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Serving Ohio’s Mediators and those in need of Mediation services

March / April 2008

By January 3, 2008Newsletter

MEDIATE OHIO
Ohio Mediation Association
www.mediateohio.org

A Bi-Monthly Publication
March/April 2008

President: Jay Patterson (614) 403-3825 E-mail: jmpmediation@ameritech.net
Immediate Past President/Mediate Ohio Editor: Shirley Cochran (614) 863-4775 E-mail: scochran@insight.rr.com
Vice President: Phil Dunfee (740) 366-3297 E-mail: phil@phildunfee.com
Treasurer: Sheri Center (614) 783-7281 E-mail: findingcommonground@yahoo.com
Secretary: Christy Radigan (614) 855-6926 E-mail: cardigan@insight.rr.com

Mark your Calendars for our exciting 2008 meetings!! (First Friday of the even numbered months except our conference or April meeting since it is at a facility for conferences.)

May 9, 2008 Annual Conference at the Riffe Center with Larry Fong! Dr. Fong is a Past President of the Association of Conflict Resolution (ACR) and is a well known lecturer. Put this on your calendar now for a day of tool box information.

June 6, 2008 Magistrate Ann Snyder—Mediation in Summit County Probate Court.

August 1, 2008 Scott Brown, Community Education Coordinator with Richard Cordray, State Treasurer’s Office “The 10 most frequently asked questions about foreclosure” Discussion on “Save our Homes Task Force” and how the mediators will play a role in foreclosures.

All meetings, except the Annual Conference, to be held at 11:30 AM at the MCL Cafeteria at Westerville and Schrock Roads in Westerville until further notice. (Directions on last page.)

Don’t forget—after each OMA bi-monthly meeting, the Case Study Group gets together to discuss a case presented by an OMA member. If you are interested in a lively discussion of different types of cases, this is the group for you. For questions or to volunteer to present a case, please contact Susan Shostak (740) 681-1031, or shostak@ohiohills.com

President’s Column
My Top Six Wishes for the Mediation Profession: (Part One of Two)
By Jay M. Patterson

As my term as President winds down and I soon begin to transition to the Immediate Past President role, I would like to present my top six wishes for the mediation profession, some of which I’ve touched upon in past columns. I have mercifully broken my list into two parts, the second of which will be reserved for my final column. The good news is that I’ve dispensed with the traditional “top ten” list since I could only think of six wishes. The not so good news is that, in my opinion, we are a long way from fulfilling these wishes. That said, I can think of no reason why we can’t ultimately fulfill these wishes if we act together to improve our collective future. As in many of my past columns, I present this list as a challenge to you to determine what wishes, if any, you share, and more importantly, which ones you will take personal responsibility for to help bring to fruition. In my view, it’s not enough to only do good work with our clients. Every mediator has an obligation to help advance the field as a whole. The first three of my wishes, that are entirely my own and not necessarily those of OMA as an entity (and presented in the obligatory reverse chronological order), are:

6: We more often assert ourselves as professionals. Whether the topic is related to marketing the profession, compensation for services, discussion of professional issues, command of the future direction of the field, regulation and discipline of mediators by other professions, programmatic protocols consistent with widely accepted mediation practices etc., mediators too often fail to stand up and assert our expertise and our interests to those who impact our field. Whatever the context, one of the causes for the current state of our field is a direct result of our own inaction as a profession. Others outside the profession have sometimes filled the vacuum created by this inaction or failure to speak up, with less than ideal results. I believe we must speak early and often and not wait to be asked about our profession, our process, our methodology, our worth, or any other important element of our field. As mediators, we are not always naturally inclined to advocate for things. But most of us wouldn’t be mediators if we didn’t believe in the power derived from the assertion of interests. Mediators have interests just like everyone else does and I think we need to get better at advocating for our own collective professional interests at all levels, whether that be to policy makers, program development decision makers, program leaders, the general public, or anyone else.

