Take time to smell the tulips

The end of the semester, and all the exams and final papers that implies, is starting to loom near. I hope, in the midst of all the pandemonium, that folks are also finding ways to relax and enjoy themselves. One suggestion: Sherwood Gardens.

Mayer Reminder

As a reminder, Bernard Mayer will be speaking at UB this Thursday, April 2nd, at 7 p.m in the Moot Court Room.

Mayer recently released a new book, Staying with Conflict: A Strategic Approach to Ongoing Disputes, that continues his focus on constructive conflict engagement. From the book… 

In each of these conflicts, whatever the terms of our involvement, our outlook will expand dramatically if instead of asking our customary question, What can we do to resolve or de-escalate this conflict? we ask, How can we help people prepare to engage with this issue over time? As our outlook grows, significant new avenues of intervention become apparent, and our potential to help parties with their core struggles will grow as well. Our challenge as conflict specialists is to meet people and conflicts as they are genuinely experienced and to help disputants deal with each other and their conflicts realistically and constructively. When we focus only on those elements that are resolvable, we are neither meeting people where they truly are nor offering them a realistic scenario for dealing with the most serious issues they face. Instead, we marginalize our role, limit the reach of our work, and fail to realize the full potential we have to help disputants. In the process, we also constrain the growth of our field and our economic viability as conflict professionals. We have the tools, the experience, and the capacity to do better than this, but too often we don’t have the vision.

(Sorry I can’t offer a page number for the quote; it’s a clipping from my Kindle edition of the text.)

Mayer speaking at UB

Bernard Mayer, author, professor with the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University, and founding partner of CDR Associates, a globally recognized conflict resolution corporation, will discuss his acclaimed book Staying with Conflict in a special event hosted by the Maryland Mediation & Conflict Resolution Office and the Negotiations and Conflict Management Program at the University of Baltimore, on Thursday, April 2 beginning at 7 p.m. This event, free and open to the public, will take place in the Moot Court Room in the John and Frances Angelos Law Center (the UB School of Law), 1415 Maryland Ave. It is part of MACRO’s “Evening with” Series.

Mayer brings more than 25 years of experience in mediation, facilitation and training to bear on managing conflict and resolving differences, in matters ranging from controversial environmental issues, commercial and organizational disputes, interpersonal differences and public decision-making processes. He also has an extensive background in family mediation. Mayer is the author of a number of books and articles, including 2004’s Beyond Neutrality: Confronting the Crisis in Conflict Resolution.

In his latest book, Staying With Conflict: A Strategic Approach to Ongoing Disputes (2009), Mayer examines a new model for working with enduring conflict, and offers a new paradigm for managing disputes that appear to have no end. Practitioners are urged to move away from current trends of reaching a quick resolution to one that adopts a long-term approach.

MPME Members: Attending a MACRO “Evening with” program counts as an activity for members of the MPME.

For more information about this event, call 410.837.4060.  

The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the School of Law, the Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts and the Merrick School of Business.

Job Opportunity-CRCMC OPERATIONS MANAGER

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER OPEN DATE: Friday, March 6, 2009 CLOSE DATE: Friday, March 20, 2009 CRCMC is a not-for-profit community mediation center located in Wheaton, Maryland. CRCMC’s mission is to help individuals, groups and communities in Montgomery County constructively manage conflict by offering collaborative problem solving services such as mediation, facilitation, community conferencing and training. CRCMC is seeking a part-time, not to exceed 32 hours per week, Operations Manager. The position is currently funded through June 30, 2009, but continued funding after July 1, 2009 is anticipated. The person selected will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the CRCMC office, including such tasks as: – Managing employees, including developing and enforcing personnel policies, holding staff meetings, and regularly reviewing employee performance. – Managing programs: Ensuring that programs are run effectively, CRCMC’s mission is furthered, grant requirements are satisfied, and relationships with partners and government agencies are maintained. – Working with the CRCMC Treasurer and other officers for the development of budgets, maintenance of accounting systems tracking receipt of funds and expenditures, and the preparation of scheduled financial reports. – Participating and contributing to strategic planning – Maintaining a calendar of grant application and report requirements, and assuring that all requirements are complied with, including the preparation of reports. – Assuring compliance with all laws and regulations related to employment practices. – Providing the Board, through the Board Chair, timely and accurate information on all matters within the responsibility of the position. – Making logistical arrangements for CRCMC functions. – Maintaining the organizations archival and administrative files. – Assuring adequate equipment and supplies, within budget. Qualifications – Significant experience in all aspects of the bookkeeping and financial management aspects of the position. – Proficiency in the office tools of Excel, Word, and Quicken. Proficiency in QuickBooks desirable. – Knowledge and experience in grant application and grant contract administration. – Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to mak presentations to a group. – Demonstrated excellence in writing skills, including the organization of materials related to report presentations. – Experience as a supervisor. – Willing and able to delegate work to staff and volunteers. – Experience interacting with other organizations, including governmental entities. Education and Experience – Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. – Experience and/or training with mediation or other conflict resolution processes desired, but not required. – Conversational Spanish desired, but not required. Compensation Up to $30.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants please send: 1. A letter of interest, designating the position sought; 2. A resume or curriculum vitae; 3. A short (no more than 5 pages) writing sample describing or demonstrating your ability to write grants or analogous documents. 4. Contact information for three (3) references related to work performance. Please e-mail application as an attachment to searchcommittee@ crcmc.org. E-mail application must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday March 20, 2009. The receipt of your application will be acknowledged by the committee. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Search Committee at the following e-mail address: searchcommittee@ crcmc.org. Please put “CRCMC Operations Manager Search” in the subject line to ensure that your message is routed properly. The Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc. (CRCMC) is a drug free workplace and an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. CRCMC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. The candidate selected for this position will be subject to a background check. Employees must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.

