agency – Will contribute the majority of the financial resources required to support the project over a 28 month period  (October 1, 2010 to January 31, 2013)

2) Franklin County Municipal Court – will provide CMS project staff with work space at the court house so that mediation services may be provided on site on the day the tenants’ eviction hearings are being conducted (Note: Approximately 1,000 eviction hearings are currently occurring each month in Franklin County alone)

3) Columbus Legal Aid Society & Southeastern Ohio Legal Services – Will refer targeted tenants to the project and  will help educate tenants served by the project about their legal rights and responsibilities as they relate to their housing

4) Columbus Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service – Will refer tenants to the project

5) Columbus Bar Foundation – Will contribute financial resources to the project

6)   City of Columbus Dept of Development – Will contribute financial resources to help fund the project

OMA Committee to Explore Certification of Ohio Mediators

As a result of the discussion at the OMA Annual Conference, a committee has been formed to explore suggestions for certification of Ohio Mediators.  Shirley Cochran has been appointed as Chair of the committee and is gathering those who are willing to assist in the project.  Currently, a review of the process and legislation submitted by those wanting midwifery to be certified is being held to determine if it can be of assistance in the process for mediators.  Anyone with an idea of what the minimum qualifications and the process for certification should be, please send an e-mail to Shirley.  Others on the committee include Linda Norris and Chris Scott.  Meanwhile, the Association for Conflict Resolution has approved a draft of Model Standards for Certification Programs.  Information as to the progress of the committee will be reported in Mediate Ohio as it is published.

Something to This?  Shirley A. Cochran, Mediator and Attorney at Law

In an article by James E. McGuire in the American Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Magazine Volume 16, #4, Summer 2010, Mr. McGuire states “There is a Women Mediation Tribunal as an experimental program in a district court in Langfang Anci District Court which, according to the court, promotes ‘humanistic” mediation in an informal setting which ‘touts women’s obvious superiority on mediation’ as one of the reasons for creating” it.

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is December 20, 2010.  My address is 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Phone/fax:  (614) 863-4775 E-mail: scochran@insight.rr.com Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI
2010 – 2011 Meeting Schedule
Please join us on the second Friday of the month; members and non-members are welcome!
Meeting Time:   11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
NEW Location :  Oakley Branch–Hamilton County Public Library
4033 Gilmore Avenue (corner of Madison & Gilmore – map available at www.cincinnatilibrary.org)

The library allows us to bring lunch to the meeting, with one stipulation: we must clean up after each meeting.

Please Note: The following schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change.

Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.  To join the Mediation Council or to renew membership (annual dues are $15), contact Anne Wakefield at mediationworks11@aol.com

December, 2010:  no meeting

January 14, 2011: Alys McCalmont, President, McCalmont-Burtin, Professional Organizers LLC, presents “Old Fashioned Marketing of Your Business”.

February 11, 2011: Cathie Kuhl presents “Five Core Concerns: Another Approach to Handling Emotions in Mediation”. This presentation is based on the book Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro.

March 11, 2011: Sharon James and Marie Hill present “Getting beyond Impasse”. These two seasoned mediators share their experiences and give tips for successfully overcoming impasse in mediation.

April 8, 2011: Lou Ann Wood reviews and leads a discussion of the book Bargaining with the Devil: When to Negotiate, When to Fight by Robert Mnookin.

May 13, 2011: The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Hayley (née Baker) at 513-639-9132.

Compassionate Communications: Please join us for a free introduction to Compassionate Communication in December 2010:

Wed., Dec. 8, 2010 (7 pm – 8:30 pm) “The Dance of Compassionate Communication” with Jeff Brown and Tom Carlisi

Wed., Dec. 15, 2010 (7 pm – 8:30 pm) “Compassionate Communication meetup”

with Jeff Brown and Susanna Warren

Both events take place at the CCCO office at 2350 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202.  These are great opportunities to get a taste of what NVC is all about, or as a refresher if you’ve been away for a while.  Learn more about our website:

http://www.nvcohio.org/

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list): New and renewing members may send applications to Immediate Past President, Shirley Cochran at 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.  Contact Shirley for membership applications.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website www.mediateohio.org If there is a correction or an addition, please let Shirley know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance.  We currently have 150 members which is only 4 shy of the last fiscal year’s total so get out there and tell people about OMA!

Lee J. Bell, Attorney
Crescent Pointe Building
4774 Munson St. NW Suite 400
Canton OH 44718 (330) 499-1140
Fax: (330) 433-1313
lee@leejbelllaw.com
$60 11/10 #1020

David M. Cohen
2614 Jefferson Estates Court
Blacklick OH 43004 (614) 745-9949
David_m_cohen@yahoo.com
$60 10/10 #3038

Christopher Dumford
5821 Lathrop Place
Cincinnati OH 45224 (513) 383-1920
Chris.dumford@gmail.com
$60 11/10 #3047

Sandor Isg Marai
70 Birch Alley, Ste.240 Bldg. B
Beavercreek OH 45440 (937) 477-6290
sandormarai@sandorlsmarai.com
$60 10/10 #3501

Larry Moore
164 Jackson Street
Columbus OH 43206 (614) 581-0014
Lmoore219@yahoo.com
$60 10/10 #6258

Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management
77 S. High Street, 24th Floor
Columbus OH 43215-6108 Phone 614/752-9595
Fax: 614/752-9682
www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov
sarah.wallis@cdr.state.oh.us
$60  10/10

Jennifer V. Sammon, LLC
c/o J. Sammon
2906 Weybridge Road
Shaker Hts., OH 44120 (216) 921-0271
jsammon@me.com
$60 10/10 #219

Michael A. Thompson, Atty.
Crescent Pointe Building
4774 Munson St. NW, Ste 400
Canton OH 44718 (330) 499-5297
Fax: (330) 433-1313
thompsonlaw@sssnet.com
$60 11/10 #1689

TRAINING & WORKSHOPS:

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Basic Mediation Training December 1 & 2, 2010 and February 9 & 10, 2011; Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training March 16, 2011; and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training May 4, 5, 10, 11, & 12, 2011.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or www.communitymediation.com Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution

Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

Cleveland Mediation Center United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail training@clevelandmediation.org .

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center has announced trainings for the year.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at: http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

Web Sites of Interest:

Ohio Mediation Association: www.mediateohio.org
Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management: www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov/
Ohio State Bar Association: www.ohiobar.org
Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO) www.manomediate.org

A Bi-Monthly Publication
September/October 2010

President: James Petas (419) 936-2312 E-mail: james.petas@noris.org
Immediate Past President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 E-mail: Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu
Vice President: Ed Krauss (614) 619-0017 E-mail: edmkmediator@sbcglobal.net
Treasurer:  Sheri Center (614) 783-7281 E-mail: findingcommonground@yahoo.com
Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail: gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

Bi-Monthly and Annual Meeting Dates

Mark your Calendars for our exciting upcoming meetings!!

(Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months)

Oct. 1, 2010 Curtis P. Haugtvedt, Associate Professor of Marketing, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University.

The marketing of a concept (mediation, the use of mediation as an alternative to litigation) as opposed to marketing a product.  How best to excite people about a concept rather than a hard product one can see.   Market your practice!

Dec. 3, 2010  TBA

Feb. 4, 2011  TBA

April 29, 2011  ANNUAL MEETING—NOTE CHANGE IN DATE

More details to follow but we think you will really like the speaker who just committed!

Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you can suggest please let him know at ekek783@sbcglobal.net

President’s Column
James Petas

Mediation Fundamentals

No matter how long I practice I’m always struck how often I find myself returning to the fundamentals of mediation.

Mediation is constant discovery process -it requires an openness to learn new ways to resolve a problem.

When I started practicing my plan was to be as reasonable and detached as possible. It was clear reason was in short supply and being detached would help me stay focused.   If these techniques didn’t work – there was no plan B. I resolved quite a few cases but there were a good number that eluded settlement.

I started to put more effort into these tougher cases and enrolled in several advanced mediation seminars.   I became an expert evaluating case outcomes, asking parties what they want to hear the other party say to show they got it and learned that non-compliant parties were my Achilles heel. Things improved and agreements were on the increase.

Just when I thought I reached the top of the mediation mountain more cases came along and challenged me. A judge referred a case once with accent on “we” i.e.  “you” need to find a way to settle this. Feeling the pressure I gave it my all. When we started it was clear no one in the room was going to help. All parties were angry and wounded. Desperate, I used every technique learned in the advanced trainings and nothing worked. At one point both attorneys turned on their clients and each other which required a mediation within a mediation. Ready for the towel, something shifted. I stopped caring about a resolution and just started listening – which I think was page two of my first mediation handbook. The fear subsided and an agreement began to form.

Looking back, mediation seems like a series of trials that often point us back to the profession’s fundamentals. I also realized that some cases can’t be resolved and that tough cases can remind us of what makes mediation work. Hope everyone is having great summer and see you next month.

OMA Committee to Explore Certification of Ohio Mediators

As a result of the discussion at the OMA Annual Conference, a committee has been formed to explore suggestions for certification of Ohio Mediators.  Shirley Cochran has been appointed as Chair of the committee and is gathering those who are willing to assist in the project.  Currently, a review of the process and legislation submitted by those wanting midwifery to be certified is being held to determine if it can be of assistance in the process for mediators.  Anyone with an idea of what the minimum qualifications and the process for certification should send an e-mail to Shirley.  Others on the committee include Linda Norris and Chris Scott.  Meanwhile, the Association for Conflict Resolution has approved a draft of Model Standards for Certification Programs.  Information as to the progress of the committee will be reported in Mediate Ohio as it is published.

Update as to Unmarried Parents and the IRS from the program presented August 6, 2010:

For those in attendance at the program at the last OMA meeting the discussion of the divorcing parents’ requirement of filing a certain form with the IRS to claim the deduction for the child (even if the entry of divorce sets forth who will get to claim the child), raised the question of non-married parents and the deduction.  Our speaker, Susan Moussi, CPA, CFP, CDFA, CVA, was kind enough to provide the following information.  The memorandum provided from 1997 states “Although we conclude that section 152(e) does not apply to parents who have never married, a child of such parents may be a dependent of one of his parents under the general definition provided in section 152(a) or the provisions regarding multiple support agreements in section 152(c).”  In other words, the required paperwork for divorced parents is not required if the parents were not married, although there is the regular test provided as to whether or not the child can be claimed as a dependant by the parent paying child support regardless of whether or not the child is living at that parent’s home.  Thanks to Susan for going that extra mile for us.