5: We refrain from thinking of ourselves in progress limiting, self-fulfilling boxes such as, but not limited to, “court connected”, “private practice” or “community” mediation. On occasion, I have witnessed conversations about the profession that draw largely artificial lines between mediation’s settings, models, styles, regions etc. I believe, at the very least, this thinking has limited our progress for the field as a collective whole. I acknowledge and respect that there are some relatively small differences in priorities, approaches, styles or areas of emphasis among mediators and mediation programs. However, mediators have much more in common than we have differences. Until our profession has evolved into a widely recognized, established, understood and accepted product in the minds of the general public, I think we might be better served if the profession made more cooperative effort to concentrate on initiatives that will benefit every mediator without regard to these largely artificial boundaries. When we reach the point that mediation is widely established, we can then more appropriately focus on our particular practices, programs and styles. Until then, I think our first priority should be to make the entire mediation pie bigger rather than focusing so much on individual slices. If we make the pie bigger we can all have more of it. At the risk of abruptly switching metaphors, a rising tide raises all boats.

4: We do more to market the concept of mediation directly to the retail consumer. I’m speaking here about what has often been referred to as the “Got Milk?” campaign for mediation. It is a significant challenge for an individual mediator to market herself or himself when many of the general public have no conception or have a misconception of what mediation really is and how it can improve their quality of life. Unlike say, a taxi service or a doctor, it’s more difficult to encourage the use of your product if you must first explain what the heck it is. If people don’t know what your product is, how could they possibly know they need it? People know when they need a taxi. Taxis are a preexisting answer in people’s everyday consciousness to the question of how to get ground transportation. We can’t say the same for mediation. To the extent mediation has been marketed, it has largely been done at the wholesale level, i.e. lobbying for funding to start or maintain mediation programs, getting referrals from programs or other entities, etc. Without question, we should continue these wholesale marketing efforts. However, I believe we have made much less effort and been much less deliberate about marketing the mediation profession to the retail level, i.e. the general public, (of which every member of the wholesale level is a part of). If we make more efforts to market from the ground up, by making the general public aware of the existence and worth, of the mediation field, I believe more people will be more willing to explore mediation directly with a mediator or mediation program. Once the mediation profession as a “product” is common knowledge, individual marketing for mediators/mediation programs will be more successful. Likewise, if the general public becomes informed about mediation they are more likely to request that mediation programs be developed in both the public and private sector. The first step of creating a tipping point of sorts is to simply make the mediation field as commonly known as taxis. OMA is close to taking an unprecedented step toward this effort. However, much work remains to be done and we will need more resources to increase our effort in this regard.

Stay tuned for part two of my list in my next column. As Always, I invite you to share your thoughts, in agreement or disagreement, or to add your own wishes for the field in a letter to the editor of this, your newsletter, Mediate Ohio.

Dear ADRy: Advice for the Conflict-Worn
Friends, are you tired of asking yourself questions about conflict and wondering what is the answer? Friends, do you ask yourself why one party’s BATNA is always the other party’s WATNA? Are there days, my friends, when it seems like parties couldn’t reach a settlement if it was handed to them on a silver platter? Have you ever speculated as to why Conflict Management Week occurs in May when Conflict Resolution Day is in October? Do you ever wish there was someone you could go to for advice and guidance in these matters?

Well, wish no more! You can now send your questions to “Dear ADRy”, who will share advice, wisdom and guidance concerning just about anything related to mediation. Send your question by email to scochran@insight.rr.com, and “Dear ADRy” will publish selected questions in the upcoming OMA Newsletters.

Okay, okay — “Dear ADRy” is not really a person; it is a collection of seasoned mediation professionals from across the state who mediate in various settings and handle a variety of cases. They are volunteering to address your questions and give you the benefit of their experience and advice. Your question will be routed to the “Dear ADRy’ whose background and experience is suited to answer it. Although “Dear ADRy” will attempt to answer all questions, “Dear ADRy” reserves the right to decline to answer any question that may jeopardize the confidentiality of parties, or for other good cause.