Financial and Property Divorce Mediation Training

CALM, The Frederick County Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center is holding a 20 hour Financial and Property Divorce Mediation Training the weekend of March 13th in Frederick County. Martin Kranitz will be conducting this training which does meet the requirements for Circuit Court.  The fee is $250.00 for community mediation center volunteers and $500.00 for all others.  You must have completed a 40 hour Basic Mediation Training to participate in this training.  Call CALM at 301-631-2256 or email CALMFREDERICK@ AOL.com for registration information. Payment plans are available.

Join CNCM Student Association!

Volunteers Mediators and Judges

Invitation to Volunteer Mediators and Judges

2009 Regional American Bar Association
Representation in Mediation Competition

Want to help law students learn how to be representatives in mediation?  Want to enhance your resume?  Want to be of service?  We need you!

The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution seeks experienced mediators and lawyers for the Regional Representation in Mediation Competition, held on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Law. In this competition, law students role-play as attorneys and clients in a mediation setting.  The competition measures how well law students model appropriate preparation for and representation of a client in mediation.

Role of the Judge: Volunteer judges evaluate and score the quality of representation by the student teams and also give feedback directly to the students at the end of the competition.  We are interested in having people with knowledge and/or experience in interest-based negotiation.  Competition rules require judges to be attorneys.

Role of the Mediator: Volunteer mediators serve as mediators for the role-play, with the students playing the roles of lawyers and clients.  Volunteer mediators are required to use a facilitative mediation style so that the student competitors see a consistent style throughout the competition.  Competition rules require the volunteer mediators to have mediation experience.

Attorneys with mediation training and experience may sign up to be either judges or mediators.

We need judges and mediators to assist in one of three rounds of the competition. There are two rounds on Saturday, February 28 (9:00 am – noon and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm). The final round is on Sunday, March 1 (9:00 am  - noon).  Our greatest need is for volunteers to serve as judges and mediators in the rounds on February 28.  Volunteers are welcome to participate in more than one round.  We will hold short training meetings for judges and mediators before each round. Parking and food will be provided for all volunteer mediators and judges.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Anne Blackfield at anne.blackfield@ gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!

20-Hour Basic Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills Training-February 25-27,2009

We would like to invite you to join us for our upcoming 20-Hour Basic Mediation and Conflict Transformation Skills Training (Focusing on Legal and Ethical Issues) from February 25-27, 2009 .  This 20-Hour mediation training is designed for those who are interested in improving and expanding their mediation skills.

Dates: February 25-27, 2009 (20 Hours)
Time: 5:00-9:00pm (Wednesday), 9:00am-5:30pm (Thursday and Friday)
Location:  Gramercy Mansion Carriage House in Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: $745

* Ethics and the Mediator
* Legal Issues in Mediation
* Transformative Approach to Mediation – Communication Skills and Transformative How-To’s
* Supporting Party Empowerment and Inter-Party Recognition
* Conflict Theory

Louise Phipps Senft & Associates/Baltimor e Mediation has delivered the highest quality family mediation training for 15 years and is nationally recognized as a leader in Conflict Transformation and Mediaiton training in the Transformative Framework.  Louise Phipps Senft and the Baltimore Mediation team will provide you with a training experience consistently rated a “10″ by participants.  Our trainings are approved by the Maryland Circuit Courts, Federal Mediation Rosters, Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, and the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation.