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is October 20, 2010.  My address is 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Phone/fax:  (614) 863-4775 E-mail: scochran@insight.rr.com Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI
2010 – 2011 Meeting Schedule
Please join us on the second Friday of the month; members and non-members are welcome!
Meeting Time:   11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
NEW Location :  Oakley Branch–Hamilton County Public Library
4033 Gilmore Avenue (corner of Madison & Gilmore, map available at www.cincinnatilibrary.org)

The library allows us to bring lunch to the meeting, with one stipulation: we must clean up after each meeting.

Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.  To join the Mediation Council or to renew membership (annual dues are $15), contact Anne Wakefield at mediationworks11@aol.com

Please Note: The following schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change.

October 8, 2010: Eric Barrett, Social Media Consultant, presents “Building a Social Media Strategy in the Midst of a Revolution”, exploring how mediators can benefit from the use of social media technology for marketing, education and networking.

November 12, 2010: Janet Moore, attorney at law, will discuss the efforts to create a community-based mediation program in Cincinnati, including the history of this project, the current plans to create such a program in the near future and the role local mediators may play in developing and supporting this community resource.

December, 2010:  no meeting

January 14, 2011: Alys McCalmont, President, McCalmont-Burtin, Professional Organizers LLC, presents “Old Fashioned Marketing of Your Business”.

February 11, 2011: Cathie Kuhl presents “Five Core Concerns: Another Approach to Handling Emotions in Mediation”. This presentation is based on the book Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro.

March 11, 2011: Sharon James and Marie Hill present “Getting beyond Impasse”. These two seasoned mediators share their experiences and give tips for successfully overcoming impasse in mediation.

April 8, 2011: Lou Ann Wood reviews and leads a discussion of the book Bargaining with the Devil: When to Negotiate, When to Fight by Robert Mnookin.

May 13, 2011: The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Hayley (née Baker) at 513-639-9132.

Association for Conflict Resolution – 2011 Call for Proposals

ACR is now accepting proposals for the 11th Annual Conference taking place September 15-18, 2011 in San Diego CA. The call for proposals closes on Sunday, October 31 at 11:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).  Please click here to find more information and submit your proposal: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YRCLJZL

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list):

New and renewing members may send applications to Immediate Past President, Shirley Cochran at 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.  Contact Shirley for membership applications.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website www.mediateohio.org If there is a correction or an addition, please let Shirley know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance.

Steven Abrams
Mediated Solutions
2720 Airport Drive
Columbus OH 43219 (614) 418-1874
SAbrams@mediatedsolutionsohio.com

James A. Abron, P.E., M.B.A.
Abron DAR
14141 Hubbard Street
Livonia MI 48154 (734) 613-8340
Fax: (734) 758-2291
james@abronadr.com

Kathryn Stokes Anders
P.O. Box 587
New Albany OH 43054 (937) 231-2432
stokeskathryn@yahoo.com

Antioch University McGregor
Dr. Richard McGuigan
Conflict Analysis & Engagement Dept.
900 Dayton Street
Yellow Springs OH 45387 (937) 769-1809
Fax: (937) 769-1807
rmcguigan@antioch.edu

Martha L. Antolik
1424 Cole Court
Vandalia OH 45377 (937) 264-2336
Martha.antolik@wright.edu
W004mla@who.rr.com

Pam Argus
5517 Hazelwood Road
Columbus OH 43229 (614) 785-0469
Cell (614) 975-4354
pamandbuck@yahoo.com

Amy Armstrong
Parent Strong, LLC
1996 Chatfield Road
Columbus OH 43221 (614) 208-8383
amy@parentstrong.com

TALK WORKS! Mediation Services
c/o Marie U. Bader
P.O. Box 176206
Covington KY 41017-6206 (859) 380-2137
mubader@insightbb.com

H. Eugene Baker, C.E.O.
Baker H.R. Consulting
565 Waterbury Blvd.
Gahanna OH 43230 (614) 582-5015
Fax (614) 472-3828
gahannabaker@aol.com
www.bakerhrconsulting.com

Thomas (Tom) Bailey,
Capital Mediation Associates, LLC
655 Metro Place South Ste 600
Dublin OH 43017 (614) 789-1733
Fax: (614) 890-1118
tbailey@capitalmediators.com

Suzanne Barker
69 Euclid Avenue
Columbus OH 43201 (614) 299-6843
barkesu@aol.com

Amy R. Bayliff
1626 Oakland Parkway
Lima OH 45805 (567) 204-6556
AMY@BAYDAISY.COM

Daniel B. Bennington
Attorney at Law
87 Somerset Road
Delaware OH 43015 (614) 620-9539
Dan.bennington@yahoo.com

Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio Richard Appleton
1169 Dublin Road
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 486-6531 x 150
Fax (614) 486-0031
rappleton@columbus-ohbbb.org
mlseymour@columbus-ohbbb.org

Better Business Bureau of Dayton/Miami Valley, Inc.
c/o Steven Popp
15 W. Fourth Street, Ste 300
Dayton OH 45402 (937) 610-2263
Fax (937) 222-3338
SPOPP@DAYTON.BBB.ORG

Blue Mediation, LLC
Robert M. Blue
537 Rustic Trail
Beavercreek OH 45434 (937) 546-4825
Fax: (937) 320-0505
bluemediation@aol.com

Michael Bollon
4824 Deis Hill Road NW
Dover OH 44622 (330) 364-2647
mivid@tusco.net

Richard C. Cahaan
60 W. Dominion Blvd.
Columbus OH 43214 (614) 268-4629
Richard.Cahaan@gmail.com

Dr. Phillip Dunfee
33 West Main St, Suite 108
Newark, Ohio  43055   (740) 405-4165
www.phildunfee.com
pdunfee@windstream.net

Stephen P. Calardo, JD
Calardo Mediation Service
5608 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati OH 45248-2314 (513) 598-5000
Fax (513) 598-5500
scalardo@fuse.net

Jack W. Carney-DeBord’s Law Office c/o Jack W. Carney-DeBord
305 S. Sandusky Street
Delaware OH 43015 (740) 369-7567
Fax: (740) 368-9747
Jcarney1@rr.ohio.com

Sheri Center
Finding Common Ground
156 E. Tulane Road
Columbus OH 43202 (614) 783-7281
Fax (614) 447-0262
findingcommonground@yahoo.com

Diane L. Chermely, JD
945 Windham Court Suite 3
Boardman OH 44512 (330) 629-8882
Fax (330) 726-5926
dlchermely@zoominternet.net

Meghan Clarke
MEClarke Consulting LLC
7765 Kennedy Lane
Cincinnati OH 45242 (513) 374-4689
Fax: (513) 972-9861 (call first)
MClarke@ariagroup.com

Patricia A. Clary
621 E. Mehring Way #1607
Cincinnati OH 45202 (513) 827-9652
Fax: (513) 827-9652
Plcary1@gmail.com

Cincinnati Better Business Bureau
c/o Christine Baker
7 West 7th Street, Suite 1600
Cincinnati OH 45202 (513) 639-9132
Fax: (513) 744-6332
c.baker@cincinnati.bbb.org

Shirley A. Cochran
2897 Liberty Bell Lane
Reynoldsburg OH 43068-3930 (614) 863-4775
Fax (614) 863-4775
scochran@insight.rr.com

Resolutions c/o Bruce Coleman
P.O. Box 091102
Columbus OH 43209 (614) 531-0429
Bruce_coleman@msn.com

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio
c/o Shelley Whalen
67 Jefferson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 228-7191
Fax (614) 228-7213
SWHALEN@COMMUNITYMEDIATION.COM

Ray A. Cox, Attorney at Law and Mediation
265 Regency Ridge Drive
Dayton OH 45459 (937) 291-3119
Fax: (937) 291-3229
Ray.a.cox@sbcglobal.net

David Voth
Crime Victim Services
116 W. North Street
Lima OH 45801-4311 (419) 222-8666
Fax: (419) 227-7478
victim@crimevictimservices.org

Delaware County Juvenile Court c/o Dodie Davenport
88 North Sandusky
Delaware OH 43015 (740) 833-2610

Northwest Ohio Court Mediation Services
c/o Dick Altman, Christopher DelFavero & Denise McColley
660 North Perry St. Suite 403B
Napoleon OH 43545 (419) 592-5105
Fax: (419) 592-2759
chris.delfavero@henrycountyohio.com

Barbara V. Culp
Attorney at Law
P.O. Box 225
Minford OH 45653 (740) 981-2697
bculp@falcon1.net

Edward E. Devlin
Devlin Group, Inc.
56 Milford Drive
Hudson OH 44236 (330) 342-5636
Fax: (330) 342-5637
Ed.devlin@devlingroupinc.com

Thomas S. Douglas Resolutions
4930 N. Holland Sylvania Road
Sylvania OH 43560 (419) 882-2400
Fax (419) 882-3839
tsdesq@bex.net

Conflict Solutions Ohio, LLC
Dale Eilerman
3797 Willow Creek Drive
Dayton OH 45415 (937) 219-4996
dale@conflictsolutionsohio.com

Maara Fink University of Toledo College of Law
2801 Bancroft Street
Toledo OH 43606 (419) 530-4236
Fax: (419) 530-2605
Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu

Ernie Fischer
508 Stedway Court
Gahanna OH 43230 (614) 476-3779 (home)
Cell (614) 499-1037
Efisc77@aol.com

Steven Friedman
Payne Mediation LLC
715 Latham Court
Columbus OH 43214 (614) 446-8221
steve@paynemediation.com

Dr. Jan Marie Fritz
7300 Aracoma Forest Drive
Cincinnati OH 45237  (513) 731-7878
Fax: (513) 556-1274
Jan.fritz@uc.edu

Sandra Mendel Furman
1119 S. Cassingham Road
Columbus OH 43209 (614) 237-7266
Fax (614) 237-8992
Smfurman205@msn.com