So, take a moment to email Dear ADRy today—she’s waiting to hear from you!

Monthly Presenters for OMA
by Sandra Fredrick

I wanted to let the members of the Ohio Mediation Association aware that I will be coordinating the monthly presenters for our organization. I am very interested in any appealing presenters and if you feel you have a new program or approach that you would want to share with your peers it would be appreciated. Please contact me with ideas as well. The following are ways to contact me: Sandra Fredrick, (937) 225-4099 or I can be reached by e-mail at fredricks@mcohio.org I look forward to hearing from you.

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, 2008. 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 Association of Northeast Ohio (MANO) Announces the 2008 MANO Annual Conference & Training Event

“Subtleties in Communication and Negotiations… What They Mean” Trainer: Barbara Ashley Phillips at the Embassy Suites Hotel 3775 Park East Drive Beachwood OH 44122 Friday April 25, 2008 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Cots $125.00 includes Breatkfast, Lunch & Instructional Materials. MANO Member & Student Discounts apply. Registration deadline April 18th with early registration discount if by April 1st. Join Barbara for an intimate breakfast conversation from 7-8:00 AM for an additional $9.www.MANOmediate.org or call Jerry Leeds (440) 354-1400 with questions or concerns. CLE 6 credits pending CEU 6 credits pending.

Ohio Public Issues Negotiation Initiative (OPINI)
Sponsored by The Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution

The Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution seeks to expand and diversify the availability of facilitation and consensus building service providers in Ohio. The Ohio Public Issues Negotiation Initiative (OPINI) will offer education, training, observation and opportunities to work with mediators and facilitators in “real-time” multi-party stakeholder negotiations. Participants will learn about the skills and training required for employment in multiparty mediation in public policy, environmental, labor-management and other settings. This yearlong program will:

· Provide training in facilitation and consensus building. Participants will attend an orientation session on May 12th and a daylong training during Fall 2008.

· Provide multiple opportunities to observe multi-party mediation, facilitation and consensus building negotiations throughout the yearlong program.

· Partner with a mentor to create a customized program based upon participants’ interests and designed to enhance their existing facilitation and dispute resolution skills.

· Create opportunities to partner with professional service providers on a project(s).

Upon acceptance to and completion of the program, individuals will be qualified for application to the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution’s Public Disputes Roster. This roster serves as a resource of public policy dispute resolution practitioners available to state and local governments and non-governmental agencies.

Please submit the following to be considered for the program:

· Application

· Resume

· Two references familiar with your work and/or interest in participating in the OPINI

· A brief statement indicating how you will use the skills learned in the OPINI during the year

A limited number of spaces will be available. Emerging and mid-career professionals who are interested in third party (neutral) service provision (mediation and facilitation) are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to individuals with a background and/or experience in dispute resolution, public policy, governmental relations, community affairs and related areas. Individuals from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. The early application deadline for the program is April 21, 2008. The final deadline to submit application materials is May 16, 2008. For more information, please feel free to contact The Commission on Dispute Resolution 77 S. High Street, 24th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 614-752-9595 www.disputeresolution.ohio.gov

Criteria for Selection

· Resident of the State of Ohio
· Required Experience:
1.50 hours facilitation, mediation or conflict resolution training and/or coursework.

Examples:
· Professional development/training
· Community mediation training
· Conference workshops
· Graduate-level coursework

2.12 hours Participation as a (neutral) third party in a collaborative process.
Examples:
· Facilitating professional or community meeting (church, neighborhood group, etc.).
· Participating in group discussions that lead to a collaborative decision.
· Designing a structure for group discussions (development of meeting agendas, issue
identification for discussion, discussion format, ground rules and outcomes/deliverables).
· Moderating or facilitating a public dialogue or panel, leading a church, committee, community group or task force.