To register for the 20-Hr Mediation Fundamentals click here: http://www.baltimor emediation. com/enroll. php.   Or, for more information please call 443-524-0833 or email office@baltimoremed iaiton.com.

We also offer the following upcoming 20 hour trainings:
Workplace Mediation Skills Training, March 10-12 (http://www.baltimor emediation. com/tw_20a_ workplace. php)
Basic Mediation Skills Training: Self Awareness and Third Party Intervention, June 17-19 (http://www.baltimor emediation. com/tw_20b_ basic1.php)

Wishing you well,
Louise Phipps Senft
Owner/President
–
Louise Phipps Senft & Associates
BALTIMORE MEDIATION
4502 Schenley Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21210
443-524-0833
www.BaltimoreMediat ion.com
Mediation, Facilitation, Training
Voted “Baltimore’s Best” Mediator
“Better Process… Better Outcome…
The Transformative Approach”

ADR Program Coordinator Job Opening (Montgomery County)

Maryland Judiciary Job Announcement
RE-POST
PREVIOUS APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED AND NEED NOT RE-APPLY

Opening Date: February 6, 2009 Closing Date: Open until filled
Job Title: Local ADR Program Coordinator Position Type: Regular Full Time
PIN: 086613 FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: District 6, Montgomery County Grade/Entry Salary: J11 $38,974 – $46,418
Rockville and Silver Spring, Maryland Financial Disclosure: Yes

Regular state employees subject to promotion/demotion policy

Essential Functions: Provide administrative and coordination support for all District Court ADR programs within a particular District.
Includes support for the District Court Day-of-Trial program; the pre-trial mediation programs; partnerships with Community Mediation
Programs and law school clinical programs and the District Court ADR volunteers. The Local Program Coordinator would also be required
to work closely with personnel in the District Court ADR Office in Annapolis as well as the Regional ADR Program Director and other
Local Program Coordinators throughout the state. Will also act as a liaison to and work collaboratively with the local Administrative Judge,
other judges, the Administrative Clerk, other local court personnel, court room clerks, bailiffs, as well as day-to-day contact with the District
Court ADR volunteers. The Local Program Coordinator will also be the first line of communication with the general public on site in
courthouses. Provides information and direction about mediation, settlement conferences, and other ADR services and programs on a daily
basis. This will include person to person information dissemination for walk-in consumers, telephonic responses to questions, and e-mail
communications. Works with the Regional ADR Program Directors to develop, implement, identify, improve, and expand ADR programs in
the District Court of Maryland. This work includes assisting the local courts in identifying needs for programs, identifying training or
staffing needs, and adjusting program procedures and forms. This also includes working with other court personnel to review their needs,
goals, and concerns with regard to court ADR programs. Work with the District Court ADR Office’s Quality Assurance (QA) Director to
develop curricula for continuing skills building workshops and programs, identifying the needs for such programs, and making
arrangements to schedule those programs. May be requested to conduct mediations for the Day-of-Trial program in that District as needed.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Conflict Management or related field. Forty hour basic mediation training certificate in a model
consistent with that proscribed in Title 17 of the Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure and some form(s) of advanced
mediation training and/or additional ADR training are required.

Experience: Three years of mediation experience.

Preferred: Master’s Degree in related field and experience in a legal setting is preferred.

Skills/Abilities: Must have proficient understanding of the mediation process. Knowledge and understanding of multiple types (frameworks)
of mediation and of other forms of ADR. Knowledge and good familiarity with court and legal systems, court rules, and the legal profession.
Knowledge of the budgetary process and procurement are also useful. Familiarity with Codes and Standards of Conduct for Mediators.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, both in person, via e-mail and telephonically; outstanding negotiation and diplomacy
(interpersonal) skills; outstanding skills as a trainer/teacher, collaborative problem solving skills, group facilitation skills, and dynamic
presentation skills. The ability to work with and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders (such as judges, attorneys, courthouse
personnel, and the general public), the ability to be a self-starter and to work as a member of a team or independently as the tasks warrant. Ability
to set priorities and to manage and organize multiple projects simultaneously. and computer literacy, including word processing, spread sheets,
and e-mail. Ability to perform all essential functions of the position.