Patricia Gamza
450 Kristina Avenue Apt. 16B
Bellefontaine OH 43311 (760) 521-4200
patriciagamza@gmail.com

Terri B. Gregori, Esq.
1598 Blackstone Drive
Columbus OH 43235 (614) 264-0304
tgregori@columbus.rr.com

Adams, Scioto & Pike (ASAP) Mediation G.R. Hamm
602 7th Street, 4th Floor
Portsmouth OH 45662 (740) 355-8368
grhamm@sciotocounty.net

Daniel Gibson Harry
P.O. Box 45
Bethany WV 26032 (304) 829-4807
Dang_harry@yahoo.com

Clinton County Juvenile Court c/o Maggie Henry
46 S. South Street
Wilmington OH 45177 (937) 383-3286
Fax (937) 383-1245
mhenry@clintoncountycourts.org

Phillip J. Henry
7530 Lucerne Drive Ste. 200
Middleburg Heights OH 44130 (440) 243-2800
Fax: (440) 243-2852
phenry@pmlawyers.com

Kathleen P. Hoenie Family Matters Mediation Services
2227 Buckley Road
Columbus OH 43220-4613 (614) 457-3177
Fax (614) 457-3177
khoenie@cs.com

Pamela N. Hultin
Smith & Hultin, LLC
100 N. Main Street, Suite 235
Chagrin Falls OH 44022 (440) 247-2620
Fax: (440) 247-2623
hultin@smithhultin.com

Jeff Hutson
Lane, Alton & Horst
2 Miranova Place Suite 500
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 233-4747
Fax (614) 228-0146
jhutson@lanealton.com

Wood & Hancock County Common Pleas Courts
c/o Michael E. Hyrne
One Courthouse Square,
1st Fl. Bowling Green OH 43402 (419) 354-9684
Fax: (419) 354-0331
mhyrne@co.wood.oh.us

Kendall D. Isaac, Esq.
The Isaac Firm
341 South Third Street Ste 10
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 755-6540
Fax (614) 221-6740
Kendall@theisaacfirm.com

Crystal L. Jones, J.D.
765 Stoner Street
Akron OH 44320 (330) 434-7988
Fax (330) 434-7988
mcjonz@msn.com

Shawn Judge
United States District Court
85 Marconi Blvd., Room 169
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 719-3303
shawnkjudge@aol.com

Francie Kaufman
c/o Columbus Medical Assn.
431 E. Broad Street
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 240-7410
Fax (614) 240-7415
feck2010@yahoo.com

Chestnut Hill Associates,
Susan Stanton Katz, Esq. Principal
P.O. Box 26
Hubbard OH 44425-0026 (917) 902-2768
Fax: (330) 568-7466
NO E-MAIL LISTED

William J. Kepko
Kepko & Phillips, Co. L.P.A.
108 East Vine Street
Mount Vernon OH 43050 (740) 392-2900
Fax: (740) 392-2902
lawwjk@kepkophillips.com

Frances V. King
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
One Constitution Avenue
Toledo OH 43604 (419) 213-4755
Fax (419) 213-4844
king@co.lucas.oh.us

Mediation Service Franklin Co. DR & Juvenile Court
c/o Marya Kolman
373 S. High St. 3rd Floor
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 462-5872
Fax: (614) 462-3748
Marya.kolman@fccourts.org

Lisa R. Kraemer, Atty. At Law
20133 Farnsleigh Road
Cleveland OH 44122 (216) 991-6200
Fax (216) 991-6199
lisarkraemer@yahoo.com

Edward M. Krauss
Dispute Resolution, Inc.
783 South Sixth Street
Columbus OH 43206-2130 (614) 444-5872
ekek783@sbcglobal.net

Cathie Kuhl, Director,
Hamilton Co. Municipal Court
Private Complaint Mediation Service
230 E. Ninth Street, Suite 1150
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202  (513) 946-3400
Fax: (513) 946-3388
CKUHL@CMS.HAMILTON-CO.ORG

Mark Laughlin
7025 Brafferton Place
Columbus OH 43235 (614) 306-4031
Marklaughlin.mediate@gmail.com

Licking Co. DR Ct.
c/o Jay Patterson Mediation Coord.
75 East Main Street
Newark OH 43055 (740) 670-5409
Fax: (740) 670-5419
jpatterson@lcounty.com

Lindsey N. Lilly
1190 Forest Run Drive
Batavia OH 45103 (513) 515-5756
LindseyN.Lilly@Ky.gov

Lorain County Court Civil Mediation Office
c/o Gail Ignatz-Hoover
225 Court Street, Room 301
Elyria OH 44035 (440) 328-2250
Fax: (440) 328-2252
loraincountyadr@windstream.net

Beverly Lowery
6775 Meadow Creek Dr. #207
Columbus OH 43235-7980 (614) 578-1584
Fax: (614) 792-7681
loweryb5@aol.com

James P. Luton
Attorney at Law
131 S. Prospect Street
Marion OH 43302 (740) 382-6588
Fax: (740) 375-5372
Lutonlaw@brightdsl.net

Melanie J. McCort
568 S. 5th Street
Columbus OH 43206 (614) 224-5719
Mjmccort7@att.net

Cornelius McGrady III
8675 Kingsley Drive
Reynoldsburg OH 43068 (614) 270-8997
c.mcgrady@insight.rr.com

Mary McRury
147 Arden Road
Columbus OH 43214 (614) 256-9946
mcrury@aol.com

Miami Valley Mediation  Services, LLC
c/o William W. Biernoth Wright Brothers Station
P.O. Box 385
Dayton OH 45409-0385 (937) 609-0741

Margaret E. Honore Miller, J.D.
Mediation Services of South Central Ohio
15 N. Paint St., Suite 203
Chillicothe OH 45601 (740) 703-6088
Fax: (740) 775-2512
mediation@mail2world.com

Janet Mitchell, Coordinator
Bluffton University Mediation
1 University Drive #185
Bluffton IN 45817 (419) 358-3068
Fax: (419) 358-3074
mitchellj@bluffton.edu

Cynthia Morgan
2968 Meadowbrook Blvd.
Cleveland Heights OH 44118 (216) 371-0607
Fax: (216) 397-5671
CMBMORGAN@GMAIL.COM

Mary Murphy, M.Ed., LPC, LLC
12200 Fairhill Road #437
Cleveland OH 44120 (216) 325-7715
marymurphylpc@cultivatingchange.me

David Noll, LLC
1617 Hendry Street #405
Fort Myers FL 33901 (239) 980-3482
nollandfoy@embanqmail.com

Linda Norris Counter-Point Mediation Services
6665 Manring Court
Reynoldsburg OH 43068 (614) 863-9249
lnorris@insight.rr.com

Leslie Nye O’Donnell
1120 Chester Avenue, Suite 470
Cleveland OH 44114 (216) 225-1412
Fax: (216) 249-4320
leslieatty@gmail.com

Belinda Ohlinger
Solution Builders Mediation Services
5900 Sawmill Road, Suite 110
Dublin OH 43017     (614) 761-2540
Fax: (614) 761-2988
ohlingermb@columbus.rr.com

Ohio State University College of Law
Professor Sarah Cole
55 West 12th Avenue
Columbus OH 43221 (614) 688-4918
F (614) 292-2035
Cole.228@osu.edu

Joseph R. Palmer, Ph.D.
Mediation Services of Ohio
536 S. Third Street
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 228-5515
Fax (614) 461-0066
mediatemso@cs.com

Jay Patterson
372 Oakland Park Avenue
Columbus OH 43214 (614) 403-3825
jmpmediation@ameritech.net

Marcie Patzak-Vendetti
Mahoning Co. Juvenile Court
300 E. Scott Street
Youngstown OH 44505 (330) 740-2244 ext. 6408
Fax: (330) 742-5899
mpatzak@mahoningcountyoh.gov

David Wade Peck
Barron, Peck Bennie, & Schlemmer Co. L.P.A.
3074 Madison Road
Cincinnati OH 45209 (513) 533-2002
Fax (513) 721-2401
dwp@bpbslaw.com

Ronald E. Pedge
PO Box 423
Lancaster OH 43130 (740) 653-9396
Fax: (740) 652-9396
fairfieldmediation@earthlink.net

Erie County Family Court Mediation Chris Perrin
323 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky OH 44870 (419) 627-7782
Fax: (419) 627-6600
cperrin@erie-county-ohio.net

Toledo Municipal Court—Citizen’s Dispute
James Petas Senior Mediator
555 N. Erie Street
Toledo OH 43604 (419) 2936-2312
Fax: (419) 245-1802
James.petas@noris.org

Alison Pfeister, Esq.
Alison J. Pfeister Co., LPA
56 Milford Road Suite 308
Hudson OH 44236 (330) 328-5673
Fax: (330) 319-7329
Alison.pfeister@gmail.com

William J. Pohlman
52 E. Gay St., P.O. Box 1008
Columbus OH 43216-1008 (614) 464-8349
Fax: (614) 719-4908
wjpohlman@vorys.com

Donna Posluszny
106 Rockledge Drive
Perrysburg OH 43551 (419) 874-3776
donnacpoz@gmail.com

Eileen Pruett
1227 W. 1st Avenue
Columbus OH 43212 (614) 645-8500
Fax: (614) 645-8465
pruette@fcmcclerk.com

Stephen Puderbaugh
9889 Whispering Pine Drive
Tipp City OH 45371 (937) 475-7467
Stephen@puderbaugh.com

Marie Rady
Domestic Relations Court
The Old Courthouse
1 Lakeside Avenue, Room 312
Cleveland OH 44113
mrady@cuyahogacounty.us

Amanda Ralph
1972 Belgrave Drive
Columbus OH 43220 (614) 397-8179
amandasralph@gmail.com

Sandy Robitz
1871 Summerchase Road NE
Canton OH 44721 (330) 361-0226 (Cell)
(330) 497-2243 (Home& Fax)
srobitz@neo.rr.com

Carolyn Streit Roehrig
10428 Lee’s Creek Road
Harrison OH 45030 (513) 246-0511
Fax: (513) 246-0525
Carolyn.roehrig@emcbc.doe.gov