3. Personal Attributes
· Ability to put ego aside
· Ability to listen
· Strong verbal and written communication skills
· Ability to capture and synthesize complex information
· Ability to learn new skills and quickly grasp complex substantive material and information
· Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of project team
· Willingness to take direction and work collaboratively with a mentor
· Ability to work amidst uncertainty, while maintaining composure

OPINI Deadlines In order to be considered for the program, please submit the following materials by the early application deadline of April 21, 2008 or by the final application deadline of May 16, 2008.

· Application
· Resume
· Two references familiar with your work and/or interest in participating in the OPINI
· A brief statement indicating how you will use the skills learned in the OPINI during the year

Minority Professionals in Alternative Dispute Resolution

Save the Date! 3rd National Training Institute of Minority Professionals in Alternative Dispute Resolution

June 2 – 6, 2008 Capital University Law School Columbus, Ohio

This year’s Institute will offer 6 – 8 trainings from various ADR organizations (TBA). These trainings – ranging from 8 hours to 40 hours – will enhance your ADR skills, offer opportunities to be placed on ADR panels / rosters, and prepare you for advancement within the field. Visit www.law.capital.edu/ADR/ for information as it becomes available. For questions, contact us at adrconference@law.capital.edu. Capital University Law School 303 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-236-6500 www.law.capital.edu

Job Announcements: There are some announcements that become available for the meetings. Be sure to attend the meeting and check Mediate Ohio for openings we might receive notice of and if you have a position you would like to have listed, provide it by the deadline to the Editor. In addition, watch for e-mails from the OMA President. An additional website to check is at Mediate.com: http://www.mediate.com/jobs/

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 noon on the second Wednesday of each 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. Meeting Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location : The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati* Rookwood Tower (5th Floor) 3805 Edwards Road, Suite 500 *Health Foundation will not allow food to be brought in to its facility. Please Note: with the exception of the September meeting, the schedule of presenters and topics may be subject to change. Join the Mediation Council for monthly meeting reminders with updated information. If you have questions or need information, contact Marie Bader at 859-380-2137

2007-2008 Meeting Schedule

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

April 9, 2008 Book Review of Beyond Reason by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro Discussion leader Bea Larsen

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May 14, 2008 The group meets for its Annual Luncheon gathering at a restaurant to be named later.

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If you have questions or need information, contact Donna Dansker: 513/821-0767

Upcoming ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Sponsored Events:

April 2-5, 2008 Tenth Annual Section of Dispute Resolution Conference Sheraton Seattle, Washington

August 7-9, 2008 ABA Annual Meeting New York

April 15-18, 2009 Eleventh Annual Section of Dispute Resolution Conference Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers New York

July 30-August 1, 2009 ABA Annual Meeting Chicago, Illinois

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 Christy Radigan for assistance.

TRAINING & WORKSHOPS:

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio and the Columbus Bar Association Basic Mediation Training April 16 & 17, or, June 11 & 12, or September 10 & 11, 2008 and 40 Hour Domestic Mediation Training May 1, 2, 6, 7, & 8, or October 15, 16, 21, 22, & 23, 2008. 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 .

The Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has recently hosted some excellent talks that are now available as webcasts.  Several of these talks were part of our Peace in the Desert™  Lecture Series.   Check out our website at: http://www.law.unlv.edu/media_Events.html if you are interested, for example, in viewing: John Paul Lederach, Professor of International Peacebuilding, The Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peacebuilding, University of Notre Dame, speak on “The Moral Imagination:  The Art and Soul of Building Peace.” Laura Nader, Professor of Social Cultural Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, speak on “Confict Resolution and the Anti-Law Movement: A Global Effort?”. Dennis Ross, former director of policy planning for President George H.W. Bush and special Middle East coordinator under President Bill Clinton, speak on “Statecraft:  And How to Restore America’s Standing in the World.” Scott R. Peppet, Associate Professor, University of Colorado Law School, speak on “The Ethics of Collaborative Law.” We also hosted a full-day conference on “Collaboration and the Colorado River.” The program is available at:  http://www.law.unlv.edu/pdf/Colorado_Conference.pdf Papers from this conference will be published in the Nevada Law Journal.   Jean R. Sternlight, Saltman Professor, UNLV Boyd School of Law & Director Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 451003 Las Vegas NV 89154-1003 phone: (702) 895-2358 fax: (702) 895-2482

