Mediation, Mediation Training and Services, Mediation Training Texas at the Austin Dispute Resolution Center

~ VISIT THE VOICE BOX (DRC Blog)....have a question, comment or just curious about mediation? Dialogue with the Director, Kris Donley and on a quarterly basis, she'll post the results for the web surfers. More

It is always heartening when like minds of peace seem to know no borders

On Friday, July 29th, 2011, sixteen visitors representing fourteen countries along with three English Language Officers from the US State Department visited the DRC to learn about The work of the Center and its mediators. Countries represented included: Armenia, Barbados, Finland, Japan, Kenya, Kosovo, Republic of Montenegro, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Portugal, Tunisia, and Turkey. After presentations from Executive Director, Kris Donley and Director of Case Management and Volunteer Services, David Huang, the group dialogued with three outstanding mediators, Craig Bell, Karen Smithson and Matt Smith. The group left the Center to tour the Gardner-Betts Juvenile Detention Center which houses two of the programs of interest—the Victim-Offender Mediation program and the Parent/Child Pre-Release Mediation Program. Kudos to Ms. Pamela Mohammed of Global Austin for hosting the group and bringing them to the DRC!

We have six deserving recipients this year-- all of whom have engaged in acts of peacemaking by establishing programs, providing leadership and/or personally engaging in endeavors resulting in successful and peaceful outcomes. This year, of the six nominees, two worked in the International Peacekeeping fields, two are in county and state government positions, one is working with youth in a neighboring community and one promotes conflict resolution study through her prestigious position in a local university.

Lifesteps Director Efrain Davila for his countless hours of volunteer service, vision and dedication to establishing a program that serves the children, their families, schools and the community by providing volunteer based free mediation services to children experiencing chronic truancy in Williamson County.

Dean Marsha Kelliher for her longtime service at St. Edward’s University teaching topics such as Business Law and Ethics, Negotiation Theory and Skills, and Dispute Resolution and as a Dean providing leadership to the first Conflict Resolution Master’s Degree program in the state of Texas.

District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg for her vision and leadership in creating and implementing a deferred prosecution program utilizing a restorative justice mediation to qualified adult offenders who can, along with the community, benefit from a second chance .

Dr. Keith Miller for his international work in Sweden modeling and facilitating a critical, courageous dialogue between community members and a group of threatening, neo-nazi organizational members as requested by a hosting church resulting in a peaceful ambience, while maintaining a sense of inclusive, deliberative dialogue around very difficult, morality challenging issues.

Dr. Karl Slaikeu for his international diplomacy and problem solving skill development between communities and American troops on the front lines of the Afghanistan restoration efforts.

Representative Vicki Truitt for her utilization of a neutral facilitated collaborative process during a particularly contentious legislative committee endeavor resulting in the successful passage of two important regulatory bills.

These Peacemakers will be honored in an early November recognition ceremony with invited keynote speaker, Senator Kirk Watson and invited guests of the Dispute Resolution Center.