Barbara K. Roman,
Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis
28601 Chagrin Blvd. #500
Cleveland OH 44122 (216) 831-0042
Fax: (216) 831-0542
broman@meyersroman.com

Vivian T. Russell
1504 Venice Drive
Columbus OH 43207 (614) 491-5597
Fax (614) 491-3404
Russellviv@aol.com

Nancy J. Savage
9301 Huntshire Ave. NW
North Canton OH 44720-8258 (330) 499-3069
N.J.SAVAGE@SBCGLOBAL.NET

John Schmieding
276 Highland Avenue
Athens OH 45701 (740) 592-5983
John_45701@yahoo.com

Capital Mediation Associates LLC
c/o J. Christopher Scott
655 Metro Place S. Suite 600 Dublin OH 43017  (614) 789-1733
Fax: (614) 538-8056
cscott@capitalmediators.com

Eleventh District Ct. of Appeals
c/o Shibani Sheth-Massacci
111 High Street, N.E.
Warren OH 44481 (330) 675-6681
Fax: (330) 675-7842
ssmassacci@11thappealohio.us

Susan E. Shostak
248 Pearl Avenue North
Lancaster OH 43130 (740) 681-1031
Fax (740) 689-3631
shostak@ohiohills.com

Lisa Jill Singh
311 W. Dorothy Lane
Dayton OH 45429 (937) 660-3285
Lisa.j.singh@gmail.com
peacelisa@gmail.com

Donald R. Smith, Ph.D.
Doppler and Newton, Inc.
1047 Rudolph Court
Spring Hill FL 34609 (352) 683-8440
Fax: (352) 683-8411
DOCVALHALL@HOTMAIL.COM

Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court
c/o Cozette Snead P.O. Box 972,
301 W. Third Street, 2nd Floor
Dayton OH 45422-4248 (937) 225-4539
Fax (937) 496-7835
Sneadc@mcohio.org

The Supreme Court of Ohio
c/o Jacqueline C. Hagerott
65 South Front Street 6th Floor
Columbus OH 43215-3431 (614) 387-9420
Fax: (614) 387-9359
Jacqueline.hagerott@sc.ohio.gov

Leslie Swift, Ph.D.LLC
7654 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati OH 45236 (513) 791-8849
Fax (513) 791-8873
drswift@fuse.net

Diane Tedeschi, M.Ed., LPC, CDMS,
On Track Disability Management
5284 Lola Way
Columbus OH 43235 (614) 459-0826
Fax: (614) 459-4720
tedeschi@columbus.rr.com

Judith Thomas
935 River Road, Suite C
Granville OH 43023 (740) 587-3367
Fax (740) 587-1612
mediator@creative-resolutions.com

Jacqueline Tolbert
1281 Oak Knoll Drive
Cincinnati OH 45224 (513) 521-7093
Jtolbert9@cinci.rr.com

Belinda Torres, Ph.D.
9614 Old Johnnycake Ridge Rd.
Mentor OH 44091 (440) 358-1159
Fax: (440) 358-1201belindatorres@roadrunner.com

Nancy L. Trux, USW-S Crossroads
3620 North High Street Ste 107
Columbus OH 43214 (614) 263-8161
Fax: (614) 263-8268
trux@c-roads.com

Edward E. Turner
65 E. State Street, 12th Floor
Columbus OH 43215-4213 (614) 644-8716
Fax (614) 466-3074
eturner@serb.state.oh.us

Wakefield Mediation Services
c/o Anne Wakefield
PO Box 30186
Cincinnati OH 45230 (513) 498-6384
Fax (513) 624-6941
Mediationworks11@aol.com

Stephen D. Walters
3401 Enterprise Parkway Suite 340
Cleveland OH 44122 (216) 348-1400
Fax: (216) 687-4235
swalters@sdwalters.net

Watkins Global Network, LLC
c/o Mario W. Watkins
3556 Sullivant Avenue
Columbus OH 43204 (614) 351-7420
Fax: (614) 351-7430
Global.i3431@att.net

W. Cephus Watts, Jr. J.D., Ph.D.
964 Kingsbridge Court
Akron OH 44313 (216) 470-5974
Fax: (330) 867-5108
willie_watts44313@yahoo.com

Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler, LLP
c/o Terrence T. Wheeler
560 E. Town Street
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 221-0944
Fax (614) 221-2340
twheeler@adllp.com

Denton S. Whitney
5737 Sells Mills Drive
Dublin OH 43017 (614) 734-0415
Whitney.51@osu.edu

Positive Negotiations
Kenneth N. Wildman
419 N. Johnson Street
Ada OH 45810 (410) 230-2563
k-wildman@onu.edu

Linda Wilkins
Attorney at Law
2680 Southridge Drive
Columbus OH 43224 (614) 447-7050
Lindawbesq@aol.com

Harmony Mediation/Consulting
c/o Stephen E. Williams
237 Maple Street
Brookville OH 45309-1710  (937) 307-1988
CAHSYS@VERIZON.NET

Douglass A. Wistendahl
18 North May Avenue
Athens OH 45701 (917) 209-4425
Daw.mediator@gmail.com

Robert N. Wistner, JD
Wistner Center for Collaborative Divorce Planning
5650 Blazer Parkway, Suite 100
Dublin OH 43017 (614) 734-8354
Fax: (614) 717-9586
rwistner@columbus.rr.com

Debora Witten aka Buckeye Mediation, Inc.
173 W. Market Street
Warren OH 44481 (330) 544-0424
Fax (330) 544-9218
DeboraKayWitten@aol.com

Lou Ann Wood
AAL Mediation Services
6726 Main Street
Newtown OH 45244 (513) 271-2223
Fax (513) 0615
woodcandl@aol.com

Union Co. Common Pleas Ct.
Kathryn L. Wollenburg, Esq.
Mediation Director
221 W. Fifth St., Ste. #310
Marysville OH 43040 (937) 645-4176
Fax: (937) 645-4174
kwollenburg@co.union.oh.us

Kent Valin
6119 Putney Court Avenue NW
Massillon OH 44646 (330) 880-5280
kentandnora@sssnet.com

Barbara A. Venesy,
Law Offices of Barbara A. Venesy
2741 Foxwood Drive
Akron OH 44333-2751 (330) 864-6060
Fax (330) 864-6060
bavenesy@att.net

Jerome F. Weiss,
Mediation, Inc. 1600 Midland Building
101 Prospect Avenue W.
Cleveland OH 44115 (216) 589-9995
Fax: (216) 589-9723
mediator@mediationresolve.com

Gina Weisshaar
41 E. Como Avenue
Columbus OH 43202 (614) 893-2881
gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

William H. Wolff, Jr.,
Retired Trial and Appellate Judge
34322 Westbury Road
Kettering OH 45409 (937) 293-5295
Fax: (937) 938-6789
judgewolff@noh.rr.com

Hon. Steve Yarbrough, Retired
7818 Westcroft Drive
Sylvania OH 43560-1864 (419) 343-6222
Fax: (419) 824-8389
SAYarbama1@msn.com

Dr. Gary Zoldesy
696 Pleasant Valley Drive
Akron OH 44319 (330) 245-1669
No e-mail

Zena D. Zumeta, J.D.
330 E. Liberty Suite 3A
Ann Arbor MI 48104 (734) 663-1155
Fax: (734) 663-0524
zzumeta@igc.org

TRAINING & WORKSHOPS:

Compassionate Communication of Central Ohio: Friday, October 15 (6:30 pm – 9:30 pm) -AND-Saturday, October 16 (9:30 am – 5:30 pm):  “Adventures in Honesty: Living and Communicating Authentically” Indianola Presbyterian Church 1970 Waldeck Ave., Columbus, OH 43201   Join us for our premier training of this Fall with Jeff and a team of experienced NVC facilitators from the Central Ohio community.  This training will include conceptual clarity of how to live and communicate honestly, demonstrations and role play dialogues, and lots of experiential practice where you can test your learning and receive support and feedback from facilitators.   We hope you will join us and bring a friend, family member or coworker with you! (and in so doing, qualify for a multiple person discount of 10-20%).  Learn more or register online by Sept. 13 to receive the “earlybird” discount (you can combine this with the multiple person discount for even more savings!)

Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Inc. Presents: The first annual Midwest collaborative divorce workshop TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Presented by Pauline H. Tesler

Including: •Addressing Specific Challenges and Techniques in Skillful Collaborative Practice •Identifying Opportunities, Obstacles and Growth Points among Collaborative Professionals •Mobilizing and Using the Integrated Interdisciplinary Team •Differentiating Collaborative Practice Models: Content, Process, Potential November 5 & 6, 2010 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Conference Center at North Pointe 9243 Columbus Pike (Rt 23, three miles north of 270) Lewis Center, Ohio 43035 Overnight accommodations may be made by calling (614) 880-4300 includes continental breakfast, lunch $450 Attorneys and Financial Planners $350 Mental Health  Professionals ($50 Discount will be applied for paid registration before October 1) Pauline Tesler is the co-founder of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and served as its first President. She is a pioneering collaborative family lawyer, trainer, speaker, writer, and consultant to collaborative divorce professionals and practice groups worldwide. Pauline Tesler’s complete curriculum vitae is posted on her law firm website, www.teslercollaboration.com Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Inc. Heather Deskins, Treasurer 309 S. Fourth St. Suite 319 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Basic Mediation Training December 1 & 2, 2010; Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training October 20, 2010; and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training November 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 2010.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or www.communitymediation.com Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution

Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

Cleveland Mediation Center United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail: training@clevelandmediation.org

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center has announced trainings for the year.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at: http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

8TH ANNUAL ADVANCED MEDIATION AND ADVOCACY SKILLS INSTITUTE November 11 – 12, 2010 Harbor Beach Marriott Fort Lauderdale, FL Join a distinguished faculty of expert mediators and mediation advocates, including in-house counsel and litigators, in the most advanced mediation skills program available. This two-day advanced curriculum features interaction with some of the leading mediators and mediation advocates in North America. Each stage of the mediation process will be covered, followed by small group discussions in which participants can receive detailed feedback and coaching. Enrollment for the Institute is strictly limited to maintain a high faculty-to-participant ratio.  Enhance your skill, knowledge, and understanding of the mediation process by attending this Institute.