Embracing Diversity in Conflict Facilitation Gill Emslie and Christy Cumberland Walker Monday 14th July, 2008 (In Scotland). This training is designed to develop the skills to facilitate and transform conflict in diverse cultures. We examine our own personal relationship to conflict, and practice facilitation and mediation. We also explore how to be an ally to those in conflict, observing our tendencies and bias, recognizing and combating institutionalized racism, seeing the influence of rank, power and privilege, naming taboos and unspoken tensions, and being in the moment. We will work creatively, drawing from various disciplines including meditation, facilitation, Process Work, and archetypal awareness. Findhorn Consultancy Service is an organization whose purpose is to support the transformation of consciousness in businesses, organizations and communities. Cost: £455 if your income is low £515 if your income is medium £605 if your income is high £895 if paid by your organization includes 5 nights accommodation and all meals Gill’s training and experience in transpersonal psychology and organizational development provide the framework for her work as a coach and trainer in the areas of organizational development, leadership, personal and professional development, staff training, Process Work, supervision, conflict facilitation, specific skills for women in leadership, confidence building and a holistic approach to intentional design, monitoring and evaluation (Outcome Mapping). Christy has enjoyed a private practice in alternative dispute resolution since 1998. She has had contracts with various local, state, and national clients. she is a meditation trainer, arbitrator and facilitator and has developed and presented trainings in the areas of dispute resolution, cultural recognition and respect, family mediation, and domestic violence. To book: https://www.findhorn.info/bookevent_plus.php?&name=Embracing%20Diversity%20in%20Conflict%20Facilitation&price1=455&price2=515&price3=605&date=140708&days=4&intro=&price_date=0

SAVE THE DATE for our next International Conference Aug. 25-26, 2008, in Santa Barbara, California “New Waves of Transformative Practice: New Voices, New Frontiers, New Challenges” Contact us for the most up-to-date training in Transformative Mediation and Conflict Intervention! Visit us at  www.transformativemediation.org Fulfilling the Promise of Mediation…

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

DIRECTIONS TO OMA MEMBERSHIP MEETING LOCATION—MCL CAFETERIA

Schrock & Westerville Roads, Westerville Phone: (614) 818-1700

All meetings begin at 11:00 AM with the program immediately following

From Western Ohi Take I-70 East to I-270 North Two exits past I-71 is Westerville Road Take the part of the exit that will take you north on Westerville Road Either turn right at Schrock Road, left at the light at Otterbein Road, and left into the shopping center (first driveway on left) or cross Schrock Road to next light, turn right into shopping center and follow driveway to far end of the center

From Southwestern Ohio: Take I-71 North through town to I-270 East two exits to Westerville Road Take the part of the exit that will take you north on Westerville Road Either turn right at Schrock Road, left at the light at Otterbein Road, and left into the shopping center (first driveway on left) or cross Schrock Road to next light, turn right into shopping center and follow driveway to far end of the center

From Northern Ohio: Take I-71 South to I-270 East two exits to Westerville Road Take the part of the exit that will take you north on Westerville Road Either turn right at Schrock Road, left at the light at Otterbein Road, and left into the shopping center (first driveway on left) or cross Schrock Road to next light, turn right into shopping center and follow driveway to far end of the center

From Eastern Ohio: Take I-70 West to I-270 North to the Westerville Road exit Take the part of the exit that will take you north on Westerville Road Either turn right at Schrock Road, left at the light at Otterbein Road, and left into the shopping center (first driveway on left) or cross Schrock Road to next light, turn right into shopping center and follow driveway to far end of the center