Conference Agenda

This program will review seven recurring types of problems that occur in mediation in a constructive way that will identify how mediators can go about solving them, or in some cases, how mediators fail to anticipate or solve these problems.  Types of problems include lack of preparation, hostile attitudes, unrealistic expectations, and others.  Marshall Tanick, Mansfield and Tanick, P.A.

2. “Differentiating Types of Domestic Violence: Implications for Child Custody”

Participants will learn about new social science research on domestic violence and explore the implications for children.  This research has the potential t  1) reconcile competing viewpoints and contradictory evidence about domestic violence; 2) match families with appropriate child custody court procedures and services; and 3) expose serious deficiencies in current domestic violence child custody statutes. Nancy Ver Steegh, Associate Professor, William Mitchell College of Law

This interactive session will explore the harmful problem of unresolved conflict in American schools and the lack of an effective response by educators and institutions.  Restorative Learning has developed a proven program that helps individuals and organizations create a restorative culture through effective conflict resolution skill development. David St. Germain, Restorative Learning

10:45-11:00 Break

11:00-12:30 Late Morning Workshops:

5. “Networking and Apprenticeship opportunities for new mediators”

Are you a new mediator interested in learning about additional training opportunities, apprenticeships, ways to get experience and networking strategies?  Are you curious about all of the ADR organizations out there to join?  If you have ideas to share about how we can create a network system for new mediators, please join us!  Michelle Horn, Erickson Mediation Institute and Jessica Kuchta-Miller, Minnesota Association of Community Mediation Programs

6. “Building Peacemaking Skills in the Schools – School & Community Partnerships”

This workshop will present statistics and information about peer mediation and other restorative services that support violence prevention and how schools use community mediation program resources.  Karen Dahl, Anoka-Hennepin School District #11 and Ann Wallerstedt, Mediation Services for Anoka County (MSAC).

Using mediation, arbitration, and other customized dispute resolution processes to resolve non-union workplace conflicts can benefit employers and employees.  This program will provide a legal overview of employment dispute resolution methods, address the design and implementation of fair and cost-effective employment dispute resolution policies, and guide mediators and arbitrators in resolving non-union employment disputes.  Darin T. Allen, Esq., Director of Employment ADR Services, National Arbitration Forum

12:30 Lunch  

1:15-2:30 Dessert Session: “The best of the ACR – International Conference”   An opportunity to hear about exciting workshops from the Fall ACR – International Conference.  Facilitated by Mariann Johnson, M.T. Johnson & Associates.

2:30-2:45 Break

2:45-4:15 Afternoon Workshops:

8. “Conflict Resolution in Africa and Among African Immigrants” 

The process of resolving conflicts in most parts of Africa is unique to the continent. This interactive forum will be an opportunity to hear about the palava hut method and gacaca methods of resolving conflicts. Participants will hear how immigrants, especially the Liberian community, and Community Mediation Services can integrate these processes into community interactions. Anna’s first hand experience in Rwanda is worth listening to.  Mamadee Sesay, Community Mediation Services, Inc., Musu Bah, M.A., Volunteer, Community Mediation Services, Inc. and Anna Bartels, Community Mediation Services, Inc.

9. “Restorative Mediation: Building Community in the Workplace”

Do poor workplace relationships, destructive forms of conflict, and systemic barriers create havoc in your workplace?  If so, please join us for an interactive discussion about workplace conflict and how to impact your workplace community by applying the principles of restorative justice. Laraine Lekander, Project Manager, Department of Corrections and Paul Mickelson, Lieutenant, Department of Corrections

10. “The Dakota County Family Court Divorce Mediation Project - Collaboration between the County Court and a Private Mediation Service”

With state court budgets becoming tighter and divorces continuing at high rates, this program brought together the district court judges and a private mediation service to provide Parent Education and Divorce Mediation Consultations to divorcing couples in Dakota County, without any cost to the court.  This seminar will present the history, overview, administration, client evaluations and general results of a model program that has worked since 1993.  Stephen Erickson, J.D., Erickson Mediation Institute, Marilyn S. McKnight, M.A., Erickson Mediation Institute and Solveig Mayer, MSW, Erickson Mediation Institute

4:15-5:30 Reception