Topics Covered Include: Preparing for Mediation, The Joint Opening Session in Mediation, Negotiating in the Caucus Stage of Mediation, Breaking Impasse in Mediation, Planned Early Negotiation, Common Ethical Issues Faced by Mediators and Advocates, Developing and Marketing a Mediation Practice. MCLE and Ethics Credit 14.0 hours of MCLE credit, including 1.75 hour of ethics credit, have been requested in most 60-minutes states.  16.8 hours of MCLE credit, including 2.0 hour of ethics credit, have been requested in most 50-minutes states. For more information on the CME requirement, visit www.flcourts.org. Visit the Institute website Download the brochure (PDF) Register Online

In Cooperation With Alabama State Bar ADR Committee, Florida Academy of Professional Mediators,  Georgia Bar DR Section, Louisiana Bar ADR Section, Mississippi Bar ADR Section, Broward County Bar ADR Section, Inter-American Bar Association – International Arbitration Law Committee, Association of South Florida Mediators and Arbitrators  Check out the Section website for updates. www.abanet.org/dispute

A World Class View of Dispute Resolution Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution of the Pepperdine University School of Law Presents East Coast Professional Skills Program Woodstock, Vermont October 14-16, 2010 and Mediating the Litigated Case Washington, D.C. November 2-4 and 17-19, 2010.  To register or for more information, visit straus.pepperdine.edu or call Lori Rushford at 310.506.6342

Web Sites of Interest:

Ohio Mediation Association: www.mediateohio.org
Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management:  www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov/
Ohio State Bar Association: www.ohiobar.org
Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO) www.manomediate.org

A Bi-Monthly Publication
May/June/July/August 2010

President: James Petas (419) 936-2312 E-mail: james.petas@noris.org
Immediate Past President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 E-mail: Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu
Vice President: Ed Krauss (614) 619-0017 E-mail: edmkmediator@sbcglobal.net
Treasurer:  Sheri Center (614) 783-7281 E-mail: findingcommonground@yahoo.com
Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail: gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

OMA BI-MONTHLY MEETINGS

Mark your Calendars for our exciting meetings!!

(Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months.)

Aug. 7, 2010  Tax Matters in Divorce presented by Susan Moussi, CPA, CFP, CDFA, CVA

Oct. 2, 2010 TBA

Dec. 4, 2010 TBA

Feb. 4, 2011 TBA

April 1, 2011 ANNUAL MEETING—NOTE CHANGE IN DATE

More information to follow as details become available.

Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you can suggest, please let him know at ekek783@sbcglobal.net

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is August 20, 2010.  My address is 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Phone/fax:  (614) 863-4775 E-mail: scochran@insight.rr.com Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
by James Petas

I am truly excited and honored to help lead OMA this coming year.  The achievements and inroads that OMA has made is something we should all be proud of as members.

In thinking about the future of our profession, the one thing I kept coming back to is its unrealized potential.  The potential for having mediation be the first option when members of our society are in conflict. In our cultural dialog, mediators’ opinions on issues such as overseas conflict and domestic problems are not solicited. This is puzzling since the insights we experience in session and through our training have great relevance.

So why hasn’t mediation advanced in the public consciousness? My hunch is, unlike a good movie where people tell family and friends, when people reach resolution they are happy with the results but equally happy to close a chapter and move on. If this theory is true, than ultimately the accolades and promotion of our profession must rest with us.

Not only do we need to be effective mediators but also need to be part-time billboards. Woody Mosten, the featured speaker at our 2009 OMA Conference, spoke about how much promotion he has done to make mediation the first thing people turn to when conflict sets in– his effort and the results are remarkable.  To take mediation to the next level I believe we need to adopt the same model.

This mission is a natural fit with our organization. By joining together we can find ways to effectively promote mediation and relay the important contributions of our field. So please get involved in OMA – participate in the meetings and help share your ideas that will make the message of mediation travel.

OMA’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2010
Suzanne Barker, Appointed Board Member

The 2010 OMA conference was held on May 7, 2010 at the Riffe Center.  Unlike past conferences, this year’s conference featured a panel discussion of leading mediation experts regarding the current and future state of mediation in Ohio.  The morning session focused on the current state of mediation and the challenges of mediating in the private sector as well as through court based programs.  The afternoon session was a lively discussion on what is needed for mediation to continue to flourish in Ohio.  Licensure vs. certification, making mediation profitable, and mediation trade marketing were among the topics discussed on what the future of mediation might look like.

Wendy Hawbaker received the 2010 Better World Award for her outstanding contribution to the field of mediation.  Jay Patterson and Shirley Cochran were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their many years of service to the field of mediation in Ohio.   Please submit your suggestions for next year’s conference.

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI
2010 – 2011 Meeting Schedule

Please join us on the second Friday of the month;

members and non-members are welcome!

Meeting Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

NEW Location:  Oakley Branch–Hamilton County Public Library

4033 Gilmore Avenue (corner of Madison &  Gilmore, map available at www.cincinnatilibrary.org)

The library allows us to bring lunch to the meeting, with one stipulation: we must clean up after each meeting.

Please Note: The following schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change.

Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.  To join the Mediation Council or to renew membership (annual dues are $15), contact Anne Wakefield at mediationworks11@aol.com

September 10, 2010, 4:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. (time change for this meeting only): Social kick-off meeting at The View Restaurant, 2200 Victory Parkway, refreshments provided by the Mediation Council.

October 8, 2010: Eric Barrett, Social Media Consultant, presents “Building a Social Media Strategy in the Midst of a Revolution”, exploring how mediators can benefit from the use of social media technology for marketing, education and networking.

November 12, 2010: Janet Moore, attorney at law, will discuss the efforts to create a community-based mediation program in Cincinnati, including the history of this project, the current plans to create such a program in the near future and the role local mediators may play in developing and supporting this community resource.

December, 2010:  no meeting

January 14, 2011: Alys McCalmont, President, McCalmont-Burtin, Professional Organizers LLC, presents “Old Fashioned Marketing of Your Business”.

February 11, 2011: Cathie Kuhl presents “Five Core Concerns: Another Approach to Handling Emotions in Mediation”. This presentation is based on the book Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro.

March 11, 2011: Sharon James and Marie Hill present “Getting beyond Impasse”. These two seasoned mediators share their experiences and give tips for successfully overcoming impasse in mediation.

April 8, 2011: Lou Ann Wood reviews and leads a discussion of the book Bargaining with the Devil: When to Negotiate, When to Fight by Robert Mnookin.

May 13, 2011: The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Hayley (née Baker) at 513-639-9132.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS AND INFORMATION:

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list): New and renewing members may send applications to Immediate Past President, Shirley Cochran at 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.  Contact Shirley for membership applications.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website www.mediateohio.org If there is a correction or an addition, please let Shirley know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance.

NOTE: NEW AND RENEWED MEMBERS WILL BE LISTED IN THE NEXT EDITION OF MEDIATE OHIO CONFERENCES:
Save the Date: ACR 10th Annual Conference September 1-4, 2010, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, ACR’s 10th Annual Conference will be the major event of the year for conflict resolution practitioners!  Over 1000 professionals will attend and participate in over 100 thought provoking workshops. There will be ample networking opportunities held throughout the conference. Bring your families and discover the magic that is Chicago!  This year’s conference theme is, “Many Paths: One Destination.”  Come celebrate the oneness, unity and the common goal we share in reaching our destination, peaceful conflict resolution.  Information on conference registration, exhibiting, advertising and sponsorship will be posted on the ACR website (www.acrnet.org) in early March. For more information contact Beth Murray at bmurray@acrnet.org.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Program Coordinator
Global Issues Resource Center at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio
Ideal candidate will have a background in Conflict Management Program Development as several new projects include:

•   The Certificate in Conflict Management and Peace Studies

•   The Sustained Campus Dialogue Network we are implementing on all 3 main  campuses -  http://www.sdcampusnetwork.org/

•   Developing a Mediation Program for all 3 campuses to address  Staff/Student/Faculty conflicts

•   Our Study Abroad Programs in Conflict Management and Peace Studies through Community Colleges for International Development (CCID)

•    Our international conferences on Conflict Resolution Education,

Examples at:  http://www.creducation.org/cre/global_cre/about_global_network/3rd_intl_cre_summit_2010

http://www.creducation.org/cre/global_cre/intl_policy_summit_cre_sel_ce_and_pe_2009

http://www.creducation.org/cre/global_cre/about_global_network/2nd_intl_cre_summit_2008

The web site link to a brief overview of some of the Center’s work is at:

http://www.tri-c.edu/enrichment/communityservices/GRIC/Pages/Default.aspx

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ON-LINE.

https://careers.tri-c.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1280171953731

Job Description:

Title Coordinator II, Global Issues Resource Center
Department Name Global Issues Resource Center
Campus or Location Eastern Campus
Vacancy Number 076-11
Reports To Director III, Global Issues Resource Center
Recruitment Type External/Internal
Job Category Support Staff
Position Type Full-Time
Union Position? Non-Union
Number of Openings 1

Job Responsibilities Primary Responsibilities Include:

Coordinates the assessment, design, development, planning, funding, and general effectiveness of departmental programs as assigned.

Works under the supervision of the Center Director.

Assists Director in design and development of training programs including, but not limited to, needs assessments; research of available grant and other funding sources; curriculum development and enhancement; recruitment and proposal of qualified personnel including consultants and instructors; negotiation of contracts with vendors and pay rates for instructors; assessment of profitability of programs.

Assists Director in development of ongoing and mutually beneficial relationships with vendors, customers, government agencies, and other partners.

Implements training programs, services, and events. Provides effective coordination/support to consultants, trainers, students/attendees, and employees.

Responsible for timely and accurate: room scheduling, preparation of agreements, processing invoices, determination of workable delivery dates, follow through on appropriate guidelines for purchasing, and acting as backup for registration of students.

Responsible for regular update of GIRC’s Web sites (www.CREducation.org and www.tri-c.edu/enrichment/communityservices/GRIC/Pages/Default.aspx), electronic list serves, and the database.

Serves as a liaison to contractors, trainers, and employees to ensure all paperwork is handled properly for hiring of personnel, payment, etc.

Ensures all college and departmental policies are followed.