Please submit a Maryland Judiciary employment application (unsigned applications will not be accepted) or resume and cover letter
stating position title, PIN NUMBER and LOCATION. Materials must be received at the address below by 5:00 p.m. on the closing
date. The Human Resources Department does not accept faxes and will not be responsible for applications/ resumes sent to any other
address.
Maryland Judiciary
Human Resources Department
580 Taylor Ave., Bldg. A-1
Annapolis, MD 21401
Email: jobs@mdcourts. gov (Zip files will not be accepted)

The Maryland Judiciary is a drug free workplace and an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. We do
not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Applicants who need
accommodation for an interview should request this in advance. The candidate selected for this position will be subject to a
background check. Employees must be United States Citizens or eligible to work in the United States.

ADR Program Coordinator Job Opening (Baltimore City)

Maryland Judiciary Job Announcement
RE-POST
PREVIOUS APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED AND NEED NOT RE-APPLY

Opening Date: February 6, 2009 Closing Date: Open until filled
Job Title: Local ADR Program Coordinator Position Type: Regular Full Time
PIN: 086612 FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: District 1, Baltimore City Grade/Entry Salary: J11 $38,974 – $46,418
Baltimore, Maryland Financial Disclosure: Yes

Regular state employees subject to promotion/demotion policy

Essential Functions: Provide administrative and coordination support for all District Court ADR programs within a particular District.
Includes support for the District Court Day-of-Trial program; the pre-trial mediation programs; partnerships with Community Mediation
Programs and law school clinical programs and the District Court ADR volunteers. The Local Program Coordinator would also be
required to work closely with personnel in the District Court ADR Office in Annapolis as well as the Regional ADR Program Director
and other Local Program Coordinators throughout the state. Will also act as a liaison to and work collaboratively with the local
Administrative Judge, other judges, the Administrative Clerk, other local court personnel, court room clerks, bailiffs, as well as day-today
contact with the District Court ADR volunteers. The Local Program Coordinator will also be the first line of communication with the
general public on site in courthouses. Provides information and direction about mediation, settlement conferences, and other ADR
services and programs on a daily basis. This will include person to person information dissemination for walk-in consumers, telephonic
responses to questions, and e-mail communications. Works with the Regional ADR Program Directors to develop, implement, identify,
improve, and expand ADR programs in the District Court of Maryland. This work includes assisting the local courts in identifying needs
for programs, identifying training or staffing needs, and adjusting program procedures and forms. This also includes working with other
court personnel to review their needs, goals, and concerns with regard to court ADR programs. Work with the District Court ADR
Office’s Quality Assurance (QA) Director to develop curricula for continuing skills building workshops and programs, identifying the
needs for such programs, and making arrangements to schedule those programs. May be requested to conduct mediations for the Day-of-
Trial program in that District as needed.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Conflict Management or related field. Forty hour basic mediation training certificate in a model
consistent with that proscribed in Title 17 of the Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure and some form(s) of advanced
mediation training and/or additional ADR training are required.

Experience: Three years of mediation experience.

Preferred: Master’s Degree in related field and experience in a legal setting is preferred.

Skills/Abilities: Must have proficient understanding of the mediation process. Knowledge and understanding of multiple types (frameworks)
of mediation and of other forms of ADR. Knowledge and good familiarity with court and legal systems, court rules, and the legal profession.
Knowledge of the budgetary process and procurement are also useful. Familiarity with Codes and Standards of Conduct for Mediators.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, both in person, via e-mail and telephonically; outstanding negotiation and diplomacy
(interpersonal) skills; outstanding skills as a trainer/teacher, collaborative problem solving skills, group facilitation skills, and dynamic
presentation skills. The ability to work with and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders (such as judges, attorneys, courthouse
personnel, and the general public), the ability to be a self-starter and to work as a member of a team or independently as the tasks warrant.
Ability to set priorities and to manage and organize multiple projects simultaneously. and computer literacy, including word processing, spread
sheets, and e-mail.

Please submit a Maryland Judiciary employment application (unsigned applications will not be accepted) or resume and cover letter
stating position title, PIN NUMBER and LOCATION. Materials must be received at the address below by 5:00 p.m. on the closing
date. The Human Resources Department does not accept faxes and will not be responsible for applications/ resumes sent to any other
address.
Maryland Judiciary
Human Resources Department
580 Taylor Ave., Bldg. A-1
Annapolis, MD 21401
Email: jobs@mdcourts. gov (Zip files will not be accepted)

The Maryland Judiciary is a drug free workplace and an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. We
do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Applicants who
need accommodation for an interview should request this in advance. The candidate selected for this position will be subject to a
background check. Employees must be United States Citizens or eligible to work in the United States.