Obtains bids and proposals for services in accordance with departmental and college policies and guidelines.

Proposes a comprehensive marketing plan as requested.

Develops a potential partner/client list for marketing of programs.

Ensures program stays within budget.

Drafts and oversees local, state, federal, and private grant applications.

Responsible for all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in the social sciences, education, or related field.

Experience working in the public sector; demonstrated strong networking and partnership building experience.

Minimum of two years experience in program coordination including design, implementation and evaluation.

Demonstrated experience in project management; especially strong time and resource management skills.

Demonstrated experience in budgeting and assessment of profitable programs; demonstrated experience in ability to research, obtain, and manage grant funding.

Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to communicate (written, oral, electronic, presentation-style) effectively and diplomatically with diverse populations; strong networking abilities and ability to develop mutually beneficial relationships; ability to appropriately respond to the needs of diverse populations.

Ability to provide timely and accurate research.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in the social sciences, education, or related field.

Two years’ experience in marketing programs in the public sector; business or consulting experience.

Advanced experience in educational programming.

Experience in the field of conflict management and course work completed.

Background in government and/or education, government/education operations.

Advanced program development experience in the areas of needs assessment, program design, implementation and evaluation; grant and budget management experience.

Advanced knowledge and experience with grant generation and/or funding sources, project management, or budget oversight.

Advanced technology skills in the areas of word processing, powerpoint creation, spreadsheets, databases, web site development, and online research.

Knowledge and ability to effectively use Banner software.

Work Schedule Must be able to travel and work flexible hours as needed to achieve departmental goals.

Target Hiring Rate/Salary $42K to $56K annualized

Position Status This is a full-time, exempt, non-bargaining, support staff position, salary grade 11.

Special Note SPECIAL NOTE:

As a condition of hire, the recommended candidate must demonstrate required skills in keyboarding, basic math and grammar, standard level work processing (MS Word) and standard level spreadsheet applications (MS Excel) through the College’s skill assessment process.

Posting Open Date 07-26-2010

Repost Date

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

For full consideration, apply by this date

Special Instructions to Applicants During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and/or resume. It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application. This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments.

Required applicant materials Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

Affirmative Action Statement Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.

Please make sure you meet the required qualifications for this position before applying.  Also, please take note of required applicant materials (if any) for this position and have documents ready to attach before applying.

TRAINING & WORKSHOPS:

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Basic Mediation Training September 15 & 16; or December 1 & 2, 2010; Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training October 20, 2010; and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training November 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 2010.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or www.communitymediation.com Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution

Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

Cleveland Mediation Center United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail training@clevelandmediation.org .

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center have announced trainings for the year.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at: http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

Compassionate Communication of Central Ohio is offering several opportunities in 2010 to experience Compassionate Communication from several presenters including: Friday-Sunday, August 27-29: “Embodied Spirituality of Nonviolent Communication,” with Robert Gonzales, Ph.D. (Prescott, AZ). We hope to see you at one of more of these events — click here for more information or to register.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST:

Ohio Mediation Association: www.mediateohio.org
Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management: www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov/
Ohio State Bar Association: www.ohiobar.org
Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO) www.manomediate.org

A Bi-Monthly Publication
March/April 2010

President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu
Immediate Past President: Jay Patterson (614) 403-3825 E-mail: jmpmediation@ameritech.net
Vice President:  Phil Dunfee (740) 366-3297 E-mail: pdunfee@alltel.net
Treasurer:  Sheri Center (614) 783-7281 E-mail: findingcommonground@yahoo.com
Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail: gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

Mark your Calendars for our exciting meetings!! (Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months except our conference or April meeting since it is at a facility for conferences the Friday of Ohio’s Conflict Management Week in May.)

May 7, 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE—note different date than first Friday of even numbered months—Conflict Management Week finale.

To be held at the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus.  See flyer attached concerning the Panel Discussion on the State of Mediation in Ohio.  Panelists include: Judith Wayne Thomas, Wendy S. Hawbaker, Richard McGriogan, Susan Grody Ruben, Sarah Cole, Teresa Cusma, Jay Patterson, and Maria Mone; Moderators Maara Fink and Terry Wheeler.

June 4, 2010 TBA

Aug. 7, 2010  TBA

Oct. 2, 2010 TBA

Dec. 4, 2010 TBA

Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you can suggest, please let him know at ekek783@sbcglobal.net

President’s Column
by Maara Fink

Allow me to set the scene – your devoted OMA board gathered ‘round the table with pencils in hand and pensive looks on faces.  What were we doing, you might ask?  Diligently attempting to generate innovative ideas for an amazing annual conference designed to thrill and delight our members. No short order you realize.  In truth, we, just like the rest of you, want to attend a conference that we actually find interesting, informative, enlightening, and useful.

We proceeded to review “big” names in the field; discuss the benefits of “toolbox” trainings; and emphasize the importance of meeting the needs of our members.  The pensive looks became bored looks and soon a few barely-stifled yawns crept across the faces around the table.  Then someone then uttered these words, “…what are we really interested in?”  We quickly became engaged in a very lively conversation.  Finally, some enthusiasm around the table!

It was through this conversation that realized it was time to try something new.  As much as we love our “big” names and our “toolbox” trainings (and we really do love them), the time had come to bring together experts in the field for a REAL discussion of the issues facing mediators and field of mediation. We know this may be risky.  We know this may cause some feelings of discomfort for a few of you.  But, if we don’t have these very important conversations with each other, we will continue to struggle to establish ourselves as legitimate professionals in a legitimate field of practice.  IT IS WORTH IT!

Therefore, I hope you will plan to join us on May 7, 2010 at the Riffe Center for our 2010 Annual Conference. The program is designed to be interactive and we want to hear from YOU.  Please visit our website www.mediateohio.org for conference and membership registration and information.  For your convenience, please note that you can pay online with PayPal. www.mediateohio.org/pg69.cfm

I’ll see you in May!

Member News: David Voth, Executive Director Crime Victim Services in Lima has published a book: Quality Victim Advocacy: A Field Guide.  It includes core crime victim needs and logic models for victim services and victim offender mediation.  It is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is April 20, 2010.  My address is 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Phone/fax:  (614) 863-4775 E-mail: scochran@insight.rr.com Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI
The Mediation Council of Greater Cincinnati, which has been in existence since the mid-1980’s, is a networking organization of mediators who live or practice in the greater Cincinnati area. The group meets at lunch time on the second Friday of every other month from September – May to learn about matters of interest and share information. Members as well as non-members are welcome to attend the meetings; annual membership fees are $15.00.  The meeting time is 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; the meeting location is the Hyde Park Hyde Park Branch of the Hamilton County Public Library, 2747 Erie Avenue.  Attendees may bring lunch to the meetings.

The schedule of meeting topics is below. With the exception of the September meeting, the schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change. Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.  If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Baker at 513-639-9132.

May 14, 2010:  The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

Save the Date: ACR 10th Annual Conference September 1-4, 2010, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, ACR’s 10th Annual Conference will be the major event of the year for conflict resolution practitioners!  Over 1000 professionals will attend and participate in over 100 thought provoking workshops. There will be ample networking opportunities held throughout the conference. Bring your families and discover the magic that is Chicago!  This year’s conference theme is, “Many Paths: One Destination.”  Come celebrate the oneness, unity and the common goal we share in reaching our destination, peaceful conflict resolution.  Information on conference registration, exhibiting, advertising and sponsorship will be posted on the ACR website (www.acrnet.org) in early March. For more information contact Beth Murray at bmurray@acrnet.org.

American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution 11th Annual Spring Conference April 15-18, 2010 Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, New York.  ADR: Building Bridges to a Better Society. Early Bird Registration ends March 10, 2009.  Conference website www.abanet.org/dispute.

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list): New and renewing members may send applications to Immediate Past President, Shirley Cochran at 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.  Contact Shirley for membership applications.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website www.mediateohio.org If there is a correction or an addition, please let Shirley know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance.

New or renewed memberships since the last newsletter:

L. Anna Firestone, JD
Bowen, Keck & Firestone
338 S. High Street
Columbus OH 43214 (614) 255-2015
Fax: (614) 453-8121
afirestone@lawbkf.com

Tom McGuire
23520 Brister Road
Coolville OH 45723 (740) 591-0733
Fax: (740) 667-0435
Mac457@windstream.net

TRAINING & WORKSHOPS:

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Basic Mediation Training April 14 & 15; or June 9 & 10; or September 15 & 16; or December 1 & 2, 2010; Basic Mediation Refresher Course March 10, 2010; Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training April 22 or October 20, 2010; and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training May 5, 6, 12, 13, & 14, or November 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 2010.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or www.communitymediation.com Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution

Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

Cleveland Mediation Center United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail training@clevelandmediation.org .

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center have announced trainings for 2009.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at: http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

The Association of Attorney-Mediators announces its Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training and Annual Meeting, March 26 and 27, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri MARK YOUR CALENDAR and plan to be with your colleagues for this outstanding Advanced Mediator Training.  We return with our member requested, two partial-day format, filled with refreshing speakers and invigorating topics. The training will begin at noon on the 26th, followed by an early evening meal and unusual activities for participants and guests, and adjourn on Saturday the 27tharound noon, allowing the afternoon for sightseeing or early travel home. The venue for the training will be the Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel, on popular Washington Avenue, at the discounted rate of $109 (plus tax) per night. As additional information becomes available, it will be posted on the AAM website at www.attorney-mediators.org.

Pepperdine University School of Law A World Class View of Dispute Resolution Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.  Malibu California June 10-12, 2010 and Vermont Law School Woodstock Vermont October 14-16, 2010.  For more information visit straus.pepperdine.edu or call Lori Rushford at 310.506.6342. Mediation & other dispute resolution workshops at each.

Compassionate Communication of Central Ohio is offering several opportunities in 2010 to experience Compassionate Communication from several presenters including:  Friday-Saturday, April 16-17: “Embodying Compassion,” with Dian Killian, Ph.D. (from Brooklyn, NY); Friday-Sunday, August 27-29: “Embodied Spirituality of Nonviolent Communication,” with Robert Gonzales, Ph.D. (Prescott, AZ). We hope to see you at one of more of these events — click here for more information or to register.

Web Sites of Interest:

Ohio Mediation Association: www.mediateohio.org
Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management: www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov/
Ohio State Bar Association: www.ohiobar.org
Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO) www.manomediate.org

For the 2010 OMA Conference Flyer, Please go here http://www.mediateohio.org

A Bi-Monthly Publication
January/February 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

President: Maara Fink (419) 530-4236 Maara.Fink@utoledo.edu
Immediate Past President: Jay Patterson (614) 403-3825 E-mail: jmpmediation@ameritech.net
Vice President:  Phil Dunfee (740) 366-3297 E-mail: pdunfee@WindStream.net
Treasurer:  Sheri Center (614) 783-7281 E-mail: findingcommonground@yahoo.com
Secretary:  Gina Weisshaar (614) 893-2881 E-mail: gmweisshaar@yahoo.com

OMA MEETINGS

Mark your Calendars for our exciting meetings!! (Usually the first Friday of the even numbered months except our conference or April meeting since it is at a facility for conferences the Friday of Ohio’s Conflict Management Week in May.)

Feb. 5, 2010 Techniques for Empowering Youth in Mediation.  Marge Gaffin, BS Psychology and MSW from OSU, LISW-S, ACSW, BCD with specialized training in obsessive-compulsive disorder will be speaking on drawing out children and teens so that they can and will participate fully in mediation.

May 7, 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE—note different date than first Friday of even numbered months—Conflict Management Week finale.  To be held at the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus.  Details coming soon!

June 4, 2010 TBA
Aug. 7, 2010  TBA
Oct. 2, 2010 TBA
Dec. 4, 2010 TBA

Speaker Suggestion??
Ed Krauss is now planning our programs so if you have any ideas of what you would like to hear about or a speaker you would like to suggest, please let him know at ekek783@sbcglobal.net

Mediate Ohio Material:  Please send material for Mediate Ohio by the 20th of the even numbered months to permit publication in the newsletter.  The next deadline is February 20, 2010.  My address is 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Phone/fax:  (614) 863-4775 E-mail: scochran@insight.rr.com Thanks, Shirley Cochran, Editor

President’s Column
Maara Fink

Well, it’s officially 2010. Hard to believe that another year and decade has come and gone. Like so many others, I find the start of a new year to be the perfect time to take inventory of the areas, both personal and professional, which could use a bit of attention and/or improvement.  Some are easy to identify (unfortunately, not as easy to achieve) like better organizational systems, decision-making (just say “no”) and time management (also, just say “no”).  The more challenging tasks come to me as I lie awake making “to do” lists in my head.

During the final days of 2009 and first days of 2010, I was engaged in a series of conversations that led me to focus more intensively on the current state of OMA and the field in general.  What I realized, to my great disappointment, is that we are not where I was hoping we would be as we ushered in this new decade.  Don’t get me wrong, we have made strides (the Uniform Mediation Act; the marketing campaign of 2008) and effected some significant changes (the most recent language modifications to proposed HB 306 )along the way; but nowhere near where I had hoped the field would be when I entered it well-over (I know, really well-over but who is counting…) a decade ago. At that time mediation was still gaining momentum and legitimacy as an alternative method of dispute resolution.  While these days we find that most have dropped the designation as an “alternative” process, I do believe we are still struggling to establish mediation as a legitimate profession.  We have seen hundreds of mediators join our ranks only to leave disheartened and disillusioned with the field and its ability to provide a living-wage to its members.  A decade ago, I knew dozens of mediators here in Toledo who were making a decent living as full-time mediators.  Most of those individuals have gone back to the professions they previously abandoned.

I also have very real concerns about the complete lack of regulation within the field.  We have all heard “horror” stories of mediators and mediations gone-awry (like the one I heard the other day about a mediator who called one of the parties a crook and liar – in a most neutral way, I’m sure).  Yet, there is still not much that can be done to prevent incompetent mediators engaging in the practice of mediation.  I strongly believe that in order to ensure quality of the process and enhance the legitimacy of our profession that we must explore our options for regulation (mark your calendars to join us for our OMA Annual Conference in May for an exciting panel discussion on what regulation in the field might look like).

I am steadfast in my belief in the power of mediation and the vast potential for growth in the field.   However, this will not happen if we maintain the status quo.  It is imperative that we work together to forge a sustainable future for the field.  And it will take work! This will not happen without collective action.   I encourage those of you who have stayed on the sidelines to get in the game! We have a way to go and my guess is we won’t achieve all that we hope to in 2010 – but it can’t hurt for each of us to add this work to our “to do” list for the year.  You never know what together we might achieve!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THE MEDIATION COUNCIL OF GREATER CINCINNATI
The Mediation Council of Greater Cincinnati, which has been in existence since the mid-1980’s, is a networking organization of mediators who live or practice in the greater Cincinnati area. The group meets at lunch time on the second Friday of every other month from September – May to learn about matters of interest and share information. Members as well as non-members are welcome to attend the meetings; annual membership fees are $15.00.  The meeting time is 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; the meeting location is the Hyde Park Hyde Park Branch of the Hamilton County Public Library, 2747 Erie Avenue.  Attendees may bring lunch to the meetings.

The schedule of meeting topics is below. With the exception of the September meeting, the schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change. Join the Mediation Council for regular meeting reminders with updated information.  If you have questions or need information, contact Chris Baker at 513-639-9132.

January 15, 2010: Marie Bader and Cathie Kuhl will present one or more mediation cases and lead us through an analysis and discussion of the cases.

March 12, 2010:  Diann Harper and Betsy Sato will discuss the work of the Housing Mediation Service.

May 14, 2010:  The group meets for its annual luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

Truancy Prevention Through Mediation in Marion, Ohio
Joey Sink-Oiler Contract Mediator 740-802-0748 mediator4u@gmail.com
Truancy prevention through mediation has worked well in Marion, Ohio for the past five school years.  It was piloted with help from Family Court. According to documentation from Marion County Family and Children First Council, from 2002-2006 the number of diversion hearings conducted by Family Court/Juvenile Court primarily due to truancy grew by approximately a 200% increase. “ The Family and Children First Council wanted to focus on what was missing from the mix of services and programs that would lead to a reduction of high-risk youth coming to the attention of Family Court/Juvenile Court in the first place.”

According to documentation from MCFCFC, “Las Angeles County research from the Office of Education identifies truancy as the most powerful predicator of delinquency and crime increase (such as shop lifting).” Additionally the report from MCFCFC goes on to state “this research supports that children that are truant are at-risk of academic failure, delinquency, victimization, experimentation of substance use and sexual activity.” This led to the collaboration of several service providers in the community working together to assure the success of the mediations. A typical mediation may consist of any combination of the following: parents, student, teachers, social workers, guidance counselors, and/or other necessary support persons. According to Kelly Garrett of United Way the number of children referred to Family Court for Truancy and the number of Diversion cases fell by at least 40% after the inception of the program.

During the first three years, it was operated by a grant from the Ohio Department of Youth Services. Funding was small and the program started in one elementary and one middle school based on findings that most high school dropout students had attended one of these two schools. The fourth year of the program was funded by reclaim dollars through Family Court and 600 mediations were completed in both Marion City and Marion County school districts. For the 2009-2010 school year, due to a funding decrease, the number of mediations dropped to 425. Both Family Court and. Marion City Schools are funding the program this school year. The program requires two positions, a coordinator and a mediator. Joey Sink-Oiler, who has been with the program for the past five school years, currently holds both positions.

The Art of Disagreement
Dale Eilerman, M.Ed., PCC-S
Conflict Solutions Ohio, LLC

Most of us would likely say that we do not care to be around disagreeable people.  This choice of behavior is typically discouraged in organizations as being disruptive and unsettling.  It can generate negative emotional reactions and a sense that the disagreeable person is being uncooperative and is not “on board”.  However the act of disagreeing is essential to identify problems, provide contrary perspectives, consider alternatives and make changes.  What we need to recognize is that there is a skill and “art” in offering a disagreement that plays an important part in the success in taking this position.  It is not what is said, but how it is said.

Michael A. Roberto speaks to the importance of disagreement in his book entitled Why Great Leaders Don’t Take Yes for an Answer (Wharton School Publishing, 2005).  Roberto describes organizational cultures in which the prevailing norm is to have yes-people who outwardly agree with leadership and do not question decisions in open meetings.  Differing opinions and beliefs are instead taken underground resulting in a hidden erosion of support and lost opportunities for considering viable alternatives.  In some cases this type of culture has resulted in serious negative outcomes that could have been avoided if those in disagreement had felt like they could speak up and be heard without consequence.

Cultivating an environment that supports constructive disagreement requires encouragement of frank discussions, challenging questions and debate.  This milieu results in decisions that are well thought out and earn the confidence and support of those who need to implement them.

What are some of the traits and techniques that contribute to the art of disagreement?
• Demonstrate an attitude of inclusion
• Use data and decision making procedures
• Beware of emotional responses
• Seek first to understand, then to be understood
• Agree to disagree

Demonstrate an Attitude of Inclusion

Disagreement will begin to be valued when leaders demonstrate an attitude of inclusion.  Openness to and active solicitation of differing ideas, perspectives, feelings, and beliefs generates greater breadth of thinking than a closed and conservative approach to decision making which tends to shut out diversity.  The attitude of inclusion stimulates expression of disagreements and a collaborative discovery of solutions.  This approach will increase the likelihood that optimal choices will be made.

Respect for disagreement encourages risk taking, creative thinking and consideration of alternatives that otherwise would not be put on the table.  Leaders who challenge their associates to brain storm, critique, and think outside the box will maximize the potential that exists within the group.  Appreciation shown for effort, and not just for the chosen decision, will further encourage people to take the risk of offering ideas and positions that might not otherwise be put out for consideration.

Use Data and Decision Making Procedures

It is helpful to have decision making procedures that facilitate the presentation of differing options while also maintaining an orderly process for reaching conclusions.  Brainstorming, nominal group technique and multi-voting are methods that can be used to generate ideas and focus on preferred choices.  If there is no structure to facilitate the decision making process the participants will experience frustration from “wheel spinning” and be less open to considering differing ideas.

Disagreements must merit the time and attention required for contemplation.  Simply arguing for a personal agenda is not adequate.  Those who want their perspective to be considered need to demonstrate its value with data or other supportive evidence and use the decision making process that is in place.  Use of an organized presentation with handouts, charts, or other visual aids can be very effective in demonstrating a perspective that needs to win the approval of others.  It may be helpful to pass alternatives through “filters” to assure that they meet the criteria required for consideration prior to presenting them.  Disagreements that are obviously well thought out and rationally presented within organizational guidelines will be given more respectful consideration than those which are spontaneous and “off the cuff”.

When working to resolve disagreements determine if the differences are centered on the central goal or on the process for achieving the desired outcome.  There will often be more receptivity to variations in process and procedures that to wholesale changes in the objective.  Do proposals meet the identified goals and requirements?  If yes, then disagreement may be in the area of process; how to reach the goal rather than the goal itself.  Recognizing and communicating this distinction can keep the process moving along constructively.

Beware of Emotional Responses

Disagreements can cause emotional reactions that disrupt the objective assessment of an option being considered.  Presentations that are overly dramatic may not be effective – the content can be lost in the expression.  The idea will be judged on the listener’s affective reactions and not on merit.

However presentations without any emotion may be as ineffective as those with excessive emotion.  Ideas communicated with feeling create energy.  Emotions that are tempered and expressed for emphasis and effect can be a powerful enhancement in communicating the intensity of belief and conviction.

When presenting a different perspective it is important not to alienate others in the group.  Separate the person from the problem.  Statements that are confrontational, blaming and critical are usually not well received and can be harmful.  Indicating a desire to collectively solve the problem at hand will be more effective than forming factions.

Being prepared and professional will increase the likelihood of receptivity to contrary opinions and perspectives.  Conflict and disagreements that are cognitively presented with poise and confidence will be received best.  Even skeptics are likely to consider ideas that are presented with logic, reason and conviction.  Use of substantiated facts, relevant references, and evidence of success in other settings will help to change the minds of those who may initially be in opposition.  The inclusion of enough emotion to demonstrate assurance that it will work in the current situation may be enough to tip the scales.

Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Stephen Covey’s maxim from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People of “Seek first to understand, and then to be understood” serves as a good technique when attempting to win over someone to a new way of thinking.  If you want to be understood be a good listener.  Once the other party believes that they have been thoroughly understood they will be more receptive to listening to alternative perspectives.

Listen intently and do not get caught up in formulating a response before the other party has finished their presentation.  Use active listening and clarification questions to demonstrate interest and insight into the ideas of others.  Active listening with focused eye contact, nodding, note taking, appropriate questions and summary statements for clarification will demonstrate interest and respect in those who present opposing viewpoints and thereby increase their receptivity to alternative positions.

A good technique for presenting disagreement is to both support and confront.  This involves the use of the word “and” instead of the word “but”.  An example would be to say “I understand what you are suggesting and I have another point of view” rather than “I understand what you are suggesting but I want you to listen to my idea.”  The use of the word “but” erases everything that was presented before it and only includes the words that follow it.  Use of the word “and” shows respect and consideration for one point of view while adding other thoughts or opinions.  A difference that is presented with respect and as an alternative will be received better than one that shows distain and one-sided thinking.

Agree to Disagree

Attempt to join in agreement with the prevailing position as much as possible.  This is especially true when disagreeing with a person or group who is in a position of influence.  Artful disagreement will often include reference and support for the areas where there is agreement and then requests for considering additional perspectives.  Respectful acknowledgement that there are points in common will reduce the level of resistance to hearing new ideas.

However there will be times when presenting a disagreement will not result in the idea being accepted.  When other ideas win out it is important to support the decision and work to make it effective.  The welfare of the team or organization is more important than individual goals.  Sometimes it is best to agree to disagree and move on.

Summary

Disagreement, when demonstrated effectively, can be a valuable component of effective organizations.  The art of disagreement is often not in what is said, but how it is said.  Presenting opposing positions successfully may require courage driven by conviction and supported by data.  It is important to keep differences constructive and to work for collaborative discovery of solutions.  When presented well, disagreement opens the door to consideration of options that can result in integrated decision making and optimal outcomes.

Biography

Dale Eilerman operates Conflict Solutions Ohio, LLC working with individuals and organizations to improve performance.  He specializes in the dynamics associated with the management of differences and conflict and provides consultation, training, coaching, team-building, and conciliation work including mediation.  He is an adjunct instructor at the University of Dayton and Wright State University, provides counseling and coaching in a private practice, and is the Director of Organizational Learning for a behavioral health organization in Dayton, Ohio.  Dale earned a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Dayton and a Liberal Arts degree from Earlham College.  He can be contacted at 937.219.4996 or dale@conflictsolutionsohio.com.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE AND INFORMATION:

PLEASE NOTE: ANNUAL DUES CHANGED IN 2009!  THE CURRENT RATES ARE:
$60 FOR AN INDIVIDUAL AND $100 FOR AN INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Renewing, New Members and Additions/Corrections to the Directory (not the entire list of members—see the directory at our web site for that list): New and renewing members may send applications to Immediate Past President, Shirley Cochran at 2897 Liberty Bell Lane, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.  Contact Shirley for membership applications.  A membership application can be sent electronically for your convenience or you can download it from the OMA website www.mediateohio.org If there is a correction or an addition, please let Shirley know but only you can correct the directory on the website.  If you have misplaced your membership number and password, please contact Gina Weisshaar, OMA Secretary for assistance.

New or renewed memberships since the last newsletter:

Gregory L. Edmonds
5585 Broadview Road
Columbus OH 43230 (614) 506-3782
(330) 887-4776
Gledmo007@yahoo.com

Eileen Pruett
375 S. High Street, 16th Floor
Columbus OH 43215 (614) 645-8500
Fax: (614) 645-8465
pruette@fcmcclerk.com

Paula J. Trout, MBA, MPA, JD
President/CEO ADR Forums
P.O. Box 29143
Las Vegas NV 89126-3143 (310) 251-4973/(702) 385-4973
Fax: (702) 448-5106
pjtroutmlm@aol.com

Hon. Steve Yarbrough, Retired
7818 Westcroft Drive
Sylvania OH 43560-1864 (419) 343-6222
Fax: (419) 824-8389
SAYarbama1@msn.com

Theresa M. Zimmerman Consultants, LLC
32200 Miles Road
Solon OH 44139 (330) 328-2562
tz@tzconsultants.com
TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES:
Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association                          Basic Mediation Training February 3 & 4; or April 14 & 15; or June 9 & 10; or September 15 & 16; or December 1 & 2, 2010; Basic Mediation Refresher Course March 10, 2010; Personal/Professional Conflict Resolution Training April 22 or October 20, 2010; and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training May 5, 6, 12, 13, & 14, or November 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 2010.  Presenter Shelley Whalen, Executive Director of CMS and a past president of OMA.  Training site 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus OH, the Thurber Center CLE and CEU’s Contact CMS (614) 228-7191 or www.communitymediation.com Fax: (614) 228-7213  Mailing address:  67 Jefferson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Columbus OH 43215.

Capital University Law School Center for Dispute Resolution
Center for Dispute Resolution, Capital Law School, 303 E Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215-3200, Phone (614) 236-6430/ Fax (614) 236-6956 CDR Directors include Roberta S Mitchell and Scot E Dewhirst, Co-Directors of the Center, and Terrence T Wheeler, Executive Director of the Center.  Please visit our website at www.law.capital.edu/disputeresolution to gain more detailed information on our trainings or to register on-line.

Cleveland Mediation Center
United Office Building, Suite 906 2012 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 2005 Presenters include Dan Joyce and Wendy Hawbaker.  For further information on all training contact: Bob Curtis, Training Co-coordinator Phone: (216) 621-1919, extension 500 Fax: (216) 621-3202 E-Mail training@clevelandmediation.org .

North Coast Conflict Solutions and Cleveland Mediation Center
2010 Trainings.  Information about these trainings is available on the MANO website at: http://www.manomediate.org/medevents.htm

The Association of Attorney-Mediators Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training and Annual Meeting, March 26 and 27, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri
Mark your calendar and plan to be with your colleagues for this outstanding Advanced Mediator Training.  We return with our member requested, two partial-day format, filled with refreshing speakers and invigorating topics. The training will begin at noon on the 26th, followed by an early evening meal and unusual activities for participants and guests, and adjourn on Saturday the 27tharound noon, allowing the afternoon for sightseeing or early travel home. The venue for the training will be the Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel, on popular Washington Avenue, at the discounted rate of $109 (plus tax) per night. As additional information becomes available, it will be posted on the AAM website at www.attorney-mediators.org.

American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution 11th Annual Spring Conference April 15-18, 2010 Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, New York
ADR: Building Bridges to a Better Society. Early Bird Registration ends March 10, 2009.  Conference website www.abanet.org/dispute.

AFCC 47th Annual Conference June 2-5, 2010, Sheraton Denver, Denver, Colorado
Traversing the Trail of Alienation: Rocky Relationships, Mountains of Emotion, Mile High Conflict

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SAVE THE DATE!

ACR 10th Annual Conference September 1-4, 2010 Chicago, Illinois
In 2010, ACR will celebrate its 10th Annual Conference. Over the past 10 years, we as a community have seen an evolving and growing need for high quality conflict resolution, from the international to the interpersonal level. ACR’s 10th Annual Conference provides the opportunity to step back and reflect on changes witnessed, chal¬lenges met, and prospects for the future. Our 2010 Conference is an excellent time to celebrate the essence of ACR, an organization that embraces and acknowledges the full spectrum of peaceful conflict resolution and recognizes the value of cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural connections to enhance conflict resolution choices universally. ACR em¬bodies “Many Paths: One Destination,” this year’s conference theme.  This theme celebrates the oneness, the unity, the common goal we share in reaching the One Destination: Peaceful Conflict Resolu¬tion. The theme recognizes the connections within and across our practice areas, Sections and Chapters, and the valuable partnerships created within professions such as family services, legal, health care, education, business and many others.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST:

Ohio Mediation Association: www.mediateohio.org
Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management: www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov/
Ohio State Bar Association: www.ohiobar.org
Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO) www.manomediate.org